Description

These baked apple fritters are a delightful twist on the classic fried treat, offering a lighter, oven-baked option with tender, cinnamon-spiced apple bits wrapped in a soft, buttery dough. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, they make a perfect breakfast or dessert that’s easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp finely grated fresh nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold, cubed
2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, finely chopped
2 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Glaze

2 cups (228 g) confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup (or more) milk
Pinch of kosher salt

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Dry Ingredients: Arrange racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and freshly grated nutmeg until well combined.
Incorporate Butter and Apples: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until you have pea-sized pieces, tossing occasionally to keep the butter coated. Add the finely chopped Granny Smith apples and toss to combine evenly.
Mix Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the flour and apple blend, mixing until a lumpy and sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Scoop Batter onto Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a 1/4-cup measuring cup or a large cookie scoop, drop the batter onto the sheets, spacing fritters about 3 inches apart. Aim for about seven fritters per sheet.
Bake the Fritters: Place the baking sheets in the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the sheets from top to bottom halfway through to ensure even baking. The fritters are done when the tops are slightly golden and the edges feel firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for 5 minutes.
Cool Completely on Wire Rack: Transfer the fritters to a wire rack and allow them to cool fully before glazing.
Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, stir together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and a pinch of kosher salt. Adjust the glaze by adding more milk one teaspoon at a time until the consistency is thin enough to run off a spoon easily, perfect for dipping.
Glaze the Fritters: While the fritters are still warm, dip the tops into the glaze and return them to the wire rack. Let the glaze harden for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firmness, which hold up well during baking.
Make sure the butter is cold so that the fritters have a tender, flaky texture.
If you want a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add milk gradually.
Store fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for best freshness.
These fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can be warmed briefly in the oven before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked apple fritters, apple dessert, cinnamon fritters, baked fritters, easy apple recipes, breakfast fritters