Nothing beats the comforting aroma of warm, spiced apples wrapped in a golden, pillowy dough except when you can bake them instead of frying! This baked apple fritter recipe delivers all the cinnamon-kissed, apple-packed goodness you love, without the extra oil. They’re soft, slightly crisp on the outside, and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze, just like you’d find at your favorite baked apple fritters bakery. Grab your apples and let’s bake up some magic!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked, Not Fried : Enjoy a lighter take on the classic apple fritter without sacrificing flavor.
Packed with Apples : Every bite bursts with tender, caramelized apple chunks.
Simple Ingredients : You likely have everything in your pantry already!
Perfect for Any Occasion : Breakfast, dessert, or a midday treat—these fit every craving.
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few kitchen staples to create these bakery-style baked apple fritters:
Apples : The star of the show! Use tart Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp for the best flavor.
All-Purpose Flour : The base of the dough, keeping it soft and fluffy.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg : Warm spices that make these fritters irresistible.
Brown Sugar : Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the apples.
Eggs : Helps bind the dough and create a soft texture.
Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream : Keeps the fritters moist and tender.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda : Creates a light, airy texture.
Vanilla Extract : Enhances the sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
Milk : Helps bring the dough together for the perfect consistency.
Powdered Sugar & Milk (for the glaze) : The finishing touch for a bakery-style glaze!
Full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below!
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and dice your apples into small chunks. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté them with a little butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until softened and caramelized. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, sugar, yogurt, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then gently stir in the cooled apples.
Step 3: Shape the Fritters
Using a spoon, scoop small mounds of batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. The dough will be sticky, but that’s okay—it creates the perfect fritter shape!
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the fritters for 14-16 minutes or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. Let them cool slightly before adding the glaze.
Step 5: Glaze and Enjoy
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the warm fritters, and let them set for a few minutes before digging in!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Don’t Overmix the Batter : Stir just until combined to keep the fritters light and tender.
Sautéing the Apples First : Enhances the flavor and prevents them from releasing too much moisture into the batter.
For Extra Crispiness : Bake at a high temperature (375°F) and broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
Let the Glaze Set : This gives the fritters that perfect bakery-style look.
How to Serve
These baked apple fritters are delicious warm and fresh from the oven. Try serving them with:
A Hot Cup of Coffee or Tea : The ultimate cozy pairing.
A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream : A dreamy dessert upgrade.
A Dusting of Powdered Sugar : If you want to skip the glaze but still keep them sweet.
For more baked apple fritter recipe ideas, check out AllRecipes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Freeze unglazed fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before glazing.
Reheating
Warm fritters in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! Granny Smith provides a tart contrast, while Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala add natural sweetness.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the fritters in advance and store them unglazed. When ready to serve, warm them up and drizzle with fresh glaze.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Of course! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins add a delicious texture and extra flavor.
Do I have to glaze them?
Not at all! They taste amazing plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or even with a cinnamon sugar coating.
Baked Apple Fritters
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
Apples
- 2 cups apples peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tbsp butter for sautéing
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Fritter Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced apples with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until softened. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, brown sugar, yogurt, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then gently stir in the cooled apples.
- Using a spoon, scoop small mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters and let it set before serving.
Notes
Conclusion
These baked apple fritters bring the taste of a baked apple fritters bakery straight to your kitchen—minus the frying mess! Soft, apple-packed, and glazed to perfection, they’re an easy treat you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! Check out more delicious recipes at TasteItRecipes.com!