Apple Fritters

Baked apple fritters are the kind of thing I can bring out for fall brunches, weekend breakfasts, or Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert table without overthinking it. They’re quick to make, store well, and always work as a snack. I like knowing I can make them ahead so they’re ready whenever I need them. There’s a cozy, familiar feel to them that always earns a spot at the table.

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings:

Calories: 364kcal

Author: Mandy Applegate

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Fritters:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 large apples cored and diced
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
¼ cup unsalted butter melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
In a separate large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
2 large eggs, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet, stirring just until combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
2 large apples
Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter (or use an ice cream scoop) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Cool fritters slightly on a wire rack, then drizzle with glaze while still warm. Serve fresh and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Preheat for Even Baking: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F before you begin baking so the fritters cook evenly.
Choose the Best Apples: Go for firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith so they hold their shape while baking. Gala apples also work well if you prefer a sweeter, milder flavor; just make sure they’re firm enough to hold their shape in the oven.
Consistent Apple Size: Dice the apples evenly to maintain uniform texture and avoid soggy pockets. Whether you peel them or not, using a spoonful of batter for each fritter works best when the apples are all chopped the same size.
Don't Overmix the Batter: Stir just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can make the fritters tough and dense, more like heavy donuts than a soft-baked treat.
Check for Doneness: Always check the cooking time; fritters are ready when a toothpick comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
Balance the Sweetness: If your apples are especially sweet, add a small splash of lemon juice. Its tartness can be a great addition, helping balance the flavor and keep the fritters from tasting too sugary with the simple glaze.
Skip the Deep or Air Fryer: Unlike traditional deep frying in a Dutch oven or heavy pot, baking requires no slotted spoon, candy thermometer, or paper towels to catch excess oil.
Cinnamon-Sugar Option: For a doughnut-style twist, skip the glaze and roll the warm fritters in cinnamon-sugar. If you're using this method, whole milk in the batter gives them a slightly richer, more classic finish.

Nutrition

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