Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, irresistible treat that fills your home with the scent of sweet apples and warm spices, Baked Apple Fritters are about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine the rustic charm of tender baked pastries studded with juicy apples, all crowned with a delicate vanilla glaze. By skipping the deep fryer and baking instead, you get all the comfort of classic apple fritters with a lighter touch that doesn’t sacrifice a bit of flavor. Get ready to fall in love with every bite of these delightful Baked Apple Fritters!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Baked Apple Fritters lies in a simple lineup of pure, familiar ingredients. Each one brings something important to the table, from fluffy structure and warm spice to that signature apple burst in every mouthful. Let’s give each ingredient its moment in the spotlight!

• All-purpose flour: Provides the classic, tender base that allows these fritters to hold together perfectly.
• White whole wheat flour: Adds a hint of nutty flavor and extra nutrients, blending wholesomeness with light texture.
• Brown sugar: Brings not only sweetness but a deep molasses note that complements the apples and spice.
• Baking powder: Ensures that your Baked Apple Fritters turn out light, puffy, and never dense.
• Cinnamon: The essential spice that cozies up with apples and makes the aroma unforgettable!
• Nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity in every bite.
• Allspice: Infuses a hint of peppery sweetness that rounds out the spice mix.
• Salt: Just a touch to enhance every other flavor and bring balance.
• Butter (cold and cut into pieces): Gives your fritters that flaky, moist texture without heaviness.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps everything blend together with a creamy backdrop.
• Egg: Binds the batter and gives the fritters a little lift and richness.
• Vanilla extract: Both in the dough and glaze, it warms up the flavor profile beautifully.
• Chopped apple: The star of the show — use crisp, tart apples for a pop of fruity freshness.
• Confectioner’s sugar: For the glaze, this creamy sugar makes a silky smooth finish over the baked fritters.

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Begin by firing up your oven to a toasty 400°F — this high heat is key for that perfectly golden exterior. While it warms up, line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking. No silicone mat? Parchment paper works like a charm too!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Spices

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. This quick step incorporates everything evenly and lets that comforting spice aroma start wafting already.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter into the bowl. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it forms coarse crumbs. This method ensures those pockets of buttery goodness we all love in a fresh fritter.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. These ingredients add richness and moisture, helping create a batter that’s soft but not runny — the perfect base for those juicy apple pieces later.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry bowls of crumbly goodness and fold everything together by hand. Stir until just combined — over-mixing can make the fritters tough, but a light hand guarantees tenderness every time. It’s okay if a few floury streaks remain.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples

Gently stir in the chopped apples until they’re evenly distributed. Choose apples with a bit of tartness for balance, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold their shape and bring juicy bursts to every bite of your Baked Apple Fritters.

Step 7: Drop Fritters onto the Baking Sheet

Using a 1/4 cup measure or a large spoon, scoop mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These rustic dollops will puff and spread in the oven, creating those signature fritter edges.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes. The bottoms should turn a gorgeous golden brown and the centers will feel set if you give them a gentle poke. Don’t worry if they look a bit pale on top — that’s where the glaze and broil come in!

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

While the fritters bake, whisk together confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. This sweet concoction creates the iconic crackly glaze and soaks gently into the hot fritters.

Step 10: Glaze and Broil

Once the fritters are out of the oven, move them to a wire rack and crank your oven to broil. Brush each fritter with a thin layer of glaze before popping them back under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes. This step caramelizes the tops, giving them an irresistible golden sheen.

Step 11: Finish with More Glaze

After broiling, immediately brush the warm fritters with the remaining glaze. The heat helps it seep in just enough, while still setting into that unmistakable sweet shell we all love in Baked Apple Fritters.

Step 12: Let the Glaze Harden, Then Enjoy

Patience pays off! Allow the glaze to cool and harden for a few minutes before serving. This little pause is just enough time to make a cup of tea or coffee — trust me, it’s absolutely worth the wait.

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters

Garnishes

For an extra-special presentation, dust your Baked Apple Fritters with a bit of extra cinnamon, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a delicate drizzle of honey. These easy finishes highlight the fritters’ rustic beauty and add just a touch more flavor to each bite.

Side Dishes

Baked Apple Fritters shine beside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a side of thick Greek yogurt. For breakfast or brunch, serve them with a hot mug of coffee or spiced chai — the flavors are a match made in heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to wow your guests, try stacking warm Baked Apple Fritters on a platter, layered with thin slices of fresh apple and a forkful of cinnamon whipped cream between each. Or serve individual fritters atop dessert plates with a swirl of glaze and a sprig of mint for a charming touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Apple Fritters will keep their flavor and texture for up to three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator, where the glaze will stay set and the apples won’t get mushy.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, Baked Apple Fritters freeze beautifully. Wrap cooled fritters tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. Be sure to separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating

For that just-baked taste, reheat thawed fritters in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or pop them in a toaster oven until warmed through. The glaze will soften slightly and the centers will regain their irresistible softness — almost as good as fresh from the oven!

FAQs

Can I use only all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! While the mix of all-purpose and white whole wheat flour adds a little extra nutrition and depth, using just all-purpose flour will still give lovely, tender Baked Apple Fritters.

Which apples are best for Baked Apple Fritters?

Look for firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These types hold up during baking and deliver a bright, juicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet glaze and spices.

Can the fritters be made without the glaze?

You can skip the glaze if you prefer something less sweet, but the classic finish is hard to resist. A simple dusting of powdered sugar is a lovely alternative if you want a lighter touch.

How do I prevent the fritters from spreading too much?

If your batter seems very wet, try adding a tablespoon or two more flour. Using cold butter and dropping the batter in tall mounds helps keep the classic rounded fritter shape during baking.

Are Baked Apple Fritters suitable for kids?

Most definitely! They’re not overly sweet, packed with real fruit, and much lighter than their fried cousins. Kids love helping with the mixing (and, of course, the glaze drizzling!)

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about sharing homemade Baked Apple Fritters with friends or family — the comforting aroma, the melty pockets of apple, and that perfectly sweet glaze are pure joy in every bite. Whether it’s for a special breakfast, a fall get-together, or simply because you want to treat yourself, I hope you’ll whip up a batch soon and experience their magic for yourself!

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