Name: Baked Apple Fritters
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp salt; 2 large apples (peeled and chopped); 1 tbsp lemon juice; ½ cup milk; 2 large eggs; 2 tbsp melted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup powdered sugar

My grandma’s fried apple fritters were legendary. But let’s be honest—standing over a pot of hot oil while dodging splatters isn’t exactly my idea of a relaxing morning. Enter these Baked Apple Fritters: all the cozy flavors of cinnamon-kissed apples and pillowy dough, minus the greasy mess. The first time I made them, my kids devoured the entire batch before I could even snap a photo. Now, they’re a Sunday morning staple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No frying required (bye-bye, oil burns!).
Ready in 30 minutes (faster than a coffee shop line).
Kid-approved (even the picky eater who hates “chunky” apples).
Smells like fall (cinnamon + apples = instant hygge).

Golden-brown apple fritters with a crispy texture, drizzled with a sweet glaze, stacked on parchment paper.

What You’ll Need

(Pantry staples + a few fridge heroes.)

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat for extra fiber)
½ cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier swap)
2 tsp baking powder (the secret to fluffy fritters)
1 tsp cinnamon (non-negotiable for cozy vibes)
¼ tsp salt (balances the sweetness)
2 large apples (Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness)
½ cup milk (any kind works—even oat milk!)
2 large eggs (room temperature = better rise)
2 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
1 tsp vanilla extract (the flavor fairy godmother)
¼ cup powdered sugar (for that snowy finish)
1 tbsp lemon juice (keeps apples from looking sad)

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters

(No chef skills required!)

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pro tip: Skip the parchment and grease the pan with butter for extra crispness.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Pretend you’re a wizard mixing a potion.

Step 3: Toss Apples

Peel and chop apples into small cubes. Toss with lemon juice in a separate bowl. This step is kid-friendly—let them “massage” the apples!

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. No need to be gentle—whisk like you mean it.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Fold in apples. Lumps are okay—overmixing = hockey pucks.

Step 6: Scoop & Bake

Drop ¼-cup mounds of batter onto the baking sheet. Rustic shapes = charm. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden.

Step 7: Dust & Devour

Let cool 5 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar. Optional: Drizzle with caramel while no one’s looking.

More Relative Recipes:

Two apple fritters with a crunchy, caramelized crust and a glossy glaze, placed on parchment paper with apples in the background.

Healthy Variations

Guilt-Free Twists

Whole wheat flour: Adds fiber without sacrificing fluff.
Sugar-free: Use mashed bananas or applesauce instead of sugar.
Vegan: Swap eggs for flax eggs and use plant-based milk/butter.

Fun Variations

Fritter Fiesta

Caramel Drizzle: Melt caramel candies with a splash of cream.
Cranberry Bliss: Add ½ cup dried cranberries to the batter.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts.

Tips for the Best Fritters

Use cold butter: For extra flakiness, grate frozen butter into the dry mix.
Don’t overbake: They firm up as they cool!
Freeze for later: Reheat in the toaster oven for a quick treat.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes! Use a 1:1 GF blend.

Why are my fritters dense?

You overmixed the batter. Embrace the lumps!

Can I add chocolate?

Always. Toss in ½ cup chocolate chips.

Why These Beat Fried Fritters

I’ll admit it: I miss the sizzle of fried dough. But these baked fritters? They’re softer, lighter, and won’t leave your kitchen smelling like a fast-food joint. Plus, they’re toddler-approved—my 3-year-old calls them “apple clouds.”

The Time I Burned Them (And Still Loved Them)

True story: I once got distracted by TikTok and baked these for 25 minutes. They came out looking like charcoal briquettes. But guess what? Dipped in coffee, they were still delicious. Moral: Even “failures” taste good.

A stack of homemade apple fritters with a crispy golden crust and a thick glaze, served on a wooden board with fresh apples and a jar of glaze in the background.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Apple Fritters are the ultimate cozy hack. They’re breakfast, dessert, and a midnight snack all in one. Make a double batch—they vanish faster than you’d think. And if you nail the recipe? Tag me on Instagram. I live for crumb-covered photos.