Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Option: Baking instead of frying reduces the oil content, making these fritters a lighter indulgence.
- Bursting with Flavor: Fresh apples paired with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice create a warm and inviting taste.
- Easy Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for all baking levels.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a snack, these fritters fit any occasion.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite add-ins like nuts or different spices.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
-
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
-
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. Add the whole milk, vanilla extract, and melted unsalted butter to the eggs, mixing until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
-
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
-
Incorporate the Apples: Fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
-
Form the Fritters: Using a spoon or a small scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
-
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Prepare the Glaze: While the fritters are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of milk to reach the desired consistency.
-
Glaze the Fritters: Once the fritters are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. While they are still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top of each fritter using a spoon or a pastry brush.
-
Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the fritters warm for the best flavor and texture.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 fritters.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 190 kcal per fritter
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
- Spice Mix-Up: Experiment with adding a pinch of ground cardamom or ginger to the batter for a different spice profile.
- Fruit Swaps: Substitute the apples with pears, peaches, or berries to create different fruit fritter variations.
- Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy note.
- Maple Glaze: Replace the milk in the glaze with pure maple syrup for a rich, maple-flavored topping.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place any leftover fritters in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the fritters on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes to restore their crispness. Alternatively, microwave them for 20–30 seconds, though this may result in a softer texture.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the baked fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven to
- Print
Baked Apple Fritters
These Baked Apple Fritters are a healthier take on the classic fried treat, packed with fresh apples, warm spices, and a sweet vanilla glaze. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with cinnamon flavor, these fritters are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack. Plus, they’re easy to make and require no deep frying!
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 16min
- Total Time: 31min
- Yield: 12 per fritter
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
. Preheat the Oven:
- Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in Apples:
- Gently stir in the diced apples until evenly distributed.
6. Shape the Fritters:
- Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
7. Bake:
- Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Make the Glaze:
- While fritters bake, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract.
- If needed, add an extra tablespoon of milk for a thinner consistency.
9. Glaze the Fritters:
- Once baked, allow fritters to cool slightly.
- Drizzle warm fritters with the glaze using a spoon or pastry brush.
10. Serve:
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes and enjoy warm!
Notes
- Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare batter in advance and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked fritters on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temp and reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.