Baked Apple Fritters – The Ultimate Fall Treat

When the crisp autumn air sets in and leaves turn golden, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of Baked Apple Fritters. These delightful pastries are a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version, offering all the cozy flavors you crave without the extra oil.

Whether you’re preparing breakfast for the family, whipping up a quick dessert, or looking for a snack to pair with your favorite fall latte, these fritters are sure to hit the spot. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’ll become your go-to fall treat from September through Christmas!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

These fritters are not just delicious; they’re downright magical. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you’ll have warm fritters in just 30 minutes.

• Healthier than Fried: Baked to golden perfection instead of deep-fried.

• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples mean no special grocery trip required.

• Perfect for Fresh Apples: A fantastic way to use up extra apples from the orchard or store.

• Smells Like Fall: Your kitchen will smell better than any autumn-scented candle.

These reasons alone make them a must-try for the season!

Ingredients for Baked Apple Fritters

Before you start, gather these simple ingredients for both the fritters and glaze:

For the Fritters:

For the Glaze:

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Apple Fritters

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. This blend creates the warm, spiced base that makes these fritters irresistible.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Tip: Cold butter is essential for creating a flaky texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract together. Pour this mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the fritters dense.

Step 5: Add the Apples

Fold in the chopped apples carefully to ensure even distribution. Fresh, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for balance and texture.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Scoop the batter using a ¼-cup measure and drop each portion onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 11–13 minutes or until the bottoms are golden and the centers are set.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While the fritters are baking, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 8: Broil for a Perfect Finish

Remove the fritters from the oven and turn the oven setting to broil. Brush a thin layer of glaze over each fritter and return them to the oven for 2–4 minutes, until the tops are golden and slightly caramelized.

Step 9: Final Glaze and Cool

Brush the remaining glaze over the warm fritters. Allow the glaze to harden slightly before serving. This creates a crunchy, sweet finish that rivals fried fritters.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Fritters

• Choose the Right Apples: Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp deliver the best flavor and texture.

• Don’t Flatten the Batter: The fritters will naturally spread while baking.

• Glaze Variation: For a fall twist, swap the vanilla extract in the glaze for maple extract.

• Cool Before Serving: Allow the fritters to cool for a few minutes before eating to prevent burns and enhance the texture.

Storage Tips for Baked Apple Fritters

While these fritters are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers for later:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze unglazed fritters for up to 2 months. Reheat and glaze before serving.

Pro Tip: Warm stored fritters in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore their texture.

Variations on Baked Apple Fritters

1. Maple Pecan Fritters: Add chopped pecans to the batter and use maple syrup in the glaze.

2. Cranberry Apple Fritters: Mix in dried cranberries for a festive twist.

3. Pumpkin Spice Version: Replace allspice with pumpkin pie spice for an extra autumn vibe.

4. Gluten-Free Fritters: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

Serving Ideas for Baked Apple Fritters

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

• Pair with hot apple cider or coffee for the ultimate fall snack.

• Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation at brunch or parties.

• Add them to a holiday dessert table alongside pumpkin pie and apple crisp.

Why This Baked Apple Fritters Recipe Stands Out

Unlike traditional fried fritters, these are baked, making them a healthier yet equally delicious option. The combination of warm spices, tart apples, and a perfectly balanced glaze creates a treat that’s comforting, nostalgic, and satisfying.

This recipe is also highly versatile, letting you adjust flavors and add-ins to suit your taste and the season.

Final Thoughts on Baked Apple Fritters

These Baked Apple Fritters are the epitome of fall baking. With their warm, spiced flavors and tender apple chunks, they’re a treat that will make your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn dream.

Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, this recipe is sure to become a beloved tradition. Bake a batch this weekend, and share the love with family and friends — they’ll be asking for this recipe year after year!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 fritters

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