Baked Apple Fritters – A Delicious and Healthier Treat

Imagine your kitchen filling with the warm aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked apples. These baked apple fritters are everything you love about the classic treat—crispy on the outside, soft and tender inside—but with a healthier twist.

I’ve always loved apple fritters, but deep-frying can be messy and heavy. So I set out to create a version that’s just as satisfying without all the oil. Trust me, these oven-baked fritters are just as indulgent, and the best part? They’re easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Fritters

If you’re a fan of cozy, comforting desserts that don’t require a deep fryer, this recipe is for you. Here’s why these fritters are a favorite in my home:

• Healthier than traditional fritters – No frying means less oil and fewer calories.
• Packed with flavor – Juicy apples, warm spices, and a touch of brown sugar make them irresistible.
• Super easy to make – No yeast, no frying, just simple ingredients and steps.
• Perfect for all occasions – Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a quick dessert, these fritters fit the bill.
• Customizable – Add nuts, swap the glaze, or experiment with different spices to make them your own.

For more delicious baked treats, check out my Cinnamon Apple Muffins and Healthy Banana Bread.

Ingredients for Baked Apple Fritters

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious apple fritters:

For the Fritters:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice (optional but recommended)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 1/2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.

2. Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. The smaller they are, the more evenly they’ll distribute in the batter.

3. Make the Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
• Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a thick batter forms.

4. Fold in the Apples

Gently stir the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly coated. This step ensures apple goodness in every bite.

5. Shape the Fritters

Spoon the batter onto the prepared baking sheet in small mounds, spacing them apart. These don’t need to be perfectly shaped—rustic is part of their charm.

6. Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Make the Glaze

While the fritters cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

8. Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fritters. Let it set for a minute, then enjoy while fresh!

Tips for the Best Baked Apple Fritters

• Choose the right apples – Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp brings natural sweetness.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mix just until combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Use parchment paper – This prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
• Enjoy fresh – These fritters are best the same day but can be stored for later.
• Reheat properly – Warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.

For more apple-inspired treats, try my Easy Apple Crisp!

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to make these fritters your own? Try these fun variations:

• Add chopped nuts – Walnuts or pecans add a delicious crunch.
• Make them gluten-free – Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
• Skip the glaze – Dust with powdered sugar for a lighter option.
• Try different fruits – Pears, peaches, or even blueberries work wonderfully.
• Make them vegan – Use plant-based milk and a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters

These fritters are incredibly versatile and pair well with various sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• With coffee or tea – A cozy morning or afternoon treat.
• As a dessert – Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• For brunch – Pair with fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Try These Baked Apple Fritters Today

Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out my Homemade Blueberry Muffins for another tasty treat!

Baking these Baked Apple Fritters at home is not just about creating a delicious treat—it’s about bringing warmth and comfort into your kitchen. The combination of tender apples, fragrant spices, and a light, crispy texture makes these fritters a delightful addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy morning breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet dessert, they are sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table.

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your preferences. Love a little extra crunch? Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts. Prefer a different fruit? Try swapping apples for pears or even berries. Not a fan of glaze? A dusting of cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar works beautifully as well. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes baking at home so much fun.

If you’re someone who enjoys meal prepping, these fritters are a great make-ahead option. Simply store them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes when you’re ready to enjoy. They also freeze well, so you can have a batch ready for whenever a craving strikes.

I’d love to hear how your Baked Apple Fritters turned out! Did you add any unique twists to the recipe? Share your creations with me in the comments or tag me on social media. And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest so you can easily find it later. Happy baking and enjoy every bite!

These baked apple fritters are easy to make, full of warm flavors, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a dessert, they are sure to impress.

If you loved this recipe, pin it on Pinterest and share your results with me! I’d love to hear how they turned out. Happy baking!

Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out my Homemade Blueberry Muffins for another tasty treat!

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