Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze Recipe
Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze are a delightful treat that combines soft, baked dough with sweet, tender chunks of apple and a shiny, sugary glaze on top. Instead of frying,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze are a delightful treat that combines soft, baked dough with sweet, tender chunks of apple and a shiny, sugary glaze on top. Instead of frying, these fritters are baked, making them a little lighter but still super delicious. The warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make every bite feel cozy and perfect for any time of day.
I love making these fritters because they’re a bit easier and less messy than traditional fried ones, but you still get that lovely apple flavor and soft, doughy texture. The glaze is my favorite part—it adds just the right amount of sweetness and a little extra shine that makes the fritters look as good as they taste. Sometimes I even add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top after glazing for a little twist.
These baked apple fritters are perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as an afternoon snack. I like to serve them warm straight from the oven, so the glaze is still a bit gooey and the apples are nice and tender. They always bring a smile at family gatherings or when friends drop by, and they remind me of cozy fall mornings spent baking in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji because they hold their shape well and add a nice tartness. If you prefer sweeter fritters, try Honeycrisp or Gala instead.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the fritters structure and tenderness. For a gluten-free option, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth. You can adjust the amounts or swap nutmeg for ground ginger if you like a slightly different flavor.
Milk: Whole milk makes the batter richer, but you can substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or any dairy alternative to keep it lighter or dairy-free.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a lovely aroma and flavor. Pure vanilla extract is best, but imitation vanilla works fine too.
Glaze: The simple powdered sugar glaze is easy to make. You can add a little lemon juice for a tangy twist or use maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
How Do I Get Soft, Tender Fritters Without Frying?
Baked fritters need the right batter consistency and baking technique to stay soft like fried ones. Here’s what helps:
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stir until just combined to keep it tender.
- Fold in the apples gently so the batter stays fluffy and the fruit is evenly spread.
- Space the fritters well on the baking sheet. This lets hot air circulate and helps them brown nicely.
- Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes. Check for a golden color and use a toothpick to test doneness.
- Apply the glaze while fritters are warm to get a lovely, sticky finish.
These steps keep your baked fritters soft inside with a slight crisp outside—perfect with that sweet glaze on top!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – gives your fritters plenty of space to bake evenly and get a nice golden color.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – keeps the fritters from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet to mix everything neatly.
- Whisk – helps blend wet ingredients smoothly and mix the glaze without lumps.
- Spoon or ice cream scoop – perfect for dropping even-sized batter dollops onto the baking sheet.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts and best results.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch and a toasty flavor.
- Mix in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy, fruity surprise.
- Use diced pears instead of apples for a softer texture and sweeter taste.
- Stir in a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom with the cinnamon for a warm, spicy twist.
Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples, like Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust to get the right drizzle)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing and baking these apple fritters takes about 30 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes mixing the batter and shaping the fritters, about 15-18 minutes baking them, and a few minutes more to prepare and drizzle the glaze. It’s a quick recipe that’s perfect for a cozy treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Space:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to stop the fritters from sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk these together so the spices and leavening are evenly spread throughout the flour.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you are using melted butter to add richness, mix it in now.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined — don’t overmix! It’s okay for the batter to be a bit thick and lumpy.
5. Fold in the Apples:
Carefully fold the diced apples into the batter to spread them evenly without squishing them.
6. Shape and Bake:
Drop spoonfuls of the batter (about 2-3 inches apart) onto your prepared baking sheet. This will form round fritters about 2-3 inches wide. Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when poked in the center.
7. Make the Glaze:
While the fritters bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth, pourable glaze. Add a little more milk if needed to get the right thickness for drizzling.
8. Cool and Glaze:
Once done, let the fritters cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fritters so it melts slightly and adds a beautiful sweet finish.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm baked apple fritters fresh—perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Store leftovers in an airtight container once cooled.
Can I Use Frozen Apples Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that could make the batter too wet. Pat them dry with paper towels before folding them in.
Can I Make These Fritters Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the fritters and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes before glazing and serving.
How Should I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresher longer, refrigerate and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Can I Substitute the Milk?
Definitely! Use any milk you prefer, like almond, oat, or soy milk. Just keep in mind that dairy-free milks might slightly change the texture and flavor but the fritters will still be delicious.