There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven. These Baked Apple Fritters deliver all the warmth and indulgence of traditional fritters—without the heavy oil or mess of frying.
Whether you’re looking for a lighter alternative or just want an easy, no-fuss treat, this recipe brings crisp fall flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort. Unlike deep-fried versions, these fritters are baked to perfection, creating a soft, cake-like texture with golden edges and caramelized apple bits in every bite.
Made with Honeycrisp apples, warm spices, and a simple vanilla glaze, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and spiced. Pair them with Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs for a protein-packed breakfast or enjoy them alongside Crockpot Applesauce for an extra apple-forward experience.
The best part? These fritters are a healthier option compared to their deep-fried counterparts. Baking reduces unnecessary oil while keeping all the delicious flavor intact—ideal for those who want a cozy, homemade treat without feeling weighed down.
Why You Will Love This Dish?
- No Frying, No Mess! I love that I don’t have to deal with hot oil or a greasy kitchen. Just mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Perfectly Sweet and Spiced – The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar makes these fritters taste like fall in every bite.
- Great for Meal Prep – I make a batch on Sunday, and they stay fresh for a few days—perfect for busy mornings.
- Versatile Treat – Enjoy them as breakfast, a snack, or even dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Lighter but Just as Delicious – Baking these fritters means they’re lower in fat but still soft, sweet, and satisfying.
Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry cutter or fork (for butter)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped Honeycrisp apple
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cut cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, mix milk, egg, and vanilla extract, then add to the dry ingredients.
- Gently fold in chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Scoop batter onto the baking sheet and shape into small mounds.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and firm. Let cool.
- Mix confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a glaze, then drizzle over fritters before serving.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 234kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 37g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Sugar | 22g |
| Sodium | 129mg |
Creative Variations For This Recipe!
- Brown Butter Upgrade – Instead of using cold butter, brown it first for a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the warm spices in the fritters. Let it cool slightly before mixing.
- Almond Flour for Extra Texture – Swap ½ cup of all-purpose flour with almond flour to add a subtle nuttiness and a slightly denser texture while keeping the fritters moist.
- Apple Cider Reduction Glaze – Replace the milk in the glaze with reduced apple cider for an intense apple-forward sweetness that perfectly complements the fritters.
- Rolled Oats for a Hearty Bite – Add ¼ cup of rolled oats to the batter for extra texture and a rustic, bakery-style feel. This works especially well for a breakfast-friendly version.
- Maple & Bourbon Twist – Add a splash of bourbon to the batter for a deep caramel undertone, then use maple syrup in the glaze instead of milk for a bolder, more complex finish.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle – Skip the traditional glaze and drizzle warm salted caramel over the fritters instead. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes it to the next level.
- Double Apple Intensity – Grate half of the apple and fold it into the batter for extra moisture, while keeping the rest in chunks for texture. This ensures apple flavor in every bite.
- Spiced Streusel Topping – Before baking, sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed pecans on top for a crispy, caramelized finish that mimics a coffee cake vibe.
- Chai Spice Blend – Swap out the cinnamon and nutmeg for a chai spice blend (cardamom, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon) to give the fritters a unique, warming depth.
- Toasted Coconut Crunch – Fold in lightly toasted shredded coconut for a subtle tropical twist that pairs surprisingly well with the apples and spices.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
