Baked Apple Fritters
Warm, sweet, and packed with cozy autumn flavor, Baked Apple Fritters are the perfect treat when you crave the taste of fried fritters but want a lighter, oven-baked version. Each bite is filled with tender chunks of spiced apple, surrounded by a soft, cake-like dough and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze. They’re simple to make, smell heavenly while baking, and make a delightful breakfast, snack, or dessert. Serve them warm from the oven with a drizzle of glaze and a cup of coffee for a comforting homemade indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Set to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Mix the dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. - Combine the wet ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth. - Combine and fold in apples:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in the diced apples. - Scoop onto baking sheet:
Drop spoonfuls of the batter (about ¼ cup each) onto the parchment-lined sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. - Bake:
Bake for 10–14 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Make the glaze:
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency with a bit more milk if needed. - Glaze the fritters:
While still slightly warm, dip or drizzle the fritters with the glaze. Allow it to set for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Storage Method
Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best flavor and texture, warm them slightly in the microwave or oven before serving. If you’d like to make them ahead, you can freeze the fritters (without glaze) for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and glaze freshly.