🍎 Baked Apple Fritters – A Lighter Take on a Classic Favorite
If you love the cozy flavors of apple pie and the irresistible texture of donuts, but could do without the deep-frying and heavy oils, then Baked Apple Fritters are about to become your new favorite treat.
Golden on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside, and bursting with cinnamon-kissed apple flavor, these fritters deliver all the warmth and comfort of the classic version—without the grease. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or just because, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles (and second helpings).
🍏 Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Fritters
✅ Healthier, but just as satisfying:
No frying here! These are baked until beautifully golden and dusted with sweetness for a lighter indulgence.
✅ Full of fall flavor:
Chunks of fresh apple, warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla give these fritters an incredibly comforting taste.
✅ Quick & easy to make:
Just mix, scoop, bake, and enjoy—no frying mess, no fancy equipment needed.
✅ Versatile and shareable:
Perfect with coffee in the morning or dressed up with whipped cream for dessert.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Fritters:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (reduce to ½ cup if you prefer less sweet)
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based like almond or oat milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 cup finely chopped, peeled apples
(Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness) - Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
For the Coating:
-
½ cup crushed cornflakes
(or panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness) - 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, optional but heavenly
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Make the Fritter Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
Fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using). The batter will be thick and chunky—just the way we want it!
3. Form and Coat the Fritters
In a shallow dish, mix the crushed cornflakes, cinnamon, and optional sugar for coating.
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the coating mixture, gently pressing each fritter so the crushed coating sticks.
Transfer the coated fritters to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the fritters are puffed and lightly golden on top. They should be firm to the touch and slightly crisp on the outside.
Let cool slightly on a wire rack.
5. Finish & Serve
Dust with powdered sugar for that classic fritter look.
Serve warm as-is, or go big with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yes, please.
🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Baked Apple Fritters
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp so they hold their shape and add a slight bite.
- Finely chop apples to distribute the flavor and moisture evenly.
- Don’t overmix the batter—keep it just combined for a light texture.
- Make them mini! Use a small cookie scoop for bite-sized fritters perfect for brunch trays.
- Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or air fryer for a quick crispy refresh.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These fritters are perfect for…
- 🍂 Fall brunches with coffee or mulled cider
- 🍨 Dessert nights with ice cream and caramel drizzle
- 🍩 Breakfast on the go—they’re portable and mess-free
- 🧺 Picnics or potlucks—easy to share and no utensils needed!
🍏 Final Thoughts: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite
These Baked Apple Fritters are the perfect combination of wholesome and indulgent. With crisp edges, soft centers, and apple-cinnamon magic in every bite, they’re proof you don’t need a fryer to enjoy a timeless favorite.
Whether you make them for a lazy Sunday morning or a last-minute dessert, they’re bound to become a new go-to in your baking rotation. And trust me—once you see how quickly they disappear, you’ll be glad you made a double batch.
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