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

Scale

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