Name: Baked Apple Fritters
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ✔ 2 cups all-purpose flour; ✔ 1/2 cup granulated sugar; ✔ 2 teaspoons baking powder; ✔ 1/2 teaspoon salt; ✔ 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ✔ 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional but adds warmth); ✔ 2 large eggs; ✔ 3/4 cup milk; ✔ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ✔ 2 tablespoons melted butter; ✔ 2 cups diced apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or your favorite); ✔ 1 cup powdered sugar; ✔ 2 tablespoons milk; ✔ 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Ok, let’s talk about apple fritters. You know, those golden pastries, sugar-crusted from the donut shop that is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with cinnamon-spiced apples? You got it! But instead of them frying away, we’re making them baked. Same coziness, minus the grease.

If you’ve ever thought, “Can I make apple fritters without a vat of oil?” the answer is yes. And honestly? They’re just as good—maybe even better because you won’t feel like you need a nap after eating three (or five).

So grab your apples, crank up the oven, and let’s get baking.

Baked apple fritters with a glaze on a baking sheet.

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Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Fritters

No Deep Frying – Less mess, no oil splatters, and way easier cleanup.
Crispy Edges, Soft Center – You still get that golden, bakery-style bite without the fryer.
Loaded with Apples – Because, let’s be real, the more apple chunks, the better.
Perfect for Fall (or Anytime) – These scream cozy weather, but honestly? They’re good all year round.
Super Easy – No yeast, no waiting, just mix, bake, and devour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these are pantry staples, but the fresh apples are the star. Here’s what you need:

For the fritters:

✔ 2 cups all-purpose flour
✔ 1/2 cup granulated sugar
✔ 2 teaspoons baking powder
✔ 1/2 teaspoon salt
✔ 1 teaspoon cinnamon
✔ 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional but adds warmth)
✔ 2 large eggs
✔ 3/4 cup milk
✔ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
✔ 2 tablespoons melted butter
✔ 2 cups diced apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or your favorite)

For the glaze:

✔ 1 cup powdered sugar
✔ 2 tablespoons milk
✔ 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Apples

Core an apple, then peel it and cut it into small chunks. If you want a little extra hint of flavor, add a little teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle cinnamon. Believe me, it makes a difference!

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk the flour and the baking powder, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is where all that warm, cozy flavor starts.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a different bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Now pour that into your dry mix and stir until just combined. It’ll be thick, kind of like pancake batter.

4. Fold in the Apples

Gently stir in those juicy apple chunks. Don’t overmix—just enough so they’re evenly spread throughout.

A mixing bowl with egg, yogurt, and vanilla extract for baking.

Cubes of butter added to flour in a mixing bowl, with ingredients in the background.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

Scoop heaping spoonfuls of batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. They won’t spread much, so shape them into little fritter-like mounds. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch.

6. Glaze ‘Em Up

While cooling, mix powdered sugar together, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over the warm fritters and let it set (if you have the patience). Or, you know, just eat one immediately because warm apple fritters are basically happiness.

Close-up of a baked apple fritter with glaze on a baking sheet.

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Tips for the Best Baked Apple Fritters

Use firm apples – Soft apples turn mushy when baked. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp hold up best.
Don’t overmix – A few lumps in the batter are totally fine. Overmixing makes them dense.
Eat them fresh – They’re best the day you bake them. But if you have leftovers, warm them in the oven for that fresh-from-the-bakery taste.
Double the glaze – Because more glaze is never a bad idea.

How to Get That Classic Fritter Texture Without Frying

One of the best parts of a traditional apple fritter is the crispy, golden-brown exterior that comes from deep frying. But guess what? You can still get that bakery-style texture without dunking them in oil. The trick is to bake them at the right temperature and let the edges crisp up naturally. A slightly higher heat—375°F instead of the usual 350°F—helps create that outer crunch while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Also, don’t skip the parchment paper! It prevents sticking while allowing the bottom of the fritters to develop a nice golden crust.

For an even crispier bite, brush the tops with a little melted butter before baking. It adds just a touch of richness and helps mimic that deep-fried finish without the extra grease.

A plate with a glazed baked apple fritter and a cup of coffee.

My First Attempt at Baked Apple Fritters

The first time I made these, I wasn’t sure they’d work. No frying? No way they’d taste like real fritters. But after a failed deep-frying attempt that left my kitchen smelling like an oil spill, I gave baking a shot.

When they came out golden and crisp, I was shocked. One bite—soft, warm, packed with cinnamon apples—and I was hooked. The glaze sealed the deal. Now, I make these all the time, and honestly? I don’t miss the frying one bit.

