These Baked Apple Fritters deliver all the cozy comfort of traditional fritters with a wholesome twist. By replacing deep-frying with baking, we create a lighter version that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. Each fritter features tender chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in a fluffy, cake-like batter and finished with a sweet glaze. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a satisfying apple treat without the guilt of fried foods.
Baked Apple Fritters: A Healthier Take on a Classic Treat
Baked Apple Fritters represent the perfect marriage between health-conscious baking and indulgent comfort food. Unlike their deep-fried counterparts, these baked fritters deliver all the warm, spiced apple goodness you crave without the excess oil and guilt. The magic lies in the tender, cake-like interior studded with perfectly spiced apple pieces, all crowned with a delicate glaze that crackles pleasantly with each bite.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to capture the essence of traditional apple fritters while utilizing a healthier baking method. The secret is in the preparation of the apples – they’re pre-cooked with cinnamon and brown sugar until just tender, ensuring they remain flavorful and moist throughout baking. This extra step creates pockets of concentrated apple flavor that make each fritter irresistible.
The batter itself is carefully crafted to achieve the perfect texture – light and fluffy yet sturdy enough to hold together the generous chunks of apple. The addition of nutmeg and cinnamon in both the batter and apple mixture creates layers of warm, autumnal flavors that permeate every bite. The finishing touch – a simple vanilla glaze – adds just the right amount of sweetness and creates that characteristic fritter finish.
Healthier Without Compromise
These fritters are not just healthier; they’re also more foolproof than their fried versions. There’s no need to worry about oil temperature or messy splatters, and they can be made ahead of time for breakfast or brunch gatherings. They’re perfect for fall apple picking season, holiday mornings, or any time you want to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of baked apples and warm spices.
Storage Options
- Room Temperature: 2 days in airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days, wrap individually
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (unglazed)
- Best served: Slightly warm or room temperature
- Reheat: 10-15 seconds in microwave
Summary
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Apple peeler/corer or sharp knife
- Ice cream scoop or large spoon
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare apple filling:
- In a saucepan, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice
- Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until apples are slightly softened
- Set aside to cool
- Make the batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg
- In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing until just combined
- Fold in cooled apple mixture
- Form and bake fritters:
- Drop 1/3 cup portions onto prepared baking sheet
- Shape into rough circles
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown
- Make the glaze:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth
- Add more milk if needed for desired consistency
- Finish fritters:
- Let fritters cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet
- Transfer to wire rack
- Drizzle with glaze while still warm
Notes
- Use firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- Don’t overmix the batter – keep it just combined
- Allow glaze to set completely before stacking
- Make sure apples are cooled before adding to batter
- For extra texture, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- Adjust spices to taste
- Can be made ahead and glazed just before serving
- Use an ice cream scoop for uniform sizing
- Check doneness with toothpick test
- Keep glaze on the thicker side for better coverage