There’s something irresistibly cozy about those golden, cinnamon-spiced bites of apple fritters straight from the oven. Imagine the warm, sweet aroma filling your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby to sneak one (or two!). These baked apple fritters have all the scrumptiousness of the traditional fried ones but with less fuss and mess—perfect for a lazy weekend morning or an impromptu dessert. What I love most is how soft and tender they stay inside, with just a light crisp on the outside. Plus, baking instead of frying means you can enjoy them without feeling guilty. Ready to make your home smell like autumn and fill your belly with pure comfort? Let’s dive in!
Quick Facts
Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
2 large apples (about 10 ounces), peeled, cored, and diced
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for greasing)
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze (optional):
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
How I Make It
Step 1:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Peel, core, and dice your apples into small chunks—about half-inch pieces work best to keep little bursts of apple in each fritter.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mix is the base for all that fluffy, spiced goodness.
Step 3:
In another bowl, beat the egg, then stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want a tender fritter texture, not dense.
Step 4:
Fold in the diced apples, making sure each piece gets coated with the batter. The apples will steam slightly in the oven, staying juicy inside the fritters.
Step 5:
Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You’re aiming for small, round fritters—think slightly rustic but still neat.
Step 6:
Bake for 18-20 minutes until the fritters turn a light golden brown on top. Let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the optional glaze—just whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Warm or at room temperature, these fritters are best enjoyed fresh!
Variations & Tips
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice tang that cuts the sweetness.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for extra warmth.
For a dairy-free version, swap milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter.
If your batter feels too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it slightly.
Try folding in some chopped nuts or raisins for a delightful surprise.
How I Like to Serve It
These baked apple fritters shine on a chilly Sunday morning, paired with a big cup of coffee or cinnamon-spiced tea. They also make a charming dessert when topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. During fall family gatherings, I love setting them out warm with a little maple glaze for everyone to help themselves.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheat briefly in the oven or toaster oven to keep them crisp—microwaving can make them soggy.
Closing: These warm baked apple fritters always bring a little slice of homemade happiness to any day, no matter the season.
Hi, I’m Lina, the creator of Lina Easy Recipes. Cooking has always been my passion, and I love sharing simple, homemade dishes that anyone can prepare.