The Best Apples for Baked Apple Fritters

In terms of baking, not all apples are equal. Some turn into mush, while others hold their shape and provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The best options? Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Braeburn.

Granny Smith – Tart and firm, they hold up beautifully without turning soggy.
Honeycrisp – Naturally sweet and super crisp, these add a great texture.
Fuji – A little on the sweeter side but still firm enough to keep their shape.
Braeburn – A great balance of sweet and tart with a firm bite.

If you like a mix of flavors, try using two types of apples for a more complex taste. A tart Granny Smith with a sweeter Honeycrisp? Chef’s kiss.

For another delicious apple treat, check out Apple Puff Pastry—a buttery, flaky dessert packed with cinnamon-spiced apples!

How to Make Mini Baked Apple Fritters

Love the idea of apple fritters but want a smaller, bite-sized version? Easy fix! Instead of forming larger mounds, scoop out smaller spoonfuls of batter—about a tablespoon each—onto your baking sheet. Reduce the baking time to 10–12 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t overbake.

These mini fritters are perfect for parties, brunch spreads, or just popping into your mouth when you need a quick sweet snack. Plus, they’re super fun to dip into caramel sauce, cinnamon sugar, or even a maple glaze for extra flavor.

Adding a Streusel Topping for Extra Crunch

To enhance the apple fritters you have baked, add a streusel topping for that little extra special something. Baking them with buttery and crunchy streusel topping will elevate the taste so much more toward that truly from-the-bakery perception.

Quick Streusel Recipe:

✔ 1/4 cup brown sugar
✔ 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
✔ 2 tablespoons butter (cold and cubed)
✔ 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Use a fork (or your fingers) to mix everything until it forms a crumbly texture. Sprinkle over the fritters before baking, and boom—extra crunch, extra flavor, and a little extra wow factor.

Can You Make These Apple Fritters Without Eggs?

Absolutely! If you need an egg-free version, you can substitute 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with about 3 tablespoons water for each egg. Both options keep the fritters moist while still giving them structure.

The applesauce method makes the fritters a little softer, while the flaxseed option adds a slight nuttiness. Either way, you’ll still get delicious apple fritters that everyone can enjoy!

Adding Nuts for Extra Crunch

If you want a little crunch in your fritters, chopped nuts can really make a difference. Pecans or walnuts provide an excellent texture that complements the warm cinnamon and apples while also bringing a toasty, nutty flavor. Simply fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts into the batter right before baking. For added flavor, toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes first.

If nuts aren’t your thing, shredded coconut or oats can also add a bit of texture without overpowering the apple goodness.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Apple Fritters

Nothing beats a fresh apple fritter straight from the oven, but if you somehow have leftovers (rare, but it happens), here’s how to keep them tasting amazing.

For short-term storage,In an airtight container, these should be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours. If you need to store them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know that refrigeration can make them lose some of their crispiness.

To reheat, the oven is your best friend. Warm them at 300°F for about 5 minutes, and they’ll taste freshly baked again. Avoid the microwave unless you don’t mind them being soft instead of crisp. If you want that fresh-baked crunch, you can also pop them in an air fryer at 325°F for 2–3 minutes.

FAQs About Baked Apple Fritters

Why Are My Homemade Apple Fritters Soggy?

Soggy apple fritters usually mean too much moisture. This can happen if your apples release too much juice into the batter. Before mixing try patting them dry with a paper towel . Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated—baking in a lukewarm oven can cause them to cook unevenly and turn out soft instead of crisp

What Temperature to Bake Apple Fritters?

For the best texture, bake apple fritters at 375°F (190°C). This temperature is high enough to create a golden, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Baking at a lower temp can make them dry or dense, so don’t go below 350°F.

How to Keep Fritters from Getting Soggy?

Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they don’t release as much juice.
Let them cool on a wire rack instead of a plate to prevent steam buildup.
Avoid overmixing the batter, which can make them dense and trap excess moisture.
Reheat leftovers in the oven instead of the microwave to crisp them back up.

Why Are My Fritters Not Crispy?

If your baked apple fritters aren’t crispy, try these fixes:
✔ Increase the baking temp slightly (375°F works best).
✔ Brush the tops with melted butter before baking for a golden finish.
✔ Use parchment paper to prevent sogginess from trapped steam.
✔ Bake a few minutes longer if they still look pale—every oven is different!

Final Thoughts

For those who absolutely enjoy apple fritters yet hate spending all day in the kitchen deep frying, this baked recipe could be the life alterer. They’re crunchy, with sweet-and-sour apples laden with cinnamon, and that glaze? Just right.

So next time you’re craving a bakery-style treat, skip the oil and make these instead. Trust me—you won’t miss the frying one bit.

Now, go grab an apple (or five) and get baking!