Baked Apple Fritters
These baked apple fritters have the flavor of classic fried fritters but are lighter and easier to make. They feature tender apple pieces, warm cinnamon, and a sweet glaze.
Ingredients
For the fritters
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 medium apples (about 2 cups diced), peeled and finely chopped
For the glaze
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the oven
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Melted butter
Step 4: Make the batter
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Stir just until combined.
- Fold in the diced apples.
- The batter will be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Shape the fritters
- Drop about ¼ cup portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Leave about 2 inches (5 cm) between each fritter.
- Gently flatten the tops with a spoon.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 13–16 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Make the glaze
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Adjust consistency:
- Add more milk for a thinner glaze.
- Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
Step 8: Glaze the fritters
- While the fritters are still slightly warm, drizzle or brush the glaze over them.
- Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving.
Optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Instead of glaze, brush warm fritters with melted butter and sprinkle with:
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Tips for Success
- Use firm apples such as Granny Smith Apple or Honeycrisp Apple for the best texture.
- Do not overmix the batter; this keeps the fritters tender.
- Dice apples into small pieces so they cook evenly.
- For extra flavor, add ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes before serving.
Yield: 10–12 fritters
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 15 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes