Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze are a delightful treat that combines the warm, soft sweetness of baked apples with a light, fluffy dough. These fritters have a lovely crisp outside and tender inside, all topped off with a shiny, sweet glaze that makes each bite extra special. They’re a cozy snack that feels like a hug on a plate.
I love making these fritters when I want something a little special but not too complicated. Baking instead of frying means they’re lighter, and I don’t have to worry about oil splatters. Plus, the aroma of cinnamon and fresh apples baking in the oven always fills my kitchen with the perfect fall feeling—it’s like a little moment of comfort every time.
My favorite way to enjoy these fritters is warm, right out of the oven, with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re great for breakfast, a snack, or even a simple dessert. If you want to make them a bit fancier, you can sprinkle some extra cinnamon sugar on top before glazing. Believe me, everyone who tries them asks for the recipe!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I like using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they stay firm and add a nice tartness. If you don’t have these, Fuji or Gala apples also work well.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk keeps the fritters tender and gives a subtle tang. No buttermilk? Use regular milk with 1 tsp lemon juice added and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount or add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra depth.
Vanilla Extract: This small addition brightens the batter and the glaze. If you don’t have vanilla, a little almond extract can be a nice twist.
How Do I Make Sure the Fritters Bake Evenly and Stay Soft?
Getting the perfect texture is all about batter mixing and oven care:
- Mix gently: Combine wet and dry ingredients just until they come together. Overmixing can make fritters tough.
- Chop apples finely: Smaller pieces distribute better and bake through instead of staying crunchy.
- Space fritters well: Leave about 2 inches between each to let hot air circulate so they brown evenly.
- Rotate the pan: Halfway through baking, rotate the pan to avoid one side getting too dark.
- Don’t overbake: Start checking at 12 minutes. They should be golden and a toothpick should come out clean but still have some moisture for softness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – You’ll need one large bowl for dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients; I like using glass bowls because they’re sturdy and easy to clean.
- Whisk – keeps your batter smooth without lumps, making sure everything mixes evenly.
- Ice cream scoop or spoon – helps drop uniform mounds of batter onto the baking sheet for even baking.
- Wire rack – good for cooling the fritters and letting excess glaze drip off without mess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or chopped peaches to add a different fruity flavor; they all bake beautifully and add sweetness.
- Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and nuttiness—you can add these to the batter or sprinkle on top before baking.
- Incorporate a teaspoon of ground ginger or pumpkin pie spice into the batter for a warm, cozy fall flavor.
- Instead of plain glaze, top with a caramel sauce or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the baking pan
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to bake. Plus, allow 5 minutes for cooling before glazing. So, altogether, you’ll spend about 30-35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and lightly grease it to keep your fritters from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. Avoid overmixing to keep your fritters tender.
5. Add the Apples:
Fold in the finely chopped apples evenly so each fritter has a nice sweet bite.
6. Shape and Bake:
Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to drop mounds of batter onto your prepared baking sheet. Keep them about 2 inches apart because they’ll spread a bit. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
7. Make the Glaze:
While the fritters bake, mix powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir until smooth and slightly runny. Add more milk slowly if it’s too thick.
8. Cool and Glaze:
Let the baked fritters cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters so it sets beautifully.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy these delicious baked apple fritters warm alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea. They have a soft apple center with a spiced, sweet batter and a shiny vanilla glaze on top. Yum!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Fritters?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent the batter from becoming too watery.
Can I Substitute Buttermilk in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 3/4 cup of regular milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic the tangy acidity of buttermilk.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I Make These Fritters Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the batter and chop the apples a few hours in advance, then keep it covered in the fridge. Bake and glaze just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.
