Craving that classic fairground treat but not the deep-fried guilt? These Easy Baked Apple Fritters with Cinnamon and Vanilla Glaze bring all the cozy, spiced flavor you love—without the mess of frying. Golden and tender, with warm chunks of apple in every bite and a drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze, they’re the perfect way to enjoy a bakery favorite right from your oven.
Unlike traditional fritters that require hot oil and constant attention, these baked beauties are simple, fuss-free, and oven-friendly, making them ideal for weekday baking, weekend brunch, or sharing with friends over coffee. The dough comes together quickly, the apples stay juicy and flavorful, and the cinnamon-sugar combo makes your kitchen smell like a dream. Drizzle on that vanilla glaze while they’re still warm, and you’ve got a treat that’s rustic, satisfying, and totally irresistible.
Ingredients
For the fritters:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Step-by-Step How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
4. Fold in Apples and Flour
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped apples. The batter will be thick and chunky—don’t worry, that’s perfect.
5. Scoop and Bake
Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can use a cookie scoop or two spoons to shape rough rounds.
Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool on a wire rack while you make the glaze.
6. Glaze and Enjoy
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon, if using. Drizzle generously over warm fritters and let set for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Baked Apple Fritters
- Use crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter—you want tender, fluffy fritters, not dense ones.
- Scoop evenly for consistent baking—aim for about 2 heaping tablespoons per fritter.
- Drizzle glaze while warm so it slightly melts into the fritters.
- Double the batch if you’re baking for a crowd—they disappear fast!
Customization Ideas
- Caramel Apple Fritters: Drizzle with warm caramel instead of glaze for a decadent twist.
- Apple-Pear Blend: Mix in half chopped pear for an extra juicy filling.
- Brighten It Up: Add lemon zest to the batter or glaze for a citrusy kick.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- Mini Muffin Fritters: Bake the batter in mini muffin tins for portable fritter bites.
These Easy Baked Apple Fritters bring all the magic of fall baking into one cozy, bite-sized treat. They’re warm, spiced, tender in the center, and finished with a simple vanilla glaze that’s just the right touch of sweetness. Best of all, they skip the mess and hassle of deep frying—no oil splatters, no stovetop hovering—just mix, scoop, and bake. They’re ideal for lazy mornings, spontaneous baking sessions, or anytime you want something sweet that tastes like it came straight from a bakery display case. The chunks of apple provide a fresh, juicy burst in every bite, and the golden edges offer just the right contrast of crispiness.
If you love the flavor of apple fritters but not the frying process, this recipe is your new go-to. It gives you all the spice, crunch, and soft apple goodness with a healthier, easier twist. And since it comes together in less than 30 minutes, it’s just as satisfying for a quick weekday treat as it is for a special weekend brunch. So grab those apples, warm up your oven, and treat yourself to a batch of Easy Baked Apple Fritters with Cinnamon and Vanilla Glaze. They’re soft, sweet, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like fall—no fryer required.
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