Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

When the first crisp breeze of autumn sweeps through and apples fill every farmer’s market basket, it’s the perfect time to bake something warm, fragrant, and nostalgic. These Baked Apple Fritters bring the same cozy comfort of your favorite fried version—but without the grease. Picture tender apple-filled dough kissed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a sweet vanilla glaze that sparkles as it sets. Each bite tastes like a trip to an old-fashioned bakery, but these are baked right in your own oven.

Whether you’re sharing them over coffee with family, packing them for a fall picnic, or sneaking one as a late-night treat, this recipe is the perfect mix of crisp apples, buttery crumb, and golden glaze magic.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Fritters

These fritters might just be your new favorite fall bake—and here’s why:

1. All the flavor, none of the fryer.
   You’ll still get that caramelized apple goodness and light crunch thanks to a broiled glaze finish—no messy oil or frying required.
2. Perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
   Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice warm the apples beautifully, while brown sugar adds depth without overwhelming the natural fruit flavor.
3. Made with real apples.
   Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples add that juicy-tart bite that pairs perfectly with the buttery dough.
4. A quick bake for busy days.
   From start to finish, you can have warm fritters on the table in just about 25 minutes.
5. Easy to customize.
   Add chopped pecans, drizzle with caramel, or even mix in diced pears for a delicious twist.

Ingredients Breakdown & Substitutions

For the Fritters:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour + ¾ cup white whole wheat flour – This combo adds lightness with a touch of heartiness. You can use all-purpose flour only if you prefer a softer texture.
• ½ cup brown sugar – Adds richness; swap for coconut sugar if you want a less refined option.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – Gives the fritters lift and softness.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon + ½ teaspoon nutmeg + ¼ teaspoon allspice – The autumn trio that makes your kitchen smell heavenly.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and sharpens flavor.
• 6 tablespoons cold butter – Use real butter for the best texture; plant-based butter also works well.
• ½ cup milk – Whole milk makes the crumb richer; almond or oat milk works for a lighter option.
• 1 large egg – Helps bind and adds structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Warm, comforting flavor in every bite.
• 1 cup chopped apple – Granny Smith is classic, but Honeycrisp or Pink Lady also shine.

For the Glaze:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.

(Tip: If using parchment, lightly spray it to prevent sticking.)

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. You’ll instantly smell that warm spice blend that defines fall baking.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold butter pieces and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. This step gives that signature crumbly fritter texture.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour into the dry mix and stir just until combined—don’t overmix! You want a soft, spoonable dough, not a cake batter.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in the chopped apples. If the batter seems a bit too wet (depending on apple juiciness), sprinkle in a tablespoon or two of flour until it holds its shape when dropped by spoonfuls.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Drop the batter onto your baking sheet using a ¼-cup scoop for large fritters, or a heaping tablespoon for minis. Bake for 11–13 minutes (large) or 8–10 minutes (mini) until the bottoms are golden and centers set.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While the fritters bake, whisk together confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. This glaze will give your fritters that irresistible glossy sheen.

Step 8: Broil for a Crisp Finish

Once baked, remove the fritters and set the oven to broil. Brush each fritter lightly with glaze and broil for 2–4 minutes, watching closely until the tops bubble and turn golden brown.

Brush again with the remaining glaze once out of the oven for that shiny finish.

Step 9: Cool Slightly & Serve Warm

Let the glaze harden for a few minutes, then grab a warm fritter and bite in—sweet, soft, and spiced just right.

Variations, Storage & Serving Ideas

A Bite of Cozy Autumn Magic

Every bite of these Baked Apple Fritters feels like a hug from fall itself—warm, spiced, and golden. They’re proof that simple ingredients can make something extraordinary, especially when shared with people you love.

For more cozy seasonal bakes, explore:

• Homemade Watermelon Gummies
• Homemade Gushers
• Ghost Linzer Cookies
• Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf
• Pumpkin Blondies
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
• Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
• Italian Cheese Loaf
• Pistachio Cream Cookies
• Pumpkin Pie Twists
• Pumpkin Earthquake Cake
• Pumpkin Bars
• Pumpkin Muffins

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Baked Apple Fritters

These warm, cinnamon-spiced Baked Apple Fritters bring all the cozy charm of fall without the fryer. Juicy apples, buttery crumb, and a broiled vanilla glaze create a nostalgic, bakery-style treat perfect for crisp autumn mornings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 13 minutes mins

Total Time 28 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Fall Baking

Servings 8 fritters

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup white whole wheat flour or use all-purpose for softer texture
• ½ cup brown sugar light or dark
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold butter cubed
• ½ cup milk whole, almond, or oat milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped apple Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar for glaze
• 2 tablespoons milk for glaze
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for glaze

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Lightly spray if using parchment.
• In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
• Add cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fingers until coarse crumbs form.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Fold in the chopped apples. If the dough is too wet, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour until it holds its shape when spooned.
• Drop spoonfuls of batter (¼ cup for large or heaping tablespoon for small) onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 11–13 minutes (large) or 8–10 minutes (mini) until the bottoms are golden and centers set.
• While the fritters bake, whisk together confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
• Remove fritters from oven and set oven to broil. Brush fritters with glaze and broil for 2–4 minutes until tops bubble and caramelize. Watch closely.
• Brush again with remaining glaze for a shiny finish. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Try mixing in ¼ cup chopped pecans or dried cranberries for variation. For a caramel twist, drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly before serving. You can freeze them individually for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg

Keyword apple dessert, baked apple fritters, cinnamon glaze, easy fall recipe, oven-baked fritters

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