These cozy, oven-baked apple fritters are the perfect balance of warm spice and tender fruit. With a crisp golden outside and soft, apple-filled inside, each bite feels like a hug on a cool day. No frying needed just pure comfort straight from the oven. Drizzle them with a sweet vanilla glaze, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate fall-inspired treat (or anytime snack!).
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just mixed. Fold in the diced apples.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, forming small round mounds.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Let the fritters cool slightly, then drizzle or dip them in the glaze. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Variation
- Add a nutty crunch: Try folding in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts along with the apples for extra texture and a toasty, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or a binder to maintain structure—this helps the fritters hold their shape when baked.
- Switch up the fruit: Not an apple fan? Swap in pears or even diced peaches. Pears offer a subtle sweetness and soft texture, while peaches bring a juicy, slightly tart twist—just be sure to pat them dry before folding them into the batter.
Cooking Notes
- Avoid overmixing the batter: Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can make the fritters dense or tough, rather than light and tender.
- Use parchment paper: This keeps the fritters from sticking and helps achieve that nicely baked underside without the need for extra oil or cleanup.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on them at the 15-minute mark. You’re looking for a light golden color and a clean toothpick test. Overbaking can dry them out and take away from their soft interior.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm for best flavor: These fritters are at their peak right out of the oven when the apples are tender and the glaze slightly melts over the top. A quick 10-second microwave zap works well for leftovers, too.
- Pair with a hot drink: A cozy chai latte, spiced tea, or fresh apple cider makes the perfect match for the warm spices in the fritters. Even a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns them into a rustic dessert.
- Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: For added texture and flavor, give the glazed fritters a final dusting of cinnamon sugar. It adds sparkle, sweetness, and a little crunch to each bite.
Tips
- Dice apples small and evenly: Uniform pieces ensure that each fritter bakes evenly and gets consistent apple flavor throughout. Larger chunks may stay too firm or weigh down the batter.
- Let the glaze set fully: After drizzling or dipping, give the glaze 5–10 minutes to firm up. This helps it stay intact during serving or storage and avoids stickiness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container: Keep baked fritters at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. A quick reheat in the microwave or toaster oven revives the softness and warmth.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Fritter):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the fritters a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Reheat briefly in the microwave (about 10 seconds) or a warm oven to revive the texture before serving. Add the glaze fresh if you prefer that just-made look and taste. - Can I freeze these fritters?
Absolutely. Freeze unglazed fritters in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through. Add glaze after reheating for best texture. - What kind of apples work best?
Granny Smith apples are great for their tart flavor and firm texture, which hold up well during baking. Honeycrisp or Fuji also work nicely if you prefer something a bit sweeter and less tangy. - Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the milk for any non-dairy alternative (like almond, oat, or soy milk) and use a plant-based butter for the batter and glaze. They’ll still come out beautifully soft and full of flavor.
Conclusion
Whether you’re craving a fall-flavored snack or just want a quick homemade treat, these warm baked apple fritters bring all the cozy vibes without the hassle of frying. With tender apples, warm spices, and a sweet glaze, they’re a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll come back to all year round. Perfect with coffee, cider, or just on their own go ahead and bake a batch (or two)!
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Warm Baked Apple Fritters
- Total Time: ~33 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cozy, oven-baked apple fritters are the perfect balance of warm spice and tender fruit. With a crisp golden outside and soft, apple-filled inside, each bite feels like a hug on a cool day. No frying needed just pure comfort straight from the oven. Drizzle them with a sweet vanilla glaze, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate fall-inspired treat (or anytime snack!).
Ingredients
Scale
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just mixed. Fold in the diced apples.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, forming small round mounds.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Let the fritters cool slightly, then drizzle or dip them in the glaze. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- For extra texture, try mixing in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Tart apples like Granny Smith add a lovely balance to the sweet glaze.
- Want a thicker glaze? Use less milk. For a thinner drizzle, add a touch more.
- Best enjoyed warm—but they’re still tasty at room temp!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: apple fritters, baked apple fritters, no fry apple fritters, cozy dessert, fall baking, glazed apple fritters