These baked apple fritters are a warm, sweet treat filled with juicy apples and cozy spices. No frying required! They’re soft, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Honestly, they smell so good while baking that I can hardly wait to taste them. I love to enjoy them with a drizzle of icing on top—it makes them even more special! 🍏✨
Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith or Fuji apples work best for their tartness and firmness. If you want something sweeter, Honeycrisp apples are a great choice. You can also use pears for a twist!
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect here, but if you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure it has a binding agent, like xanthan gum.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness. For a healthier alternative, try using coconut sugar or honey, but adjust the other liquids in the recipe if necessary.
Milk: Regular milk is fine, but you can substitute almond milk or any plant-based milk for dairy-free fritters. Just check if it is unsweetened to control the sweetness.
What’s the Best Way to Mix Ingredients Without Overdoing It?
Mixing your batter correctly is key to fluffy fritters. You want to combine wet and dry ingredients just enough so there are no dry spots. Overmixing can lead to tough fritters.
- Start with the dry ingredients in one bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the wet mix into the dry mix and stir gently with a spatula.
- Mix until just combined; some lumps are totally fine!
Remember, less is more when it comes to mixing. Treat your batter gently for the fluffiest results!
Why Should I Fold in the Apples?
Folding the apples into the batter is important to keep the structure of your fritters intact. Here’s how to do it!
- After mixing the batter, add the diced apples in batches.
- Gently use a spatula to turn the batter over, bringing the apples from the bottom to the top.
- Do this until the apples are evenly distributed without smashing them.
This technique helps maintain the shape and integrity of the apples for great texture in each bite!
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to bake. After baking, allow about 10 minutes for cooling before glazing and serving. In total, you can have these delicious fritters ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat. This will prevent your fritters from sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step blends all the dry ingredients together, ensuring your fritters are perfectly flavored.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This is where the liquid goodness comes from!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Don’t worry if there are some lumps; overmixing can make your fritters tough, and we want fluffy ones!
5. Add the Diced Apples:
Fold in the diced apples gently into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This will make sure every bite has that delicious apple and spice flavor.
6. Scoop and Bake:
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop mounds of the batter onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This helps them bake evenly. Don’t worry about making them perfect; they’re fritters, after all!
7. Bake Them Up:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean. The aroma will start filling your kitchen—so delightful!
8. Cool and Transfer:
Once baked, remove the fritters from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool down a bit more while you whip up the glaze.
9. Glaze Them (Optional):
For that extra special touch, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the slightly cooled fritters for a sweet finish!
10. Dust with Sugar and Serve:
If you like, dust the fritters with additional powdered sugar for a lovely touch. Serve them warm and enjoy the cozy flavors bursting in every bite! They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful snack.
Enjoy your tender, cinnamon-spiced baked apple fritters with a sweet glaze just like in the picture!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While apples are classic, you can experiment with other fruits like pears, diced peaches, or even berries. Just keep in mind that some fruits have higher moisture content, so adjust the flour slightly if needed to keep the batter thick.
Can I Make These Fritters Vegan?
Yes! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes). Use plant-based milk like almond milk and substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for about a week or freeze them for up to a month. Reheat in a microwave or oven to bring back their warmth!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Fritters Are Light and Fluffy?
To get fluffy fritters, be careful not to overmix your batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. A few small lumps are okay! Also, folding in the apples gently rather than stirring aggressively will help maintain that light texture.
