Baked Apple Fritters — Soft Bakery-Style Treat

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These baked apple fritters are fluffy on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and filled with warm cinnamon-spiced apples. All the cozy flavor of a classic apple fritter, but baked instead of fried—easy, comforting, and perfect with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

For the fritters

  • 1 cup apples, peeled and diced small (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional glaze (bakery-style finish)

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and dicing them into small cubes. Set aside.
  3. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Whisk wet ingredients in a separate bowl: egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed. Do not overmix—the batter should be thick.
  6. Fold in the apples evenly throughout the batter.
  7. Scoop the batter (about 1/4 cup per fritter) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
  8. Bake for 14–18 minutes, or until puffed and lightly golden.
  9. Optional broil step: For a more bakery-style look, broil for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden on top. Watch closely.

Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended)

  1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Drizzle glaze over warm fritters.
  3. Let set for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Fritters

  • Dice apples small so they soften perfectly while baking
  • Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps fritters light and fluffy
  • Add nutmeg or apple pie spice for extra warmth
  • Best enjoyed warm, but they reheat well in the oven or air fryer

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No frying, no mess
  • Soft, fluffy bakery texture
  • Simple pantry ingredients
  • Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snack

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