Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
Introduction
Baked apple fritters are a delightful treat that combines tender apples with warm spices in a soft, baked dough. These fritters are lighter than traditional fried versions and topped with a sweet glaze for a perfect finish. They make a wonderful breakfast or snack that’s easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp finely grated fresh nutmeg
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold, cubed
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (228 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup (or more) milk
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Arrange oven racks in the upper and lower thirds and preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the dry ingredients with your fingertips until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Toss to keep the butter coated in flour.
- Step 3: Stir in the finely chopped apples, coating them with the flour mixture.
- Step 4: In a separate small bowl, whisk the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract together.
- Step 5: Add the wet ingredients to the dry apple mixture and stir until a lumpy, sticky dough forms.
- Step 6: Using a 1/4-cup measuring cup or large cookie scoop, drop the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 3 inches apart (about seven fritters per sheet).
- Step 7: Bake the fritters for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the baking sheets from top to bottom halfway through, until the tops turn slightly golden and edges feel firm.
- Step 8: Let the fritters cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 9: To make the glaze, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Add more milk a teaspoon at a time until the glaze is thin enough to drip easily off a spoon.
- Step 10: While the fritters are still warm, dip the tops into the glaze, then return them to the wire rack. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Try using other tart apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture.
- If you prefer a spicier glaze, mix a pinch of cinnamon into the confectioners’ sugar before adding milk.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk.
Storage
Store baked apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave before serving to regain softness. The glaze may soften after refrigeration but will still taste delicious.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?
It is best to use fresh apples for this recipe because frozen apples release excess moisture, which can affect the dough’s texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding.
What is the best way to get a sticky but manageable dough?
Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. The dough should be lumpy and sticky but not overly wet. Handling it gently helps keep the fritters tender.
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Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 14 fritters 1x
Description
These Baked Apple Fritters offer a delightful twist on the traditional fried version, featuring tender chunks of Granny Smith apples baked to golden perfection. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg and finished with a sweet, glossy vanilla glaze, these fritters are an easy-to-make treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp finely grated fresh nutmeg
Butter
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold, cubed
Fruit
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, finely chopped
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Glaze
- 2 cups (228 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup (or more) milk
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and racks: Arrange oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of your oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients and incorporate butter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, kosher salt, and nutmeg. Add cold cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until pea-sized pieces form, tossing intermittently to coat the butter evenly.
- Add apples and combine wet ingredients: Toss finely chopped apples into the flour-butter mixture. In a separate small bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the egg mixture into the flour and apple mixture. Stir until a lumpy and sticky dough forms; avoid overmixing for tender fritters.
- Portion the fritters: Using a 1/4-cup measuring cup or large cookie scoop, drop batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing fritters about 3 inches apart, approximately 7 fritters per sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. About halfway through baking, rotate the sheets between the upper and lower racks to ensure even cooking. The fritters should be lightly golden on top with firm edges when done.
- Cool before glazing: Let the fritters cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, stir together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and a pinch of kosher salt. The glaze should be thin enough to run off a spoon easily, adding more milk 1 teaspoon at a time if necessary.
- Glaze the fritters: While the fritters are still warm, dip the tops into the glaze and return them to the wire rack. Let the glaze set and harden for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture to balance the sweet glaze.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk slightly; for a thinner glaze, add milk gradually until desired consistency is achieved.
- These fritters can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If you want a nut-free version, ensure your vanilla extract does not contain any nut-based alcohol.
- Allow the glaze to fully harden to avoid sticky hands when eating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked apple fritters, apple dessert, cinnamon fritters, baked fritters, easy apple recipe

