The first chilly morning of fall always reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen — the smell of apples and cinnamon filling the air, a warm mug in hand, and a plate of fresh fritters on the table. These Warm Baked Apple Fritters were her go-to treat when the leaves began to turn, and now they’re mine too.
Baked instead of fried, these fritters are a cozy twist on a classic, perfect for weekend brunches, autumn gatherings, or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. They’re tender, lightly spiced, and drizzled with a vanilla glaze that makes every bite a hug in dessert form.
Why You’ll Love Warm Baked Apple Fritters
- No deep frying needed. Less mess, fewer calories, same comforting flavor.
- Simple pantry ingredients. Nothing fancy — just the good stuff you likely already have.
- Quick to whip up. From start to finish in under 30 minutes.
- Kid-friendly and mom-approved. Soft, sweet, and full of warm apple goodness.
- Perfect for any time of day. Breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack with coffee.
- Freezer-friendly. Make a batch and save some for later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Fritters:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk (whole milk gives the richest flavor)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoon milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- Combine: Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients just until blended. Don’t overmix!
- Add apples: Fold in the diced apples gently.
- Scoop: Drop spoonfuls of batter (about 2 tablespoons each) onto your baking sheet, spaced a couple inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Glaze: Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters. Let it set for a few minutes before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve these apple fritters warm with a hot drink for the coziest experience. They’re perfect for brunch tables, afternoon snacks, or dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze unglazed fritters for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds and glaze before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Apple tip: Dice apples small so they cook evenly. Granny Smith adds tartness; Honeycrisp brings sweetness.
- Dairy-free? Use oat, soy, or almond milk and a plant-based glaze.
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Add-ins: Stir in a handful of chopped pecans or raisins for extra flavor and texture.
- For extra warmth: Add a dash of ground cloves or ginger.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze these apple fritters?
Absolutely! Freeze them without the glaze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Glaze after reheating. - What apples work best for fritters?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are both great — they hold their shape and balance the sweetness nicely. - How do I know when they’re done baking?
They should be lightly golden and spring back when touched. A toothpick should come out clean. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just bake in batches and double the glaze as well. - Can I make them ahead of time?
You can bake and store them a day ahead. Glaze just before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
These Warm Baked Apple Fritters are the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself turning to whenever you need a little comfort. They're simple, sweet, and full of heart — just like the best homemade treats should be.
If you give them a try, let me know how they turn out! Leave a comment, share the recipe with a friend, or tag me in your cozy creations on social media. Happy baking and enjoy every bite!
Warm Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 –3 tablespoon milk adjust to reach desired consistency
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- Combine: Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients just until blended. Don’t overmix!
- Add apples: Fold in the diced apples gently.
- Scoop: Drop spoonfuls of batter (about 2 tablespoons each) onto your baking sheet, spaced a couple inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Glaze: Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters. Let it set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Apple tip: Dice apples small so they cook evenly. Granny Smith adds tartness; Honeycrisp brings sweetness.
- Dairy-free? Use oat, soy, or almond milk and a plant-based glaze.
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Add-ins: Stir in a handful of chopped pecans or raisins for extra flavor and texture.
- For extra warmth: Add a dash of ground cloves or ginger.
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