There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm apples, cinnamon, and vanilla filling your kitchen. Traditional apple fritters are fried, making them rich and indulgent, but this recipe for Baked Apple Fritters delivers the same irresistible flavor without the excess oil. The result? A light, golden, and slightly crispy fritter packed with tender apple chunks, drizzled with a sweet glaze, and baked to perfection. These treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert.
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Ingredients & Their Roles
Every ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose, balancing flavor and texture:
2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the fritters, providing structure.
½ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the fritters caramelize slightly when baked.
2 tsp baking powder – Ensures a light, fluffy texture.
1 tsp ground cinnamon – Brings warmth and enhances the apple flavor.
½ tsp nutmeg – Adds a subtle spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
½ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor.
2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients together while adding richness.
¾ cup whole milk – Keeps the batter moist and smooth.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract – Adds aromatic depth.
2 cups apples (peeled, cored, and diced small) – The star ingredient, providing juicy bursts of sweetness. Granny Smith apples give a tart balance, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add natural sweetness.
2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted) – Enhances flavor and adds tenderness.
Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, glossy finish.
2–3 tbsp milk – Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
½ tsp vanilla extract – Infuses a sweet aroma.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
4. Bring It Together:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir gently until combined – avoid overmixing to keep the fritters tender.
5. Fold in Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Scoop & Shape:
Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, drop mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten each mound for even baking.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
While the fritters bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or milk as needed.
9. Glaze & Serve:
Once the fritters are slightly cooled, drizzle or brush them with the glaze. Let it set for a few minutes before serving.
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Why This Recipe Is Loved
Healthier than fried fritters but just as satisfying.
Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy flavor.
Moist and fluffy inside with a light crisp exterior.
Customizable – swap apples for pears, or add raisins or chopped nuts for variety.
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Pro Tips for the Best Baked Apple Fritters
Use tart apples like Granny Smith if you want a sweet-tart balance.
Don’t overmix the batter – a few lumps are fine and keep the fritters soft.
For extra crispness, brush the fritters with a little melted butter before baking.
Double glaze for indulgence – drizzle once warm, then again after cooling.
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Serving Suggestions
Breakfast Treat: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai latte.
Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Holiday Brunch: Arrange on a platter dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
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Conclusion
These Baked Apple Fritters deliver everything you love about the classic version – the juicy apple bites, the warm spice, the sweet glaze – without the hassle or heaviness of frying. Quick to prepare, simple to bake, and absolutely delicious, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a weekend
breakfast, a holiday gathering, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe proves that simplicity and flavor go hand in hand.
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