Warm Baked Apple Fritters (Big, Cozy Recipe)

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These warm baked apple fritters are everything you love about classic apple fritters—soft on the inside, golden on the outside, packed with tender apples and cinnamon—without deep-frying. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert, they fill your kitchen with an irresistible autumn aroma and taste amazing fresh from the oven.

Ingredients

For the Apple Fritters

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
    (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating (Optional but Amazing)

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Optional Vanilla Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 190°C / 375°F
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk:

  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract

Step 4: Combine

  • Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients
  • Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix)
  • Fold in the diced apples

Step 5: Shape the Fritters

  • Scoop about ¼ cup batter per fritter onto the baking sheet
  • Keep them rustic and slightly mounded (fritters aren’t meant to be perfect)

Step 6: Bake

  • Bake for 14–18 minutes, or until golden and set
  • Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra golden tops (watch closely)

Finishing Touches

Cinnamon Sugar Style

  1. Brush warm fritters with melted butter
  2. Roll or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar

OR

Glazed Style

  1. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth
  2. Drizzle over warm fritters

History & Inspiration

Apple fritters originated in European farmhouse kitchens, where cooks used seasonal apples in simple batters. Traditionally fried, modern baked versions keep the comforting flavor while being lighter and easier for home kitchens—perfect for everyday baking.

Benefits

  • Baked, not fried = lighter and less greasy
  • Apples provide fiber and natural sweetness
  • Perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack
  • Freezer-friendly and kid-approved

Storage & Reheating

  • Store at room temperature for 1 day
  • Refrigerate up to 4 days
  • Reheat in the oven at 160°C / 325°F for 5–7 minutes
  • Avoid microwaving if you want a crisp exterior

Why Everyone Loves Them

  • Soft, fluffy inside with juicy apple bits
  • Warm cinnamon flavor
  • No deep fryer needed
  • Cozy, bakery-style treat at home

Conclusion

These warm baked apple fritters are the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—simple, comforting, and full of homemade charm. Serve them warm with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk, and enjoy that first soft, cinnamon-apple bite

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