Baked Apple Fritters are a comforting and delicious treat that bring all the warmth of traditional fried fritters—with a lighter, oven-baked twist. Each fritter is packed with tender bits of apple, cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze that crackles gently under the broiler. The result is a soft, cakey inside and a golden, slightly crisp outside, perfect for pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
These fritters are ideal for fall mornings, brunch tables, or any time you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to deal with deep frying. The double-glaze technique creates a bakery-style finish, and they’re ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish. Serve them warm for the full melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Baked—not fried—so there’s no oil mess
• Full of cozy spices and real apple chunks
• Quick to prepare and finished with a luscious vanilla glaze
Ingredients
For the Fritters
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup white whole wheat flour
½ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon allspice
¼ teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed
½ cup milk (preferably whole or high-fat)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup finely chopped apples
For the Glaze
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons milk (whole or high-fat for best results)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Oven Preparation
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat. Make sure it is safe for broiler use.
Dry Ingredients Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Wet Ingredients Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Forming the Fritter Dough
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in the finely chopped apples to distribute them evenly.
Shaping the Fritters
Use a ¼ cup measuring scoop to drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. If you prefer smaller fritters, use heaping tablespoons instead.
Baking
Bake in the preheated oven for 11–13 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and the centers are fully set. For smaller fritters, check for doneness at around 8 minutes.
Broiling
Remove the fritters from the oven. Set the oven to broil.
Preparing the Glaze
While the oven adjusts, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
Applying the Glaze (First Layer)
Brush a thin layer of glaze over each warm fritter.
Return the fritters to the oven and broil for 2–4 minutes, or until the glaze starts to bubble and lightly brown. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Final Glazing
Remove the fritters from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. While they’re still warm, brush them with a second layer of glaze for that classic shiny finish.
Serving
Let the glaze set slightly before serving. These fritters are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven.
Tips for Success
• Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture
• Chop apples finely so they cook evenly in the oven
• Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the fritters tender
Storage Recommendation
Best enjoyed the same day. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.
