Baked Apple Fritters (Oven-Baked, Soft Inside & Golden Outside)
If you love classic apple fritters but want a lighter, oven-baked version, this recipe is perfect. These Baked Apple Fritters are soft, fluffy, packed with cinnamon-spiced apples, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. No frying, no mess—just bakery-style flavor at home.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled & finely diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup melted butter (unsalted)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1 Prepare the Apples
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples soften slightly and become glossy. Remove from heat and let cool.
2 Make the Batter
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix gently until just combined.
Fold in the cooled apple mixture (don’t overmix).
3 Shape & Bake
Using a spoon or ice-cream scoop, drop mounds of batter onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each fritter.
Bake for 14–16 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
Optional bakery finish: Broil for 1–2 minutes to get a golden top (watch closely).
4 Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle glaze over warm fritters and let set for 10 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Chop apples small so they bake evenly
- Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps fritters fluffy
- Serve warm for best texture and flavor
Serving Ideas
- Perfect with coffee or tea
- Great breakfast treat or dessert
- Store in airtight container up to 2 days