Fresh From the Oven: Irresistible Baked Apple Fritters for Your Sweet Tooth!

Photo byAngie Bright

When fall arrives, there’s nothing quite like the comforting scent of apples and spices wafting through the house. Baked apple fritters capture the essence of autumn with their crispy exterior, soft apple-filled interior, and warm, cinnamon-laced flavor. These fritters are a delightful treat, perfect for a cozy breakfast or a satisfying dessert. Unlike their fried counterparts, these fritters are baked, making them a lighter yet equally delicious option.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this baked apple fritters recipe is straightforward and rewarding. The combination of tender apples with a sweet, spiced glaze makes each bite an experience worth savoring. Serve them warm for the ultimate comforting indulgence, and you'll find that they disappear from the plate almost as quickly as you can make them!

The Magic of Homemade Apple Fritters

What sets these fritters apart is the balance between the flavors and textures. The apples bring a slight tartness that complements the sweetness of the glaze, while the spices add depth, making each bite reminiscent of fall spices and warm desserts. Plus, the fact that they are baked, not fried, means you can enjoy the crispy edges without the extra oil, making them a little lighter but still just as satisfying.

The key to achieving that perfect fritter texture is using cold butter in the dough, which creates a flaky, tender crumb. Meanwhile, the glaze, made with confectioner’s sugar and vanilla, seeps into every crevice of the warm fritters, adding a deliciously sweet finish.

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Fritters:

• 3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 Cup white whole wheat flour
• 1/2 Cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 Tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
• 1/2 Cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 Cup chopped apple

For the Glaze:

• 1 Cup confectioner’s sugar
• 2 Tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set it to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
2. Make the fritter dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
3. Add wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
4. Bake the fritters: Drop the dough by 1/4-cupfuls onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and the centers are set.
5. Prepare the glaze: While the fritters are baking, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Broil and glaze: Once the fritters are baked, remove them from the oven and place on a wire rack. Turn the oven to broil. Brush a thin layer of glaze over the top of each fritter and broil for 2-4 minutes, until the tops are golden and crisp. Be sure to watch them closely, as they can brown quickly.
7. Final touch: Brush the remaining glaze over the warm fritters. Allow the glaze to harden before serving.

A Warm and Sweet Finish

Once you've glazed your apple fritters, they become the perfect fall treat, with the sweetness of the apples, the warmth of the spices, and the satisfying crunch of the baked exterior. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee for breakfast or as a comforting dessert, these baked apple fritters will fill your home with a cozy autumn vibe. Every bite brings that irresistible combination of warm apples, rich spices, and a sweet vanilla glaze, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Recipe Sources:

• Sally's Baking Addiction (for general baked fritter inspiration and techniques)
• King Arthur Baking (for tips on baking with whole wheat flour)
• Taste of Home (for fritter glaze techniques and variations)