Description
These baked apple fritters are soft, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon-spiced apples. Unlike traditional deep-fried fritters, this healthier, no-fry version delivers all the delicious flavors with a golden, slightly crisp exterior. Drizzled with a simple vanilla or apple cider glaze, they make a perfect breakfast, dessert, or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 1 ½ cups apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg (or 1 flax egg for vegan option)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy alternative)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons apple cider or milk
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel and chop the apples into small cubes.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, brown sugar, applesauce, vanilla, and milk until well combined.
4️⃣ Combine: Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined (do not overmix). Fold in the chopped apples.
5️⃣ Shape & Bake: Using an ice cream scoop, drop small mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.
6️⃣ Make the Glaze: While fritters bake, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and apple cider (or milk) until smooth.
7️⃣ Glaze & Serve: Drizzle warm fritters with glaze and let it set for a few minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a crispier finish, place the fritters under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after glazing.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for later.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes to restore crispness.
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg and use dairy-free milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 185 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Baked apple fritters, apple fritter recipe, easy baked apple fritters, homemade apple fritters, healthy apple fritters, apple cinnamon fritters