Who doesn’t love a warm, crispy fritter with a golden-brown exterior and a soft, cinnamon-spiced interior? These Baked Apple Fritters are not only a healthier twist on the classic fried version, but they are also incredibly easy to make and burst with flavor. Whether you’re preparing them for breakfast, dessert, or a simple snack, these little bites of heaven will certainly become your new favorite indulgence.
In this recipe, we’re bringing you a healthier version of apple fritters that are baked, not fried, which means you can enjoy them without the guilt. Made with fresh apples, a cinnamon-sugar blend, and topped with a sweet glaze, each bite will give you the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. If you’ve been craving a warm, comforting treat, these baked apple fritters are exactly what you need.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Fritters
If you’ve ever had a fried apple fritter, you know how delicious it can be. The combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and crispy dough is absolutely irresistible. However, the downside of frying is that it can sometimes leave the fritters feeling heavy and greasy. That’s where this baked version comes in! With all the same flavor, but without the extra oil, baked apple fritters offer a lighter, fluffier texture that will leave you wanting more.
What makes these fritters stand out is the addition of fresh apples in the batter, which gives them a juicy and refreshing flavor. The warm, cinnamon-sugar coating that’s added after baking takes these fritters over the top. Plus, the glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making each bite melt in your mouth.
This is one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again, whether it’s for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special treat for your family. Plus, the ingredients are simple and easy to find, meaning you can whip these up anytime the craving strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Baked Apple Fritters
Before you get started, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s a rundown of everything you’ll need for the baked apple fritters:
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of your fritter batter, giving it structure and texture.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – This will help the fritters rise and become light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The star spice that gives these fritters that warm, comforting flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – A hint of nutmeg for a subtle depth of flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup milk – Provides moisture to the batter and helps to bind everything together.
- 1 large egg – Helps to hold the fritters together and gives them a rich texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a sweet, aromatic note to the fritters.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – For a rich, buttery flavor that makes the fritters golden brown.
Fresh Apple Filling
- 1 ½ cups diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) – The apples provide that fresh, juicy crunch. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and crisp, while Granny Smith offers a tart contrast that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar – For a sweet, smooth glaze that adds a little extra sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons milk – Used to thin the powdered sugar, creating a drizzle-worthy glaze.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – To add a finishing touch of flavor to the glaze.
How to Make These Delightful Baked Apple Fritters
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to make these baked apple fritters. Follow the steps carefully, and soon you’ll be enjoying these warm, cinnamon-spiced treats.
1. Preheat Your Oven
The first step in making these baked apple fritters is preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready for your fritters, so they cook evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. The parchment paper will also make cleanup a breeze!
2. Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all of the dry ingredients: the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices are what give the fritters their warm and comforting flavor, so make sure you mix them thoroughly. Set the bowl aside for now.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Be sure to combine them well to ensure a smooth batter. Adding melted butter helps to give the fritters a rich and golden color once baked.
3. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently as you do. You want to mix just until everything is combined – avoid overmixing, as this can result in dense fritters. Once the mixture is just combined, fold in the diced apples. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter for that sweet apple goodness in every bite.
4. Shape the Fritters
Once the batter is ready, use a spoon to scoop out portions of the batter and drop them onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for the fritters to puff up as they bake. The fritters don’t need to be perfect circles – in fact, the rustic, freeform shapes make them even more charming!
5. Bake the Fritters
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the fritters for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and once they turn golden brown, check the center with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, the fritters are ready to come out of the oven! You want them to be light and airy on the inside with a crisp, golden exterior.
6. Prepare the Glaze
While the fritters are baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. You want the glaze to be smooth and pourable, so adjust the milk as needed to achieve the right consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it’s just right.
7. Glaze the Fritters
Once your fritters have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the glaze over them generously. The glaze will add that perfect touch of sweetness and create a glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving so it can harden slightly, giving your fritters a lovely finish.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
The fritters are now ready to be devoured! Serve them warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect treat. These baked apple fritters are ideal for breakfast, dessert, or any time you want a comforting, cinnamon-scented indulgence.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these baked apple fritters has approximately 220 kcal, making them a satisfying yet guilt-free option for when you crave something sweet. The exact calorie count may vary depending on the size of the fritters and how much glaze you use, but they are a much healthier choice than their fried counterparts. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 2g
Tips and Tricks for the Best Baked Apple Fritters
- Choose the right apples: Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples are perfect for fritters because they hold their shape and provide a good balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the fritters dense. Mix until just combined for the fluffiest texture.
- Glaze variations: You can switch up the glaze by adding cinnamon, maple syrup, or even a hint of citrus to complement the apple flavor.
- Serve with extras: Top your fritters with whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel for an indulgent dessert.
Related Recipes to Try
If you love these baked apple fritters, you’ll also enjoy these delicious treats:
Conclusion
These baked apple fritters are a warm, cinnamon-infused delight that will satisfy your sweet tooth without the extra calories from frying. With a golden-brown, crispy exterior and a tender, spiced apple interior, these fritters are sure to become a go-to treat for any occasion. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have a batch of these delicious fritters ready in under 30 minutes! Enjoy the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is to eat!
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Easy Baked Apple Fritters – A Sweet, Cozy Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These warm, cinnamon-spiced Baked Apple Fritters are a sweet and irresistible treat, perfect for any occasion. Fluffy on the inside and topped with a sugary glaze, these homemade apple fritters offer a comforting, fall-inspired dessert that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined.
- Combine the Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Shape the Fritters: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze the Fritters: Allow the fritters to cool slightly, then drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy your warm, soft, and delicious Baked Apple Fritters with a cup of coffee or tea!
Notes
- Feel free to substitute the apples with your favorite variety or mix of apples.
- For an extra touch, you can add a dash of nutmeg to the glaze for more spice.
- Make sure the fritters are slightly cooled before drizzling the glaze to prevent it from melting too quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Baked Apple Fritters, Apple Fritters, Cinnamon Apple Fritters, Homemade Fritters, Easy Apple Fritters, Glazed Apple Fritters, Apple Dessert, Fall Recipes, Sweet Treats, Apple Cinnamon Recipe