Donut Recipes at Home: Soft Baked Apple Fritters

Created on January 31st, 2026 at 10:30 am

A Breakfast-Style Donut Recipe Built for Mornings, Coffee, and Easy Baking

Donut recipes at home are often about recreating a familiar bakery-style treat in a way that fits into a relaxed morning routine. These soft baked apple fritters are designed to feel like a donut-style breakfast without frying, heavy oil, or early-morning mess. The baked method creates a tender, cake-like texture that works well alongside coffee or tea and feels appropriate for breakfast rather than dessert.

This recipe turns apple fritters into a morning-friendly option by keeping the sweetness balanced, the glaze light, and the texture soft instead of rich or heavy. The apples bake directly into the batter, giving each fritter natural sweetness and moisture. The result is a breakfast idea that feels special but still practical to make at home.

Why Baked Apple Fritters Work as a Breakfast Donut

Traditional donut recipes rely on frying, which can feel like too much effort early in the day. Baked apple fritters solve that problem by using the oven, allowing you to prepare a donut-style breakfast with predictable results and minimal cleanup. Because they are baked, the fritters feel lighter and less greasy, which makes them easier to enjoy in the morning.

The apple pieces soften as they bake, adding moisture and mild sweetness without making the fritters overly sugary. This balance is important for breakfast ideas, where flavor should be satisfying but not overwhelming.

Texture and Flavor Expectations

These baked apple fritters have a soft, cake-like crumb similar to bakery donuts made for breakfast rather than dessert. The edges lightly brown in the oven, while the center stays tender and moist. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth, but the apple flavor remains the focus.

The glaze is intentionally thin and light. It adds just enough sweetness to give the fritters a donut-style finish without turning them into a heavy dessert. For breakfast, the glaze should complement coffee, not compete with it.

When to Serve These as a Breakfast Idea

These fritters work best as a weekend breakfast, a brunch addition, or a make-ahead option for busy mornings. They can be baked earlier and enjoyed warm or at room temperature, which makes them flexible for different schedules.

Because they are not fried, they reheat well and maintain their texture better than traditional donuts, making them a reliable at-home donut recipe.

Time Breakdown

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes
Total time: About 45 minutes

Ingredients

Soft Baked Apple Fritters

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1/3 cup granulated sugar
3. 1/4 cup light brown sugar
4. 2 teaspoons baking powder
5. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
7. 1/2 teaspoon salt
8. 2 large eggs
9. 3/4 cup whole milk
10. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
11. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12. 2 cups apples, peeled and finely diced (about 2 medium apples)

Light Vanilla Glaze

13. 1 cup powdered sugar
14. 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
15. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Notes for Breakfast Baking

Using both granulated and brown sugar creates a soft crumb without making the fritters overly sweet. Finely diced apples distribute evenly through the batter so every fritter has apple flavor without large chunks. Whole milk adds tenderness, which helps the fritters stay soft even after cooling.

The glaze is kept simple and light so it fits a breakfast donut style rather than a dessert-style finish.

Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spoon or cookie scoop
• Small bowl for glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the fritters release cleanly and bake evenly.
2. Peel and finely dice the apples into small, even pieces. Smaller pieces soften quickly and blend smoothly into the batter, which is ideal for a breakfast-style fritter.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, then whisk until the mixture is cohesive.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until no dry flour remains. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy. Do not overmix.
6. Fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Scoop the batter into mounds on the prepared baking sheet, about 1/4 cup each. Leave space between fritters to allow even baking.
8. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the tops are set and lightly golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Remove the fritters from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
10. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and lightly pourable.
11. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters and allow it to set for several minutes before serving.

Tips for Soft, Donut-Style Results

• Dice apples small to avoid heavy spots in the batter.
• Mix gently and stop early to keep the crumb soft.
• Bake just until set; overbaking dries out breakfast-style fritters.
• Keep the glaze light so the fritters stay breakfast-appropriate.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these baked apple fritters warm with coffee or tea for a classic donut-style breakfast at home. They also work well as part of a brunch spread alongside fruit or yogurt. For a less sweet option, you can reduce the glaze or serve the fritters plain with butter.

Make-Ahead and Storage Notes

Baked apple fritters can be made the night before and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave in the morning to restore softness. For longer storage, freeze unglazed fritters and warm before glazing.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	245
Carbohydrates	37 g
Protein	4 g
Fat	9 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	18 g
Sodium	180 mg

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are baked apple fritters suitable for breakfast?
Yes. Because these fritters are baked instead of fried and use moderate sweetness, they fit naturally into breakfast ideas. They feel similar to bakery-style donuts meant for morning eating rather than dessert.

Can I make these ahead for busy mornings?
Absolutely. Bake them the night before, store them covered, and reheat briefly in the morning. They maintain their soft texture well and are easy to grab with coffee.

Do these taste like traditional apple fritter donuts?
They have the same apple and spice flavor profile, but the texture is softer and more cake-like. This makes them easier to eat in the morning and less heavy than fried donuts.

What apples are best for breakfast-style fritters?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji work well because they add sweetness without breaking down too much. Dice them finely so they blend smoothly into the batter.

Can I skip the glaze for a lighter breakfast option?
Yes. The fritters are still flavorful without glaze and can be served plain or with a small pat of butter. Skipping the glaze makes them closer to a breakfast muffin in sweetness level.