For the Fritters:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or avocado oil for dairy-free)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups finely diced apples (peeled or unpeeled—your choice!)
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
🌿 Gluten-free? Swap flour for a 1:1 GF blend.
🥛 Dairy-free? Use plant-based milk and oil instead of butter.
🕒 Step-by-Step Instructions (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
1. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk:
→ flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt
3. Add Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk:
→ egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla
Pour into dry ingredients and stir just until combined (don’t overmix!).
4. Fold in Appices
Gently stir in diced apples until evenly distributed. Batter will be thick—like muffin batter.
5. Scoop & Bake
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop 6–8 large mounds onto the baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Glaze While Warm
Let cool 5 minutes, then dip tops into vanilla glaze (mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth).
Let set 10 minutes—or enjoy immediately for that melty, gooey effect!
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Fritters
- Dice apples small (¼-inch pieces)—large chunks sink or create holes
- Pat apples dry with a towel to prevent soggy batter
- Don’t overbake! They should be soft in the center—like a cake donut
- Double the glaze if you love extra sweetness (we won’t judge!)
- Serve warm—they’re at their best within 2 hours of baking
🍂 Serving Suggestions: Make It a Full Fall Experience!
❤️ Make-ahead tip: Bake plain fritters, freeze unglazed, then thaw and glaze fresh!
❓ Common Questions
Can I use canned apples?
Fresh is best for texture—but unsweetened applesauce (½ cup) can replace some of the wet ingredients if needed (reduce milk slightly).
Why bake instead of fry?
Baking eliminates hot oil, reduces calories by ~30%, and is safer and easier for home cooks—without sacrificing flavor.
How long do they keep?
Best eaten day-of. Store leftovers (unglazed) airtight at room temp 2 days or freeze up to 1 month.
🍁 Final Thought: Fall Comfort, Simplified
In a season full of elaborate pies and pumpkin spice everything, sometimes the simplest treats bring the most joy.
These baked apple fritters are homemade warmth in edible form—easy enough for a Tuesday, special enough for Sunday guests, and delicious enough to disappear in minutes.
So grab those apples, dust off your mixing bowl, and treat yourself to the taste of fall—without the fryer.
🍎 Your kitchen. Your cozy. One warm fritter at a time.
Loved this easy fall recipe?
👉 Pin it for your autumn baking board
👉 Share it with a fellow apple lover
👉 Comment below: Team glazed or team cinnamon-sugar?
Prep: 10 min | Bake: 20 min | Total: 30 min | Makes 6–8 fritters
