Name: Baked Apple Fritters
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup milk; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp melted butter; 2 medium apples, peeled and diced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup brown sugar (for coating)

Baked Apple Fritters

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Breakfast & Brunch

Baked Apple Fritters

Home

Breakfast & Brunch

Baked Apple Fritters

April 8, 2025

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Baked Apple Fritters: Irresistibly Crispy & Cinnamon-Spiced Delights 🍎🍩🔥

1. Introduction

Who can resist the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through the kitchen? These baked apple fritters are the perfect guilt-free treat for apple lovers and anyone craving a delicious homemade dessert! Unlike traditional fried versions that soak up oil, these golden, crispy delights are baked to perfection while maintaining all that wonderful flavor. Packed with juicy apples, warm cinnamon spice, and a tender, cake-like texture, they make an excellent breakfast treat or afternoon snack. If you’re looking for more breakfast inspiration, check out our collection of morning favorites!

What makes these fritters special is how they capture all the cozy flavors of fall in every bite, while being significantly healthier than their deep-fried counterparts. The apples stay wonderfully tender inside while the exterior bakes up with just the right amount of crispness. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch, packing them in lunchboxes, or enjoying them with your afternoon coffee, these baked apple fritters will quickly become a family favorite. For more baking recipes that deliver big flavor, explore our baking category!

Golden Baked Apple Fritters with powdered sugar and caramel drizzle, ready to serve.

2. Ingredients

Gathering quality ingredients is key to making the best baked apple fritters. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of our fritter batter
1/4 cup granulated sugar – For just the right amount of sweetness
1 tbsp baking powder – Helps the fritters rise beautifully
1 tsp cinnamon – The essential warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples
1/2 tsp nutmeg – Adds depth to the spice profile
1/2 tsp salt – Balances all the flavors
1 cup milk – Creates a tender crumb (you can substitute with almond milk)
1 large egg – Binds everything together
2 tbsp melted butter – Adds richness and flavor
2 medium apples, peeled and diced – The star ingredient! Granny Smith works great
1 tbsp lemon juice – Prevents browning and adds brightness
1/4 cup brown sugar (for coating) – Creates a delicious caramelized exterior

If you love apple desserts, you might also enjoy our cream cheese sugar cookies which pair wonderfully with these fritters!

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by selecting firm, flavorful apples – Granny Smith are ideal for their tartness and ability to hold shape during baking. Peel and dice them into small, even pieces (about 1/4-inch cubes). Immediately toss the diced apples with lemon juice to prevent oxidation and keep them looking fresh. Then, mix in cinnamon and granulated sugar to coat the apples evenly. This step not only seasons the apples but helps draw out some of their natural juices, creating pockets of flavor throughout the fritters.

For another delicious way to use apples, try our Easter dirt cake casserole which features layers of sweet goodness!

Diced apples mixed with cinnamon and sugar for Baked Apple Fritters.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices throughout the batter. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients – milk, egg, and melted butter (cooled slightly). Whisk until fully incorporated. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Remember, a few lumps are perfectly fine – overmixing can lead to tough fritters. The batter should be thick but spoonable, similar to muffin batter.

If you enjoy baking, you’ll love our easy lemon poppy seed recipe that’s equally simple and delicious!

Flour, baking powder, and milk mixed into batter for Baked Apple Fritters.

Step 3: Fold in the Apples

Now comes the fun part – adding those beautifully seasoned apples to the batter! Gently fold them in using a rubber spatula, being careful not to overmix. You want every bite to have plenty of apple pieces, so make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. The mixture will be quite thick at this point, which is exactly what we want – this helps the fritters hold their shape while baking and prevents them from spreading too much on the baking sheet.

For another great breakfast option with similar folding techniques, check out our cheesy potato egg scramble!

Apple mixture folded into batter for Baked Apple Fritters.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Using two spoons or a cookie scoop, drop generous tablespoons of batter onto the prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For extra crunch and caramelization, lightly press some brown sugar onto the top of each fritter before baking. Bake for 15-18 minutes until they’re golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!

For more comforting baked goods, explore our desserts collection full of sweet treats!

Baking sheet with spoonfuls of Baked Apple Fritter batter ready for the oven.

4. Tips for the Best Baked Apple Fritters

Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp – they hold their shape better during baking compared to softer varieties.
Don’t overmix the batter – lumps are actually good! Overmixing develops gluten which can make your fritters tough instead of tender.
Add mix-ins for extra texture – try folding in 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins for added flavor and crunch.
Get creative with toppings – while delicious plain, a simple glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk) or caramel drizzle takes them to the next level.
For extra crispiness, place the baked fritters under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end (watch carefully!).

If you’re looking for more comforting recipes, our Cajun potato soup makes a wonderful savory counterpart to these sweet fritters!

5. Serving Suggestions

These baked apple fritters are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. For breakfast, serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. As a dessert, take them up a notch by drizzling with caramel sauce and serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re also fantastic with a side of cinnamon-spiced yogurt for dipping. For a special brunch presentation, arrange them on a platter with fresh apple slices and a small bowl of warm maple syrup for dipping.

Pair these fritters with our comforting pastina soup for a complete meal that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings!

6. Storage & Reheating

While these fritters are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, they store quite well for later enjoyment. At room temperature, keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, arrange cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes (10 minutes if frozen) to restore that wonderful crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

7. Healthier Alternatives

Whole wheat flour – Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for added fiber and nutrients.
Natural sweeteners – Try coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a less processed option.
Dairy-free options – Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk work beautifully in place of regular milk.
Reduced sugar – You can decrease the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons without significantly affecting the texture.
Apple sauce substitution – Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce for less fat.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend (look for one with xanthan gum included). The texture might be slightly different but still delicious. For another gluten-free option, try our Tuscan chicken soup!

Can I freeze baked apple fritters?

Yes, these fritters freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

What’s the best apple for fritters?

While Granny Smith apples are classic for their tartness and firm texture, feel free to experiment with other varieties. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples offer wonderful sweetness, while a mix of tart and sweet apples can create more complex flavor.

Can I make these in muffin tins?

Certainly! Spoon the batter into greased muffin tins (fill about 2/3 full) and bake at the same temperature for 18-20 minutes. This creates adorable apple fritter “muffins” that are perfect for portion control.

9. Conclusion

These baked apple fritters truly offer the best of both worlds – all the comforting flavors of traditional apple fritters with significantly less guilt. The tender cake-like interior studded with juicy cinnamon apples contrasts beautifully with the slightly crisp exterior. Whether you’re serving them for a special breakfast, packing them in lunchboxes, or enjoying them as an afternoon treat with tea, they’re sure to become a fast favorite. The recipe is forgiving enough for beginner bakers yet delivers professional-quality results every time.

For another take on apple fritters, check out this external recipe that offers a slightly different approach!

What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility – easily adaptable to various dietary needs and perfect for any season. The aroma alone as they bake is worth the effort, but the first bite of warm, spiced apple goodness will have you hooked. We hope you’ll give these baked apple fritters a try soon and discover just how delicious healthier baking can be!