Warm, spiced, and glazed—your favorite fair treat made lighter and oven-baked!
🍎 Yield: 12–14 fritters
⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
⏲ Total Time: 30 minutes
🥧 Dietary Info: Vegetarian
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
For the Fritters:
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Milk
Unsalted butter, melted
Eggs
Apples, peeled, cored, and diced
For the Glaze:
Powdered sugar
Milk
Vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
Mix Batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined—don’t overmix.
Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples so they’re evenly spread throughout the batter.
Shape the Fritters
Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each for spreading.
Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Glaze
While the fritters bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract. Adjust consistency if needed.
Glaze the Fritters
Let fritters cool for a few minutes. Then dip each into the glaze and place back on the tray to set.
Enjoy!
Serve warm with a mug of tea, coffee, or apple cider.
🔎 Recipe Notes
Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture.
These are lighter than traditional fried fritters but still have that cozy flavor.
Want extra crisp? Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—just watch them carefully!
👣 Step-by-Step Guide
Mixing the Dough
The batter is thick, like a muffin mix. Avoid over-stirring after adding the wet ingredients to keep them fluffy.
Tip: If your apples are extra juicy, pat them dry before folding in.
Shaping the Fritters
Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to drop rustic mounds of batter on the tray. Imperfect shapes give them character!
Glazing
Dip warm fritters into the glaze and return to the parchment. The glaze will set slightly as they cool.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top while the glaze is wet for extra flair.
🍏 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk will work (almond, oat, etc.)
Butter: Sub with coconut oil or vegan butter for dairy-free version
Eggs: Replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water) for a vegan option
Spices: Add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for a twist
🥄 Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Variations
Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of raisins or dried cranberries
Use a maple glaze instead of vanilla for fall vibes
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert
Pair with hot cider or spiced chai for a cozy snack
Great addition to brunch spreads or holiday breakfasts
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days
Reheat: Microwave for 10–15 seconds to refresh
Make-Ahead: Prepare the batter ahead of time and chill for up to 12 hours; bake fresh in the morning
Freeze: Unbaked fritter batter can be frozen in scoops on a tray, then baked from frozen (add 2–3 minutes to baking time)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I fry these instead of baking?
A: This recipe is designed for baking, but you could try shallow frying in oil over medium heat. The texture will differ slightly.
Q: Can I use apple pie filling?
A: Fresh diced apples are best for texture and moisture control. Canned filling may make the batter too wet.
Q: Can I double the batch?
A: Yes, just use two baking trays and rotate halfway through baking.
📝 A Quick Note
I created this recipe as a less-messy way to enjoy one of my favorite fair foods without the oil and splatter. They’re the perfect weekend baking project—simple enough for a beginner, satisfying enough for everyone. I’d love to hear how you make them your own—try different fruits, mix-ins, or spices, and share in the comments!