If you love the cozy flavors of fall and crave a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug, this Baked Apple Fritters Recipe is absolutely perfect for you. These fritters bring together tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a light, cakey batter, all baked to golden perfection instead of fried for a lighter yet scrumptious bite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast, a sweet snack, or an effortless dessert, this recipe hits all the right notes with a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture that will quickly become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are simple, easy-to-find ingredients that join forces to create the perfect baked apple fritters. Each component plays a special role to bring out the rich apple flavor, the tender crumb, and that inviting golden color.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Serves as the base, giving the fritters structure and softness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness with a clean, crisp taste.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses flavor and moisture.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the fritters rise nicely and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses that classic warm spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle depth of spicy earthiness.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind ingredients and add richness.
- 3/4 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Offers richness and helps with that tender crumb texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brightens the flavor and adds aromatic sweetness.
- 2 cups peeled and finely diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): The star ingredient providing freshness, juicy bites, and a slight tartness that cuts through sweetness perfectly.
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This ensures your fritters won’t stick and will come off the sheet cleanly with a lovely golden bottom.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend balances sweetness with spice and helps distribute the leavening so your fritters bake evenly.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. This step is key to ensuring the wet ingredients are well-incorporated, helping the fritters stay moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—some lumps are okay! This keeps the texture tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples, evenly distributing those juicy, fruity bits throughout the batter. These little apples will burst with flavor when baked.
Step 6: Bake Your Fritters
Scoop the batter into mounds on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they bake evenly without merging. Pop them into the oven for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the fritters are set and their tops turn lightly golden. Let them cool just a bit before serving.
How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
Garnishes
Drizzle your baked apple fritters with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk for a sweet shimmer, or sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon sugar to amplify their cozy spice profile. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is pure indulgence if you’re serving them as dessert.
Side Dishes
Pair these fritters with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast, or serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a more rounded brunch experience. Their sweet spice notes also complement savory breakfast meats like bacon or sausage if you’re feeling adventurous.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your fritters staggered on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with powdered sugar, or arrange them in a basket lined with a cozy cloth for a lovely gift or party favor. You could even turn them into mini sandwiches by splitting them and adding some cream cheese or apple butter spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After they’ve cooled completely, store your leftover baked apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They might lose a bit of their crispness but stay tasty and soft inside.
Freezing
To enjoy your fritters later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen fritters keep well for up to one month and make for a quick, comforting treat when reheated.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes to regain their tender warmth and slight crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy rather than delightfully soft and cakey.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this Baked Apple Fritters Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their tartness and texture, Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples also work wonderfully. Just be sure they are firm and not overly sweet to maintain the perfect flavor balance.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that has xanthan gum included for structure. The texture might slightly differ, but your fritters will still be delicious.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?
Certainly! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins add a lovely crunch or chewiness that pairs beautifully with the apple and cinnamon notes. Fold them in together with the diced apples.
Why bake the fritters instead of frying them?
Baking keeps this recipe lighter and easier to prepare since you don’t need the hassle of hot oil, making it a healthier option that still delivers that satisfying apple fritter taste and texture.
How do I know when the fritters are done?
They should be set in the center and slightly golden on top. A toothpick inserted into one should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid underbaking so the fritters hold their shape and have the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Apple Fritters Recipe is truly a heartwarming treat to welcome into your kitchen rotation. Its simplicity, irresistible flavors, and cozy aroma make it a perfect dish to share with family and friends any day of the week. Give it a try—you might just find yourself craving these delightful fritters long after the last bite!
Print
Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these warm, golden Baked Apple Fritters – a perfect blend of tender diced apples and spiced batter, baked to perfection for a healthier twist on a classic treat. Ideal for breakfast or a sweet snack, these vegetarian-friendly fritters are easy to make and bring comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg to your table.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- 2 cups peeled and finely diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted and cooled butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until the batter is combined – avoid overmixing to keep fritters tender.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the peeled and finely diced apples to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Scoop Batter onto Baking Sheet: Using a spoon or scoop, drop mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Fritters: Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the fritters are set, lightly golden on the edges, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the fritters from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack or serving plate. Optionally, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
Notes
- For an optional sweetness boost, drizzle the cooled fritters with a glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with a little milk.
- Best served fresh, but these fritters can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure light and fluffy fritters.
