Baked Apple Fritters—doesn’t that just sound like a warm hug on a chilly day? I’m a sucker for anything with apples, especially once fall rolls around and everything starts to smell like cinnamon and spice. These baked apple fritters are my way of bringing those cozy bakery vibes into my own kitchen without the hassle of frying. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love a good deep-fried doughnut, but on most mornings, I’d rather keep things simple (and slightly healthier). Plus, the oven does all the heavy lifting for us here!

I’ll be honest, the first time I tried making apple fritters at home, I was a little skeptical about skipping the frying step. But trust me, these bake up golden, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet. And the apples—oh, the apples! Soft, juicy, and cinnamon-spiced perfection. It’s like biting into autumn with every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Fritters

• No frying mess: Your kitchen stays clean, and no greasy smell lingers all day.
• Loaded with apples: The more apples, the better, right?
• Baked but still crispy: Thanks to a little trick with the oven, you get that nice crisp on the outside without the deep-fryer.

Let’s talk about the glaze

I’ve always felt that the glaze is the cherry on top of any fritter situation. It’s sweet, shiny, and makes the whole thing feel indulgent. But if you’re not into glaze (we can still be friends), these fritters are just as good with a dusting of powdered sugar. Or both—I won’t judge

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar – Just enough to sweeten the dough but not too much since the apples and glaze will handle that.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder – This is where the magic happens for fluffiness.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Because apples and cinnamon are best friends, obviously.
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – Optional but recommended for a little extra warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup milk – I use whole milk for richness, but any milk will do.
• 2 large eggs – They help bind everything together and make the dough light.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Adds a touch of richness.
• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced – Use a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. You want them to hold their shape while baking.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Because a little vanilla makes everything better.

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk – Enough to thin the glaze to your desired consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Or go wild and try almond extract if you want to change things up.

Let’s make these fritters!

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