It starts with the smell. Warm cinnamon, soft apples, and just a hint of caramel in the air. The oven’s doing all the work, and you’re standing there, barefoot, coffee in hand, waiting for the golden tops to bubble under the broiler. These baked apple fritters aren’t just a treat — they’re a cozy fall hug disguised as dessert.
Unlike deep-fried versions, these baked apple fritters give you all the texture without the mess. You get a caramelized, slightly crisp outside and a soft, fluffy middle. And the best part? They come together in under 30 minutes with pantry staples you probably already have.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Healthier Twist
These fritters are baked, not fried, which means less grease and easier cleanup. You still get that golden, caramelized finish thanks to a quick broil at the end.
Quick and Easy
With a total time of just 30 minutes, this recipe fits into a busy weeknight or a spontaneous baking mood.
Perfect for Fall (or Anytime)
This recipe shines during apple season, but honestly? It’s welcome all year long. The texture and spice blend make it a keeper.
Ingredients
For the Fritters
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour (or more all-purpose)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold butter, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup milk (preferably full-fat)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped tart apples (like Granny Smith)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (preferably full-fat)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or maple extract for a fall twist)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Oven
Preheat to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk both flours, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter
Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend in the cold butter. You want the texture of coarse crumbs.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla. Add to the flour mixture and stir until just mixed.
5. Fold in Apples
Add the chopped apples and fold gently until evenly distributed.
6. Scoop the Batter
Drop batter onto your baking sheet in 1/4-cup portions. For minis, use heaping tablespoons. No need to flatten!
7. Bake
Bake for 11–13 minutes (or 8–10 minutes for mini fritters), until the bottoms are golden and centers are set.
8. Prepare Glaze and Broil
While baking, switch oven to broil and mix glaze ingredients until smooth.
9. Glaze and Broil Again
Brush fritters with glaze and broil for 2–4 minutes, until tops are golden and glaze bubbles.
10. Finish with More Glaze
Remove from oven and brush with the remaining glaze. Let it set before serving.
Tips for Success
Keep the Batter Thick
The batter should be scoopable, not pourable. If it feels too runny, stir in 2–4 tablespoons of flour.
Don’t Overmix
For a soft, fluffy center, stir gently and stop when the batter just comes together.
Let the Oven Do the Work
Avoid flattening the scoops — they’ll naturally spread during baking.
Choose the Right Apples
Tart, firm apples hold their shape and bring out the best contrast in flavor.
Recipe Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Swaps
Try maple extract in the glaze or add a dash of cardamom to the batter for a deeper warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with coffee, tuck into a brunch spread, or top with vanilla ice cream. They’re also lovely alongside Healthy Small Batch Apple Crumble Bars or these Easy Oatmeal Apple Pancakes for a Cozy Fall Breakfast.
Baked Apple Fritters Recipe Card
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Baked Apple Fritters – Quick, Cozy & Delicious
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 fritters
Description
Soft, golden, and cinnamon-kissed, these baked apple fritters are a healthier twist on a classic fall treat — no frying needed! Ready in just 30 minutes with pantry staples and fresh apples.
Ingredients
**For the Fritters**
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white whole wheat flour (or more all-purpose)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp salt
6 tbsp cold butter, cut into chunks
1/2 cup milk (preferably full-fat)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped tart apples (Granny Smith preferred)
**For the Glaze**
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk (preferably full-fat)
1 tsp vanilla extract (or maple extract for a cozy twist)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment.
2. In a large bowl, whisk flours, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
3. Cut in butter with hands or pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla. Add to flour mix and stir just until combined.
5. Fold in chopped apples gently.
6. Scoop batter in 1/4-cup portions onto the baking sheet. For minis, use heaping tablespoons.
7. Bake for 11–13 minutes (8–10 for minis), until bottoms are golden and centers set.
8. While baking, set oven to broil. Mix glaze ingredients until smooth.
9. Brush fritters with glaze, broil for 2–4 minutes until glaze bubbles and tops are golden.
10. Remove and brush again with remaining glaze.
11. Let glaze set before serving. Best served same day.
Notes
Avoid overmixing to keep fritters soft.
Use tart apples for flavor contrast and texture.
Add extra flour if batter is too runny (2–4 tbsp).
Don’t flatten batter — it spreads naturally in the oven.
Pairs well with coffee, cider, or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 286
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 48mg
Nutrition Information (per fritter)
- Calories: 286
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Sugar: 26g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Yield: 8 fritters
More Such Recipes
Love apple-forward bakes? Try these next:
- Slow Cooker Apple Butter for Spreading on Warm Pastries
- Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Muffins – Perfect for Morning Treats
FAQ
What are the 4 ingredients in apple fritters?
At the core, most apple fritters need flour, egg, milk, and apples. Our version adds spice and a buttery crumble for flavor.
Why are my apple fritters not crispy?
They may need a bit more broiling. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
How to do baked apples in the oven?
Slice and core the apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, then bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
What temperature to bake apple fritters?
These bake at 400°F for 11–13 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to finish.
Final Thoughts
These baked apple fritters give you everything you love — soft, spiced, and golden — with none of the frying fuss.
They’re the kind of treat you can whip up on a whim, especially when apples are in season.
So grab a bowl, scoop the batter, and enjoy something sweet and simple tonight. If you’re feeling cozy, follow along on Pinterest or Facebook for more ideas just like this.