- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
For the Vanilla Glaze (Optional but Recommended):
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or plant-based milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. Gently fold in diced apples.
💡 Don’t overmix—a few lumps are fine! Overmixing = tough fritters.
3. Scoop & Bake
Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon to drop mounds of batter onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart (they’ll spread slightly).
Bake for 12–14 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Roll in Cinnamon-Sugar
While fritters bake, mix ½ cup sugar + 1½ tsp cinnamon in a shallow dish. Place melted butter in another.
As soon as fritters come out of the oven, brush lightly with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon-sugar while still warm. Place back on the baking sheet.
5. Drizzle with Glaze (Optional)
Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm fritters. Let set 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Baked Fritters
- Dice apples small (pea-sized)—large chunks sink or make fritters soggy.
- Pat apples dry—excess moisture = dense fritters.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—airflow ensures even browning.
- Serve warm—they’re best fresh from the oven!
- Make ahead: Bake fritters, freeze, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Add glaze fresh.
Delicious Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 GF flour blend + ½ tsp xanthan gum
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for oil, buttermilk for almond milk + vinegar
- Pumpkin Spice: Add 2 tbsp pumpkin puree + ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Caramel Apple: Drizzle with warmed caramel sauce instead of glaze
- Savory-Sweet: Add a pinch of black pepper or cardamom to the batter
Serving Suggestions
- Brunch star: Serve with coffee or apple cider
- After-school treat: Pack in lunchboxes (skip glaze if preferred)
- Fall dessert: Top with vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans
- Holiday breakfast: Arrange on a platter with other baked goods
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?
A: Not recommended—it adds too much moisture and changes the texture.
Q: Why are my fritters dry?
A: Likely overbaked or too much flour. Measure flour with the “spoon & level” method.
Q: Can I air fry them?
A: Yes! Spray with oil and air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: How long do they keep?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Final Thoughts: Fall Flavor, Simplified
Baked Apple Fritters prove that you don’t need a fryer to capture the soul of a classic. With their tender crumb, spiced apples, and sweet cinnamon crunch, they deliver all the nostalgia of a fall fair—without the grease or cleanup.
So grab those apples, preheat your oven, and bake a batch that’ll have everyone asking, “You made these at home?!”
Made these and fell in love? I’d love to hear your twist—did you go gluten-free? Drizzle with caramel? Share your autumnal success in the comments below—or tag me on social. And if you know someone who thinks fritters = frying, send them this recipe. You might just change their mind (and their breakfast game)! 🍎🍁🍩✨
