Baked Apple Fritters

These Baked Apple Fritters are a cozy, sweet treat packed with warm apple chunks and spiced with cinnamon. Unlike traditional fried fritters, I bake these for a lighter twist that still delivers all the comforting flavor and tender texture I crave. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack—especially when I want something homey and delicious without dealing with hot oil.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it keeps all the best parts of a classic apple fritter—juicy apples, cinnamon-spiced dough, and a sweet glaze—without the mess or extra calories of frying. The fritters bake up golden, slightly crisp on the outside, and soft on the inside. Plus, my kitchen smells amazing while they’re in the oven. These are quick to make, satisfying to eat, and even easier to clean up.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Ground cinnamon

• Sugar

• Eggs

• Milk

• Vanilla extract

• Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)

• Melted butter

• Powdered sugar (for glaze)

• Milk or apple cider (for glaze)

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

2. In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar.

3. In another bowl, I whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.

4. I stir the wet ingredients into the dry just until combined, then gently fold in the diced apples.

5. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, I drop small mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each fritter.

6. I bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the fritters are lightly golden and cooked through.

7. While they bake, I whisk together powdered sugar and milk (or apple cider) to make the glaze.

8. I let the fritters cool slightly, then drizzle or dip them in the glaze while still warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 fritters. Prep takes 15 minutes, baking takes about 20 minutes, and glazing takes just a few more—so they’re ready in around 40 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for crunch. I’ve also added a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra spice. When I want to cut the sugar, I skip the glaze and dust the tops with cinnamon sugar instead. For a fall twist, I use apple cider in the glaze and even toss in a bit of maple syrup.

storage/reheating

I store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4. To reheat, I pop them in a 300°F oven or toaster oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh the texture. They can also be microwaved for 10–15 seconds, though they’ll be softer.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple?

Yes, I usually go for firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their shape and add a nice balance of sweetness.

Can I freeze baked fritters?

Yes. I let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a container. I reheat in the oven to bring back the texture.

Do I have to peel the apples?

I prefer to peel them for a softer bite, but I’ve made them with unpeeled apples too when I’m short on time—they still turn out great.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes. I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with baking powder already included, and the fritters bake up just fine.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar?

I’ve made a simple cinnamon-sugar topping instead by mixing granulated sugar and cinnamon and sprinkling it over the warm fritters.

Conclusion

These Baked Apple Fritters are one of my favorite quick bakes when I want something sweet, warm, and cozy. They’re easy to whip up, lighter than their fried cousins, and full of fresh apple flavor. Whether I’m enjoying them with a morning coffee or serving them warm after dinner, they always bring a little extra comfort to my day.