Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

The Perfect Baked Apple Fritters Recipe for Sweet Tooth Moments

Crispy golden baked apple fritters bring a delightful twist to classic comfort desserts.

Apples bursting with sweet juices nestle inside a light, airy pastry coating.

Cinnamon and nutmeg whisper warmth through each delectable bite.

Homemade treats like these create magical moments in your kitchen.

Kitchen novices and seasoned bakers will adore this simple yet impressive recipe.

Dust these fritters with powdered sugar for an irresistible finishing touch.

Why These Baked Apple Fritters Feel So Cozy

  • Simplify Baking: Create delicious apple fritters without the hassle of deep-frying, making it a stress-free baking experience for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Family-Friendly Delight: Perfect for weekend breakfasts or afternoon snacks, these fritters bring everyone together with their warm, comforting flavors and kid-friendly appeal.
  • Healthy Twist on Tradition: Baking instead of frying reduces oil content, offering a lighter version of the classic fritter that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for various occasions like brunches, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these apple fritters work as a sweet treat that everyone will love.

What You’ll Need to Make Baked Apple Fritters

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: The base that provides structure and texture to the fritters.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the fritters rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic flavor that complements the apples.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the fritters.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Egg: Adds richness and helps with the fritters' structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a deep, sweet flavor to the batter.
Fruit and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and texture to the fritters.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides a sweet, decorative finishing touch to the fritters.

How to Bake Apple Fritters the Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously coat a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re evenly blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Components

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Whole milk
  • Large egg
  • Vanilla extract

Ensure the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the fritters tender.

Step 5: Add Apple and Butter

Fold in:
  • Freshly diced apples
  • Melted butter

Gently mix until the apples and butter are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about three-quarters full. This allows room for the fritters to rise while baking.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a fritter – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Rest

Remove the fritters from the oven. Let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes to set their structure.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Carefully remove the fritters from the tin. Dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of soft, sweet apple and warm spices.

Helpful Tips for Baked Apple Fritters Success

  • Swap whole milk with almond milk for a dairy-free version that keeps the fritters moist and delicious.
  • Chop apples into smaller, uniform pieces to ensure even baking and consistent texture throughout the fritters.
  • Prevent apple browning by tossing diced pieces in lemon juice before adding to the batter, maintaining their fresh appearance.
  • Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, reheating briefly in the oven to restore their warm, soft texture.
  • Enhance the flavor by sprinkling a pinch of nutmeg or adding chopped walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and depth.

Delicious Variations for Apple Fritter Lovers

  • Gluten-Free Fruity Fritters: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a lighter, gluten-free version that's perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Nutty Apple Crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter and on top before baking to add extra texture and rich, toasted flavor.
  • Spiced Maple Fritters: Swap regular sugar with maple syrup and add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, aromatic breakfast-style treat.
  • Tropical Apple Remix: Mix in shredded coconut and replace some milk with pineapple juice for a sunny, island-inspired variation that brings unexpected brightness to the classic recipe.

What to Serve with Baked Apple Fritters

  • Brew Perfect Coffee Pairing: Complement the warm, spicy apple fritters with a rich medium-roast Colombian coffee that highlights the cinnamon notes and provides a smooth, balanced flavor.
  • Create Creamy Contrast: Serve alongside a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream to enhance the fritters' sweet apple and warm spice profile.
  • Match Beverage Harmony: Pair with a crisp apple cider or a light, amber-colored craft beer that echoes the apple's sweetness and adds a refreshing counterpoint to the fritter's richness.
  • Elevate Dessert Experience: Drizzle a small amount of salted caramel sauce over the fritters to intensify the depth of flavors and create a luxurious, indulgent finish.

How to Store Baked Apple Fritters Properly

  • Store cooled fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual fritters tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain best quality and texture.
  • Warm individual fritters for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check to ensure they don't become tough or dry.
  • Preheat oven to 300F, place fritters on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle fresh powdered sugar before serving to restore original deliciousness.

FAQs About Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

  • What are the key ingredients needed for Baked Apple Fritters?

The key ingredients include flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, milk, egg, vanilla extract, apples, and butter.

  • Are these fritters healthy compared to traditional fried fritters?

These baked fritters are a healthier alternative since they’re not deep-fried, reducing overall oil content and calories while maintaining a delicious flavor.

  • Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Each type will provide a slightly different flavor and texture to the fritters.

  • Do I need any special baking equipment to make these fritters?

You’ll need a standard muffin tin and basic mixing bowls. An electric mixer is helpful but not mandatory; you can mix ingredients by hand.

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Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delightful “baked apple fritters” bring autumn’s warmth to your kitchen, combining spiced apples with tender, golden pastry. Crisp edges and sweet cinnamon notes promise a comforting treat you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 egg

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare workspace by preheating oven to 350F and coating muffin tin with cooking spray for easy release.
  2. Mix dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Create a smooth liquid mixture by whisking milk, egg, and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry components, stirring gently to prevent overmixing and maintain a light texture.
  5. Incorporate diced apples and melted butter into the batter, distributing fruit evenly throughout.
  6. Carefully fill muffin cups approximately three-quarters full, allowing room for expansion during baking.
  7. Place muffin tin in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until a clean toothpick test confirms doneness.
  8. Remove fritters from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing internal temperature to stabilize and structure to set.
  9. Delicately dust fritters with powdered sugar, creating a light, sweet coating that enhances the overall presentation.

Notes

  • Ensure apples are evenly diced to distribute flavor and prevent clumping in the batter.
  • Opt for firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and balanced sweetness.
  • Avoid overmixing batter to keep fritters light and tender, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend, maintaining same measurement.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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