Baked Apple Fritters – Cozy Comfort Without the Fryer
Who’s ready for a little taste of heaven without the grease? These Baked Apple Fritters bring all the nostalgic flavor of the classic fair treat—crispy edges, fluffy insides, and juicy apple bites—without deep-frying. Imagine the smell of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen, the glaze dripping down the sides, and the first bite giving you that perfect mix of warm spice and tender sweetness.
They’re the ultimate fall and winter treat, but honestly? They’re delicious all year round. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, a sweet brunch centerpiece, or even a guilt-free evening dessert with tea or coffee. Once you try them, you’ll never go back to the fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ No deep frying—all the flavor, less mess, and lighter on the stomach
- ✅ Bursting with apple flavor—fresh diced apples in every bite
- ✅ Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
- ✅ Perfectly glazed—sweet vanilla glaze sets beautifully on top
- ✅ Kid- and family-approved—a wholesome treat without the grease
Ingredients
For the Fritters
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup finely diced apple (about 1 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
For the Glaze
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or apple cider
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk & spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Wire cooling rack
- Small bowl for glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk, applesauce, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Combine Batter
- Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Stir until just combined (batter will be thick).
- Gently fold in diced apples. Do not overmix.
5. Shape Fritters
- Drop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter onto prepared baking sheet.
- Space them slightly apart. Rustic shapes are welcome!
6. Bake
- Bake 15–20 minutes, until fritters are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool
- Let fritters rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
8. Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk (or apple cider), and vanilla until smooth.
- Dip fritters into glaze or drizzle over tops.
- Allow glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tangy bite.
- Rustic is best—don’t stress about shaping, these look charmingly homemade.
- For a thicker glaze, use less liquid; for a drizzle glaze, thin it out slightly.
- Double-batch friendly—these disappear fast, so make extra!
Easy Variations & Substitutions
- Spiced twist: Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or apple pie spice.
- Healthier glaze: Swap powdered sugar glaze for a drizzle of honey.
- Gluten-free: Use a cup-for-cup GF flour blend.
- Mini fritters: Make teaspoon-sized drops for bite-sized party treats.
Serving, Pairing & Storage
- Serve: Warm with coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk.
- Pair: Delicious alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for brunch.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temp up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving (glaze melts).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes—bake, cool, and glaze just before serving for best texture.
Q: Can I freeze baked fritters?
A: Yes—freeze without glaze for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze when ready.
Q: Can I skip the glaze?
A: Definitely. They’re delicious plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
Q: What apples work best?
A: Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp balance the sweetness beautifully.
Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet with parchment.
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, applesauce, egg, and butter.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures. Fold in apples. Batter will be thick.
- Drop 2-tbsp portions onto baking sheet.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool slightly, then transfer to wire rack.
- Mix glaze ingredients. Dip or drizzle over fritters. Let set before serving.
Notes