Description
Baked Cinnamon Apple Fritters are a lighter take on the classic bakery favorite, delivering all the comforting flavors of traditional apple fritters without deep frying. These tender, fluffy pastries are filled with juicy apple pieces, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, then finished with a sweet vanilla glaze that hardens into a delicate crackly coating.
Ingredients
🍏 For the Apple Fritters
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala)
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
🍯 For the Vanilla Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
✨ Optional Toppings
- Extra cinnamon sugar
- Chopped toasted pecans
- Caramel drizzle
- Powdered sugar
- Finely diced apples
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla
- Melted butter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
Mix until just combined.
Do not overmix.
Step 4: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in:
- Diced apples
- Brown sugar
The batter will be thick.
Step 5: Shape the Fritters
Drop about ¼ cup of batter onto the prepared baking sheet for each fritter.
Leave space between each one.
They should have a rustic, uneven shape.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the fritters are lightly golden and cooked through.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
Whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla
until smooth.
Brush or spoon the glaze generously over the warm fritters.
For a shiny bakery-style finish, place the glazed fritters under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes.
Serve warm.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the fritters light.
- Dice the apples into small, even pieces for consistent baking.
- Glaze while the fritters are still warm for the best finish.
- Watch carefully if broiling, as the glaze can brown quickly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 4g