These baked apple fritters are the perfect fall dessert, combining all the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples in one easy-to-make treat. The fluffy, tender dough is filled with chopped honey crisp apples and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, making these fritters an irresistible combination of crispy and soft textures. Baking them in the oven keeps them light and gives you all the flavor without the extra oil from frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these baked apple fritters because they’re easy to make, lighter than traditional fried fritters, and bursting with fresh apple and warm spice flavors. The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg gives these fritters a delicious warmth, while the tender apples add a natural sweetness and juiciness. The vanilla glaze on top adds just the right amount of sweetness and texture, making these fritters the perfect cozy treat for fall.
Perfect Occasion
These baked apple fritters are perfect for any fall gathering, weekend brunch, or as a comforting dessert on a chilly evening. They’re great for serving alongside coffee or tea, and they travel well, making them ideal for taking to potlucks or family events. Their quick baking time also makes them a great last-minute treat when you’re craving something warm and sweet.
Decoration Tips
To enhance the presentation, sprinkle the fritters with a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg before serving. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a richer flavor. For a more rustic look, serve the fritters on a wooden platter or in a basket lined with parchment paper. If you want to add a touch of indulgence, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients:
For the Fritters:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 5 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 5 tbsp cold butter (cubed)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 cup chopped honey crisp apples
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. - Add the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it forms a coarse, crumbly texture. - Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together. Add the chopped apples and fold them into the batter until just combined. - Shape the Fritters:
Scoop about ¼ cup of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each fritter as they will spread during baking. - Bake the Fritters:
Bake the fritters in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. While the fritters are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. - Glaze and Broil:
Once the fritters are baked, remove them from the oven and switch the oven to broil. Brush a thin layer of glaze over each fritter and place them back in the oven under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the glaze starts to bubble and set. - Finish with More Glaze:
Remove the fritters from the oven and brush on more glaze for an extra sweet finish. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your warm, baked apple fritters with a delicious glaze!