Cozy Comfort Without the Fryer
Craving that classic apple fritter flavor without the grease? These Baked Apple Fritters give you everything you love about the old-fashioned fair treat—golden edges, soft fluffy centers, and juicy apple bites—without deep-frying.
As they bake, your kitchen fills with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples, and once the vanilla glaze sets, every bite delivers warm spice and tender sweetness. Perfect for fall and winter, but honestly delicious any time of year, these fritters work just as well for breakfast or brunch as they do for a cozy dessert with coffee or tea.
Once you try them baked, you won’t miss the fryer at all.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Deep Frying – All the flavor, less mess
- Loaded with Apples – Fresh diced apples in every bite
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfectly Glazed – Sweet vanilla glaze that sets beautifully
- Family-Friendly – Kid-approved and lighter on the stomach
Ingredients
For the Fritters
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup finely diced apple
(about 1 medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or apple cider
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Wire cooling rack
- Small bowl (for glaze)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk milk, applesauce, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Combine Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. The batter will be thick.
Gently fold in diced apples—do not overmix.
5. Shape the Fritters
Drop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between them. Rustic shapes are perfect.
6. Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until fritters are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool
Let fritters rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk (or apple cider), and vanilla until smooth.
Dip the tops of the fritters into the glaze or drizzle it over. Let set for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness
- Don’t overmix—this keeps fritters light and fluffy
- Adjust glaze thickness by adding liquid a teaspoon at a time
- Make a double batch—they disappear fast
Easy Variations & Substitutions
- Extra Spice: Add ¼ tsp nutmeg or apple pie spice
- No Glaze: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey
- Gluten-Free: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend
- Mini Fritters: Drop teaspoon-sized portions for bite-sized treats
Serving, Pairing & Storage
- Serve: Warm with coffee, chai, or hot cider
- Pair: Perfect with eggs and bacon for brunch
- Store: Airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days
- Reheat: Oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes (avoid microwave—glaze melts)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead?
Yes. Bake and cool ahead of time; glaze just before serving.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze unglazed fritters for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze when ready.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely. They’re delicious plain or lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
What apples work best?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp offer the best sweet-tart balance.
Final Note
These Baked Apple Fritters deliver everything you love about the classic treat—warm spices, tender apples, and cozy sweetness—without the heavy oil. Easy, comforting, and irresistibly good, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
