Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze are a sweet and cozy treat that’s perfect for any time you’re craving a little something special. These fritters have tender chunks of apple baked right into light, fluffy dough and topped with a shiny, sweet glaze that just melts in your mouth. They have that perfect balance of soft inside with a slightly crispy outside that makes them so irresistible.
I love making these fritters when the apples are at their best—there’s something about the warm apple flavors combined with cinnamon and a simple sugar glaze that just feels like a hug in dessert form. One of my favorite things to do is to use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a little flavor pop. Plus, baking them instead of frying keeps things a bit lighter but still super tasty.
These fritters are great for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as a snack any time of day. I often find myself sneaking one (or two) when they’re fresh and warm from the oven. If you want to make them extra special, try adding a little vanilla or a pinch of nutmeg to the mix. Trust me, once you try them, these baked apple fritters will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, but mixing in sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp adds a nice balance. If fresh apples aren’t available, frozen chopped apples (thawed and drained) work too.
Buttermilk: This makes the fritters tender and slightly tangy. No buttermilk? Use regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice added, let it sit 5 minutes before using.
Flour and Leavening: All-purpose flour keeps the fritters light but firm. Baking powder and baking soda work together to ensure they rise nicely and aren’t dense.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Cinnamon is essential for that warm apple-spice flavor. Nutmeg is optional but adds a gentle depth. You can skip or replace nutmeg with ground ginger for a different twist.
Glaze Ingredients: Simple powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla create a smooth glaze that softly sweetens the fritters. For a dairy-free option, try almond milk or oat milk.
How Can I Get Fluffy and Light Baked Fritters Instead of Dense?
The key to light fritters lies in careful mixing and correct baking. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten and makes fritters tough.
- Fold in chopped apples and melted butter gently to keep the batter airy but well combined.
- Use fresh baking powder and baking soda to ensure the fritters rise properly.
- Drop the batter into rounded spoonfuls spaced evenly on the baking sheet for consistent baking.
- Bake at a high temperature (425°F) so fritters get golden quickly but stay tender inside.
- Cool briefly on the pan before transferring to a rack, which helps them firm up without sogginess.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat – I prefer it because it keeps the fritters from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls – a large one for the dry ingredients and a medium one for the wet makes preparing everything simple.
- Whisk – helps combine ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – makes portioning the batter quick and even, ensuring all fritters cook uniformly.
- Cooling rack – helps the fritters cool evenly and keeps their crispy edges intact.
- Small bowl for mixing glaze – keeps your glaze handy for drizzling at the end.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or diced peaches for a different fruity flavor that pairs well with cinnamon.
- Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the batter to give a spicy kick.
- Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Top with shredded coconut or sprinkle some coarse sugar over the glaze for added crunch and sweetness.
Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or a mix)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp milk (add more for desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. Plus, allow a few minutes for glazing and cooling before serving. Overall, you’ll be enjoying warm apple fritters in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, then lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. This ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Mix together until smooth.
4. Make the Batter:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. The batter will be thick—avoid overmixing to keep the fritters tender.
5. Add Apples and Butter:
Fold the finely chopped apples and melted butter into the batter gently until they’re evenly spread. Take care not to overmix.
6. Shape and Bake the Fritters:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of batter onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between fritters so they bake evenly.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fritters turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Make the Glaze:
While the fritters bake, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Adjust with a little more milk if the glaze is too thick—it should be drizzle-friendly.
8. Cool and Glaze:
Once baked, let the fritters cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters for a sweet, glossy finish.
Enjoy your delicious, warm apple fritters with the perfect vanilla glaze — a cozy treat for any time of day!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Fritters?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw and drain frozen apples well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the batter too wet.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using — it mimics the tangy acidity of buttermilk perfectly.
How Should I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to refresh their crispiness.
Can I Make These Fritters Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the batter in advance and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a gentle stir before baking. For best texture, bake and glaze the fritters fresh when ready to serve.
