Baked Apple Fritters
Introduction
Baked apple fritters are the lighter, easier, no-fry version of the classic fair treat. They have all the warm cinnamon-apple flavor, a soft cake-like texture, and a golden top without needing oil or a fryer. This recipe gives you a cozy, comforting dessert or breakfast that comes together in minutes and fills your kitchen with a sweet autumn aroma. Perfect for busy days, quick cravings, or sharing with people who love simple, homemade baking.
Ingredients
Chopped apples, peeled, 2 cups
All-purpose flour, 1 cup
Granulated sugar, 1/3 cup
Baking powder, 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon
Salt, 1/4 teaspoon
Milk, 1/2 cup
Egg, 1
Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir gently until combined.
Fold the chopped apples into the batter.
Scoop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, forming fritter shapes.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
Optional: Brush with a bit of melted butter and dust with cinnamon sugar while warm.
Methods
Use freshly peeled apples to ensure tenderness.
Do not overmix the batter, or the fritters may become dense.
For more structure, refrigerate the batter for 10 minutes before baking.
Let fritters cool slightly on a rack so they stay crisp on the edges.
History
Apple fritters date back hundreds of years, appearing in old European cookbooks where fruit-filled doughs were fried over open hearths. As they spread across cultures, different versions emerged, from crispy fried rings to soft dough pockets. The baked version became popular in modern home kitchens as a simpler and healthier alternative to the fried street-fair classic. Today, baked apple fritters are loved for being quick, cozy, and family-friendly.
Benefits
Lighter than fried fritters because they are baked
Quick to prepare with simple ingredients
Good source of fiber from apples
Warm, comforting flavor ideal for breakfast or dessert
Kid-friendly and easy to customize
Formation
The batter forms a soft dough that gently spreads as it bakes. The apples release moisture, creating a tender interior while the oven heat sets the outer surface for a light golden crust. The balance of milk, egg, and flour gives the fritters their soft, cake-like structure.
Nutrition (Approximate per fritter, depending on size)
Calories: 90 to 120
Carbohydrates: 18 to 22 g
Protein: 2 to 3 g
Fat: 1 to 3 g
Fiber: 1 to 2 g
Sugars: 8 to 12 g
Conclusion
These baked apple fritters are everything you want from a quick homemade treat: warm, soft, lightly sweet, and bursting with apples and cinnamon. They require no oil, no frying, and almost no cleanup. Perfect for mornings, snacks, or cozy nights when you want something comforting fast.
Lovers
These fritters are loved by anyone who enjoys apple desserts, warm fall flavors, simple baking, or healthier comfort food. They are ideal for families, kids, and anyone wanting a quick homemade treat that tastes nostalgic and satisfying.