If you’re craving warm, cinnamon-laced apple fritters but want to skip the deep frying, you’re in the right place. These baked apple fritters are soft, fluffy, and full of apple flavor—without the grease. Whether you’re prepping for fall baking or simply need a cozy weekend treat, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to create delicious fritters in the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the process, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the fritters:
- 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or oil)
For the optional glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Having these prepped makes the process smoother, especially if you’re multitasking in the kitchen. If you’re in the mood for other cozy desserts, check out these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars—another easy treat to bake!
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by peeling and dicing your apples into small cubes. Toss them in a bit of cinnamon and sugar for extra flavor. If you prefer softer apples, you can sauté them for 2–3 minutes in a skillet with a touch of butter. Otherwise, fresh apples will add great texture and moisture as they bake.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry until you get a thick batter. Gently fold in the diced apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed. This batter will be a bit lumpy—don’t overmix it.
Step 3: Bake the Fritters
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or use a greased muffin tin for more uniform fritters. Scoop heaping tablespoons of batter onto the tray or fill muffin cups about ¾ full. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If you’re aiming for a more defined crisp on top, consider broiling the fritters for the last 1–2 minutes—but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
Once the fritters have cooled for about 5 minutes, whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Drizzle over the fritters or dip them directly for a fuller coating. Let them sit for a few minutes so the glaze can set. Alternatively, a dusting of powdered sugar also works if you prefer a lighter finish.
Bonus Baking Tips
Want to take your fritters to the next level? Here are some tips:
- Apples: Granny Smith adds tartness; Honeycrisp offers sweetness and crunch.
- Mix-ins: Try chopped walnuts, golden raisins, or a pinch of cardamom.
- Texture: Avoid soggy fritters by not overloading with apples—about 2 cups is ideal.
For more inspiration on apple-based baking, this French Apple Pie recipe is a classic comfort food option that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
What Makes Baked Apple Fritters Healthier?
Unlike traditional deep-fried fritters, these baked versions are lower in fat and calories. You avoid the mess and added oils from frying while still enjoying a warm, spiced treat. If you’re watching your nutrition but still want indulgence, baking is the way to go.
Want to understand why certain apples work better for baking? Check out this excellent guide to the best apples for baking from Serious Eats.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Apple Fritters
Absolutely! Baked apple fritters are a fantastic alternative to their fried counterparts. Baking allows you to skip the oil while still achieving warm, fluffy, and flavorful fritters. It’s a healthier method that keeps your kitchen cleaner and the calories lower.
Yes, not just apple fritters—many types of fritters can be baked, including veggie and savory versions. Just ensure the batter is thick enough to hold its shape and adjust baking times accordingly. Baked fritters generally have a softer texture than fried ones, but with a light broil at the end, you can enhance their crispness.
Baked fritters are naturally less crispy than fried ones. If yours are too soft, it might be due to excess moisture from the apples or underbaking. Try sautéing the apples first to reduce water content or broiling the fritters for 1–2 minutes after baking. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking tray—proper spacing allows heat to circulate.
Yes, using pancake mix for fritters is a handy shortcut. Just add your chopped apples, cinnamon, and other preferred spices to the mix. Keep in mind that pancake batter is usually thinner and sweeter, so your fritters may have a lighter texture and may require slight baking time adjustments.
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
Here’s a table summarizing common issues and how to fix them:
| Problem | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Fritters too soggy | Apples too wet or underbaked | Drain/sauté apples, extend baking time |
| No crisp on outside | No broil or not enough heat | Broil last 1–2 minutes on high |
| Batter spreading too much | Too thin batter | Add a bit more flour to thicken |
| Glaze melting off | Fritters too hot when glazed | Let them cool for 5 minutes before glazing |
Final Thoughts on Baked Apple Fritters
These baked apple fritters prove that you don’t need a deep fryer to make a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert. From start to finish, they come together in under 30 minutes and fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and apples. Whether you’re baking for a brunch, a school snack, or just a cozy fall treat, this recipe delivers.
You also have flexibility—use almond milk to keep it dairy-free, or swap in oat flour for a gluten-free twist. Plus, cleanup is way easier than frying. No splattered oil, no leftover smell—just a warm oven and a tray of golden treats.
For another health-conscious twist on dessert, give these Protein Brownies a try. They’re rich, chocolatey, and surprisingly nutritious!
Let’s try it
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to bookmark it or share it with a friend who needs a quick, no-fry dessert! Have questions or your own twist to share? Drop a comment below—we love seeing how our readers make these recipes their own.