Name: Baked Apple Fritters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 cut into pieces; ½ Cup milk (the higher the fat content, the richer the flavor); 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 Cup chopped apple***; 1 Cup confectioner’s sugar; 2 Tablespoons milk (a higher percentage of fat works the best); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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When the crisp air of fall rolls in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of apples and spices wafting through your kitchen.

If you’re looking for a delicious, homemade treat that’s easy to whip up, these Baked Apple Fritters are the answer! With their caramelized, crunchy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, they’re the perfect way to start a cozy morning or to enjoy as an afternoon indulgence. Best of all, they’re baked -not fried -making them a slightly lighter option without sacrificing any flavor.

Ready in just 30 minutes, these fritters are a must-try for any apple lover. Let’s dive in!

Why Baked Apple Fritters Are Better

Traditional apple fritters are typically fried, which gives them their signature crispy texture. However, frying can be messy, time-consuming, and not always the healthiest option. That’s where baked fritters shine! Baking eliminates the need for oil while still delivering a golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior. Plus, the broiled glaze adds a touch of caramelized sweetness that makes these fritters truly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These fritters are made with simple pantry staples and fresh apples. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Fritters:

Flours: A mix of all-purpose flour and white whole wheat flour gives these fritters the perfect balance of fluffiness and structure. If you don’t have white whole wheat flour, you can use all-purpose flour entirely.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice bring warm, autumnal flavors to every bite.
Butter: Cold butter is cut into the dry ingredients to create a crumbly texture that ensures tender fritters.
Milk & Egg: These provide moisture and richness to the batter. Whole milk or another high-fat milk works best for a richer flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and aroma.
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for this recipe as they balance the sweetness of the glaze and batter.

For the Glaze:

Confectioner’s Sugar: The base for a smooth and sweet glaze.
Milk: Again, higher-fat milk yields a creamier glaze.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. If you’re using a silicone mat, make sure it’s broiler-safe, as you’ll be broiling the fritters later.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients forms the base of your fritter batter.

3. Cut in the Butter

Add cold butter pieces to the dry mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step ensures your fritters will be tender and flaky.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix!

5. Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in one cup of chopped tart apples. If your apples are extra juicy and make the batter too thin, add 2–4 tablespoons of additional flour until the batter holds its shape when dropped onto the baking sheet.

6. Shape and Bake

Using a 1/4-cup measuring cup (or a heaping tablespoon for mini fritters), drop mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 11–13 minutes for large fritters or 8–10 minutes for smaller ones, until the bottoms are golden brown and the centers are set.

7. Prepare the Glaze

While the fritters are baking, whisk together confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This glaze will take these fritters from delicious to absolutely divine!

8. Broil and Glaze

Once baked, remove the fritters from the oven and turn on your broiler. Brush a thin layer of glaze over each fritter and place them under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, until the tops are golden and the glaze is bubbling slightly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!

Remove from the oven and brush on any remaining glaze while the fritters are still warm. Allow the glaze to harden slightly before serving.

Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Fritters

Choose Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples work best because their tartness complements the sweetness of the glaze and spices in the batter.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense fritters instead of light and fluffy ones. Stir just until combined!
Adjust Batter Consistency: If your batter is too thin due to juicy apples, add extra flour a tablespoon at a time until it holds its shape when dropped onto the baking sheet.
Broil with Care: The broiling step adds incredible flavor and texture but can quickly go from golden to burnt if left unattended. Keep an eye on your fritters during this step!
Enjoy Fresh: These fritters are best enjoyed on the same day they’re made while they’re still fresh and warm from the oven.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Fritters

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish!
Healthier Option: Since they’re baked instead of fried, they’re lighter without losing any of that classic apple fritter flavor.
Perfect Texture: A crunchy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior makes every bite irresistible.
Fall-Inspired Flavors: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and tart apples is quintessentially autumnal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these baked apple fritters with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or snack. For an extra indulgent treat, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!

Final Thoughts

These Baked Apple Fritters are proof that you don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy this classic treat at home. With their warm spices, tender chunks of apple, and caramelized glaze, they’re everything you love about fall in one bite-sized package! Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these fritters are sure to impress—and disappear quickly!

So grab your favorite tart apples and get baking you’ll be savoring these delicious treats in no time!