Introduction
Craving that apple fritter flavor without the mess and oil of deep frying? These Warm Baked Apple Fritters are the perfect solution. Tender, cake-like rounds are packed with fresh apples, cozy spices, and finished with a simple vanilla glaze. They bake up in under 20 minutes and are perfect for fall baking, family brunch, or as a sweet snack any time of year. Best of all? No frying required.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Baked, not fried – easier and lighter
- Loaded with apples and warm spices
- Fast and fuss-free – from bowl to oven in under 15 minutes
- Glazed with sweet vanilla icing for classic fritter flavor
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1½ cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Apples: Use firm, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for best texture.
- Milk: Any dairy or plant-based milk works.
- Glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or maple extract for extra fall flavor.
- Add-ins: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or a handful of raisins for texture.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter.
4. Make the Batter
- Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
5. Shape and Bake
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the baking sheet, shaping into small mounds.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Glaze and Cool
- While fritters bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
- Let fritters cool slightly, then drizzle or dip in glaze.
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter—gentle folding keeps the fritters light.
- Line your baking sheet to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Let the fritters cool a few minutes before glazing so it doesn’t melt off.
- Store unglazed fritters to preserve texture, and glaze just before serving if making ahead.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve warm with coffee, apple cider, or chai tea.
- Pair with vanilla yogurt or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream.
- Great for brunch spreads, fall potlucks, or school lunch treats.
Storage & Leftovers
- Store glazed fritters in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days.
- Unglazed fritters can be stored for up to 4 days, then reheated and glazed before serving.
- Freeze unglazed fritters for up to 1 month. Thaw and warm before glazing.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Love cozy, sweet bakes? Try these next:
- These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat in Bite-Sized Form
- These Old School No-Bake Cookies Never Fail Me (and I’ve Made Them 100 Times)
- This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat
- The Easter Cookies Everyone Will Be Talking About and Asking the Recipe For
- These Copycat Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies Are My Secret Weapon Dessert
Final Thoughts
These Warm Baked Apple Fritters bring all the flavor of a classic fritter—without the frying. With cozy spice, tender apple bits, and a sweet vanilla glaze, they’re the kind of treat that tastes like a hug. Simple to make, easy to love, and perfect for sharing.
Tried them? Let us know how they turned out—and follow for more cozy, comforting bakes made easy.
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