The Best Baked Apple Fritters Recipe for Sweet Fall Mornings

Sweet, golden-brown apple fritters with a crispy lemon zest recipe tempt taste buds like nothing else.

The homemade apple fritters burst with autumn’s warmth and comfort.

Ripe apples dance through a light, airy batter that transforms into delectable golden treats.

Cinnamon and powdered sugar create a magical coating that elevates each bite.

You’ll fall in love with the simple yet irresistible texture of these fritters.

Fresh ingredients and a few easy steps make this dessert a weeknight favorite.

These apple fritters promise to be the star of any gathering, beckoning everyone to indulge in their delicious charm.

What Makes Baked Apple Fritters Healthier

• Swap traditional deep-frying for baking, reducing oil and calories while maintaining delicious apple fritter flavor.
• Simple mixing and dropping technique makes this recipe super accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
• Perfect autumn treat that captures classic fall flavors with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, bringing cozy kitchen vibes.
• Versatile recipe works great for family gatherings, potlucks, weekend brunches, or afternoon snacking with minimal preparation effort.

Ingredient Rundown for Baked Apple Fritters

• Apples: Fresh, crisp apples provide a sweet and juicy flavor to the fritters.
• All-Purpose Flour, Whole Wheat Flour: A combination of flours creates a light and wholesome texture for the fritters.

• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the fritter batter.
• Baking Powder: Helps the fritters rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice: Warm spices that enhance the fall flavor profile of the fritters.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall taste of the fritters.

• Milk, Egg, Vanilla Extract: These ingredients provide moisture, richness, and depth of flavor to the fritter batter.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, flaky texture.

• Confectioners Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: A sweet, smooth glaze that adds a delightful finish to the baked fritters.

Tools for Baking Fall Apple Fritters Right

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Pastry cutter or hands: Essential for cutting butter into dry ingredients to create crumbly texture.
• Whisk: Helps blend ingredients quickly and evenly.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing wet ingredients before adding to dry mixture.
• Baking sheet: Provides even surface for dropping and baking fritters.
• Silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire rack: Allows fritters to cool and glaze to set properly.
• Pastry brush: Helps apply glaze evenly over fritters.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Bake Apple Fritters for a Classic Taste

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Get your oven toasty warm at 400F (200C).

Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Whole wheat flour
• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground allspice
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 3: Work in the Butter

Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work cold butter into the dry mixture.

Keep mixing until the texture looks like rough, crumbly sand.

Step 4: Combine Wet Components

• Milk
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Pour this liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just incorporated.

Step 5: Fold in Apple Chunks

Carefully fold chopped apple pieces into the batter, ensuring even distribution.

Step 6: Create Fritter Mounds

Scoop batter onto the prepared baking sheet, creating rounded dollops.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake until the bottoms turn golden and centers set firmly.

Step 8: Prepare for Glazing

Transfer fritters to a wire rack and switch oven to broil setting.

Step 9: Whip Up the Glaze

• Confectioners sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Until smooth and glossy.

Step 10: Broil and Glaze

Brush a light layer of glaze over fritters and broil briefly until tops become beautifully golden.

Step 11: Final Glaze Application

Drizzle remaining glaze over warm fritters, allowing it to set and harden before serving.

Tips for Crispy, Sweet Baked Fritters

• Soak chopped apples in apple cider or apple juice for 10 minutes before adding to batter to intensify the fruity taste.
• Adjust brown sugar quantity based on apple variety; tart apples might need more sugar, while sweet apples require less.
• Drain apple pieces thoroughly after chopping to prevent excess moisture from making fritters soggy.
• Add milk gradually to confectioners sugar to achieve smooth, drizzle-friendly glaze without becoming too runny.
• Prepare batter night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and simplifying morning baking process.

Apple Fritter Ideas for More Fall Flavors

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil, milk with almond milk, and egg with flax egg to create a plant-based fritter.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add vanilla protein powder to dry ingredients and incorporate diced walnuts for extra protein and crunch.

Serving Suggestions for Warm Baked Fritters

• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Serve these fritters alongside a steaming mug of cinnamon coffee or hot apple cider for a cozy morning treat.
• Dessert Transformation: Crumble the fritters over vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent after-dinner dessert.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange fritters on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an Instagram-worthy brunch spread.
• Portable Picnic Snack: Pack cooled fritters in a portable container for a delightful autumn outdoor snack during leaf-peeping adventures or weekend park outings.

How to Store Apple Fritters and Keep Them Fresh

• Store cooled fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual fritters tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality and taste.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed fritters at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness and bring back their fresh-baked texture.
• Reheat for 15-20 seconds on medium power, checking to avoid overheating and maintaining soft, tender consistency.

FAQs

• Are baked apple fritters healthier than traditional deep-fried fritters?

Yes, these fritters are significantly healthier because they’re baked instead of deep-fried, which reduces oil absorption and overall calorie content while maintaining a delicious texture.

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?

Definitely! This recipe is straightforward, requires basic baking skills, and uses simple ingredients that are easy to find in most kitchens. The step-by-step instructions make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade apple fritters sparkle with warm cinnamon and golden-brown crispness. Delightful pastries offer comfort through sweet, tender apples and light, crispy batter that invite you to savor each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped apple
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Glaze and Binding Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons butter (cold, cut into pieces)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking sheet with a silicone mat for optimal non-stick performance.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring thorough blending of wheat and alternative flour types with aromatic spices and granulated sweeteners.
3. Incorporate cold butter into the dry mixture using fingertips or a specialized pastry tool until the texture resembles rustic, coarse crumbs.
4. Create a separate vessel for liquid components, whisking milk, egg, and aromatic vanilla until smoothly integrated.
5. Merge wet and dry ingredients with minimal stirring, maintaining a delicate texture and preventing over-mixing.
6. Carefully fold diced apples into the batter, distributing fruit pieces evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Portion the batter onto the prepared baking sheet using a quarter-cup measure, allowing slight separation between fritters.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes, monitoring until edges turn golden and centers achieve a firm, springy consistency.
9. Transfer fritters to a cooling rack and adjust oven settings to broil, preparing for final caramelization.
10. Craft a luxurious glaze by combining powdered sugar with milk and vanilla, whisking until silky and translucent.
11. Delicately brush initial glaze layer over warm fritters and broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a glistening, caramelized surface.
12. Complete the presentation by generously coating fritters with remaining glaze, allowing it to set and crystallize before serving.

Notes

• Swap out wheat flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour to make these fritters suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Use plant-based milk and egg substitutes to transform this recipe into a vegan-friendly version that still maintains delicious flavor and texture.
• Choose tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweetness and better structural integrity during baking.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, which provides sweetness without additional calories and helps create a more diabetic-friendly treat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg