There's something utterly magical about the smell of Baked Apple Fritters wafting through the kitchen, especially when the leaves start to turn and the air gets that crispness that tells us fall is just around the corner. I remember my grandmother making these delightful treats on Sunday mornings, her laughter mingling with the sizzling of apples in the oven. We’d all gather around the table, waiting impatiently for the first batch to cool, sneaking tastes of the sweet glaze before it even had a chance to make it to the fritters.

These Baked Apple Fritters are perfect for those cozy autumn days, bringing warmth and joy to any gathering. Whether it’s a family brunch or a simple weekday treat, they’re incredibly easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up all those fresh apples you picked at the orchard! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delicious recipe together.

Why You’ll Love Baked Apple Fritters

Quick and easy to prepare, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish.
Made with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Family-friendly and perfect for kids; they’ll love helping out in the kitchen!
Freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy these treats whenever a craving strikes.
Deliciously versatile; great for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack.
Gluten-free options available, making it accessible for everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup whole milk (you can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version)
2 large eggs (try using flax eggs for a vegan option)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (coconut oil works great as a dairy-free alternative)
2 cups peeled and chopped apples (I recommend Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness)
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2-3 tablespoons milk (for glaze, adjust for desired consistency)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your fritters bake evenly and come out golden brown.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents and spices.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup of whole milk, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot; you don’t want to scramble the eggs!
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will help create a lovely batter.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix — a few lumps are totally okay! The batter will be thick, and that’s perfect.

Fold in Apples and Brown Sugar

Now it’s time to add the fun part! Fold in 2 cups of peeled and chopped apples and ¼ cup of packed light brown sugar into the batter.
Use a spatula to gently incorporate the apples and sugar without overworking the batter. You want those apple chunks to stay intact for that juicy bite!

Bake the Fritters

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
Scoop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, using about ¼ cup for each fritter. Leave some space in between, as they’ll puff up a bit while baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top. You’ll know they’re done when you can lightly press the tops, and they spring back!

Prepare the Glaze

While the fritters are baking, whip up the glaze! In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Stir until the mixture is smooth and has a drizzle-able consistency. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze!

Drizzle the Glaze

Once the fritters have cooled for about 10 minutes, it’s time to glaze them.
Using a spoon, drizzle the glaze over the fritters, allowing it to drip down the sides for that beautiful finish.
For even coverage, you can also dip the tops of the fritters directly into the glaze. Either way, enjoy the delicious sweetness!

Variations

Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of sweetness.
Use seasonal spices like cardamom or allspice for a warm twist.
Try a maple glaze instead of vanilla for a unique flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

These Baked Apple Fritters are delightful served warm, perhaps alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea. They make a fantastic breakfast treat or a sweet dessert. For an extra touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream — pure bliss!

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the fritters for up to a month. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their delightful texture!

Helpful Notes

For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of butter.
Flaxseed meal can be used in place of eggs; mix 1 tablespoon with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for 5 minutes.
Feel free to swap in your favorite apples for different flavor profiles.
If you’re avoiding gluten, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well.
Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness of the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Baked Apple Fritters?

Yes, you can freeze Baked Apple Fritters! Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven until warm.

What can I use as a substitute for eggs?

If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. This works great in baking and will help bind your fritters nicely!

How do I store leftover fritters?

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for a month. Just make sure to reheat them gently for the best texture!

Final Thoughts

Making Baked Apple Fritters is not just about creating a delightful treat; it’s about sharing warmth, laughter, and the love of cooking with those you care about. I encourage you to gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this recipe. You’ll create not just scrumptious fritters, but also precious memories in the kitchen. So go ahead, give them a try! I promise you’ll be greeted with smiles and maybe even a few requests for seconds. Happy baking, my friend!

Baked Apple Fritters

Author: Emily Parker
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 fritters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Baked Apple Fritters are a delicious treat made with fresh apples and a sweet glaze.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
Fold in the chopped apples and brown sugar.
Scoop the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
While fritters are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Drizzle the glaze over the fritters once they are cool.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
These fritters can be served warm or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fritter
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Baked Apple Fritters, Apple Dessert, Fritters Recipe