Cozy Baked Apple Fritters with Warm Vanilla Glaze (No Frying Needed!)

If you’re craving a cozy winter treat that’s warm, fluffy, cinnamon-spiced, and glazed to perfection, these Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze are exactly what you need this season. They deliver everything people love about classic apple fritters—soft centers, crisp golden edges, and sweet vanilla glaze—without the mess or heaviness of frying.

This recipe is trending across Pinterest right now because users want lighter, easier, healthier holiday treats that still taste indulgent. And baked fritters win every time: less oil, less effort, and just as delicious. Perfect for December mornings, Christmas brunch, cozy weekend baking, or sweet winter desserts.

If you enjoy warm spiced baking, you may also love my Baked Apple Cider Donuts, my Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins, and my super soft Whipped Shortbread Cookies.

Why These Baked Apple Fritters Go Viral

No frying needed — cleaner, faster, and lighter than classic fritters.
Warm cinnamon-apple flavor that feels like December comfort in every bite.
Perfectly fluffy inside + golden edges thanks to oven baking.
Thick vanilla glaze that melts beautifully over warm fritters.
Pinterest-friendly visuals: shiny glaze, soft crumb, cozy winter mood.
Make-ahead friendly: store, reheat, glaze again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Fritters

1 cup diced apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but recommended)
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
⅓ cup sugar
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and dice apples into small cubes. Toss them with a touch of cinnamon.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk egg, sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
Combine: Fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Add apples.
Shape fritters: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the baking sheet, spacing them out.
Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden around the edges and puffed in the center.
Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm fritters.

Tip: For a bakery-style look, glaze once while warm, let set, then glaze again.

Serving Ideas

Serve warm with hot coffee or chai.
Add extra cinnamon sugar on top for crunch.
Dip in caramel sauce for a festive twist.
Pair with my Sweet Mashed Potatoes for a sweet brunch board.

Storage & Reheating

Store: 3 days in airtight container.
Reheat: 10 seconds in microwave or 2 minutes in air fryer.
Freeze: Up to 2 months (glaze after thawing).

FAQ

Can I air fry these apple fritters?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 6–7 minutes. They brown beautifully and stay soft inside.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes. A 1:1 gluten-free blend works perfectly for this recipe.

Can I double the batch?

Absolutely! These freeze and reheat very well, making them great for holiday prep.

Do they taste like fried fritters?

They’re lighter and fluffier but still deliver the warm cinnamon-apple flavor everyone loves.

Conclusion

These Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze are the perfect cozy treat for winter, delivering everything you love about classic fritters—but easier, lighter, and mess-free. Whether you’re cooking for Christmas brunch, a cozy Sunday morning, or a holiday dessert board, these baked fritters always impress.

If you’re collecting winter baking ideas, save this recipe along with my trending Gingerbread Brownies and Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log for more holiday inspiration.