Cozy Baked Apple Fritters
Capture the cozy feeling of fall with these easy baked apple fritters! Bursting with tender apple and cinnamon, these cakey fritters are baked, not fried, for a quick and simple treat. Perfect for sharing or enjoying warm with a sweet glaze.
Equipment
- Sturdy baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Large mixing bowl
- Separate bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Large spoon or ice cream scoop
- Small bowl
Ingredients
For the Fritters
- 2 large apples peeled, cored, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk for glaze
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for glaze
Instructions
- Step 1: Get the Oven Ready. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Step 2: Whisk the Dry Stuff. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs. Stir in milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until combined.
- Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until no dry flour streaks remain. Do not overmix.
- Step 5: Fold in the Apples. Add chopped apples to the batter. Use the spatula to gently fold them in, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Step 6: Scoop onto the Sheet. Use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to drop portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each.
- Step 7: Bake! Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 8: Make the Glaze. While the fritters are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk or powdered sugar if needed.
- Step 9: Cool (a Little!). Remove fritters from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Step 10: Drizzle that Glaze! Generously drizzle or pipe the glaze over each warm fritter.
- Step 11: Let the Glaze Set & Enjoy! Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Substitutions & Additions: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ground ginger. Substitute some apple with chopped pears or firm peaches. Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips. For gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. For dairy-free, use non-dairy milk and plant-based butter. For maple glaze, swap milk in the glaze for maple syrup.
Tips for Success: Do not overmix the batter. Chop apples evenly (1/4 to 1/2 inch). Ensure oven is fully preheated. Cool fritters for 5 minutes before glazing. Use a scoop for uniform size.
Storage: Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently. Freeze baked, unglazed fritters for up to 2-3 months, thaw, and glaze before serving.
Tips for Success: Do not overmix the batter. Chop apples evenly (1/4 to 1/2 inch). Ensure oven is fully preheated. Cool fritters for 5 minutes before glazing. Use a scoop for uniform size.
Storage: Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently. Freeze baked, unglazed fritters for up to 2-3 months, thaw, and glaze before serving.