Created on January 30th, 2026 at 05:53 pm
Baked apple fritters are a cozy and practical choice when you are looking for fall desserts easy nights that do not require frying or complicated steps. This recipe brings together classic apple fritter flavors with a simple oven-baked method that works well for weeknights, relaxed weekends, or casual gatherings. With warm spices and tender baked apples, these fritters feel familiar and comforting without feeling heavy.
Unlike traditional apple fritter recipes that rely on hot oil, this version is baked for a more manageable process and consistent results. The texture stays soft and cake-like, while the apples add natural sweetness and moisture. If you enjoy apple dessert recipes that are easy to repeat throughout the season, this recipe fits perfectly into a fall baking routine.
Time Breakdown
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 to 18 minutes
Total time: About 40 minutes
Ingredients
Baked Apple Fritters
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups finely diced apples, peeled
Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Kitchen Tools
Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Spoon or cookie scoop
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside so the fritters are ready to bake as soon as the batter is mixed.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined and free of lumps.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth, then add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until the wet ingredients are fully blended.
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture together just until the flour is incorporated. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy. Avoid overmixing to keep the fritters soft.
Add the finely diced apples to the batter and gently fold them in until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, forming mounds about 1/4 cup each. Leave space between the fritters so they bake evenly.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the fritters are lightly golden on top and set in the center.
Remove the fritters from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before glazing.
To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters using a spoon and allow it to set for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
Dice the apples finely so they bake evenly and do not weigh down the batter.
Mix the batter gently to avoid dense fritters.
Glaze the fritters while they are still warm for the smoothest finish.
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and uneven browning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve baked apple fritters warm for the best texture. They pair well with coffee or tea and work nicely as an easy dessert after dinner. For a simpler option, you can skip the glaze and dust them lightly with powdered sugar or serve them plain.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
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
Can I use any type of apple for baked apple fritters?
Firmer apples work best because they hold their shape during baking and release less moisture. Apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji provide good texture and balanced sweetness. Softer apples can be used, but they should be diced very finely to prevent soggy fritters.
Why are my baked apple fritters dense instead of soft?
Dense fritters are usually caused by overmixing the batter after adding the flour. Mixing too much develops the gluten and creates a heavier texture. Stir just until the ingredients are combined and avoid packing the batter when portioning.
Can I make baked apple fritters ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the fritters in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best results, reheat them briefly in the oven before serving and add the glaze just before serving.
Do baked apple fritters freeze well?
Baked apple fritters can be frozen without the glaze. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before glazing for best texture.
Can I skip the glaze or replace it with something else?
The glaze is optional and can be adjusted to your preference. A light dusting of powdered sugar works well for a less sweet finish. You can also drizzle a simple maple glaze or serve the fritters plain if you prefer a more subtle dessert.
Baked Apple Fritters for Fall Desserts Easy Nights
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Spoon or Cookie Scoop
Ingredients
Baked Apple Fritters
- 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs room temperature if possible
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled 5 minutes
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples peeled and finely diced (about 2 medium apples)
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted if lumpy
- 2 tbsp milk add 1 more tablespoon if needed for a drizzle
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so the fritters release easily and brown evenly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture looks uniform and the spices are evenly distributed.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Whisk in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla until fully combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold gently until no dry flour remains. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy. Stop mixing as soon as everything comes together to keep the fritters soft.
- Fold in the diced apples until they are evenly spread through the batter. If any apple pieces are clumped together, separate them with the spatula so every fritter gets a good amount of fruit.
- Scoop the batter into 10 mounds on the prepared baking sheet, about 1/4 cup each. Leave at least 2 inches of space between mounds to allow heat to circulate and the fritters to bake evenly.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the tops look set and lightly golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This short rest helps the fritters firm up so they do not break when you glaze them.
- Make the glaze: whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. If it is too thick to drizzle, whisk in 1 teaspoon milk at a time. If it is too thin, whisk in 1 tablespoon powdered sugar.
- Drizzle glaze over warm fritters. Let sit 5 minutes so the glaze sets slightly, then serve warm for the best texture.
Notes
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