The scent of cinnamon and apples always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She had a way of making even the simplest dishes feel like a celebration. Every fall, she’d whip up a batch of apple fritters – fried, of course. But I wanted to capture that same cozy feeling with a slightly healthier twist. That’s how these Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze were born! They’re crispy, sweet, and bursting with apple flavor – and surprisingly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Fritters
Forget the hassle of deep-frying. This recipe delivers all the comforting deliciousness of traditional apple fritters, but baked in the oven. Here’s why you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again:
- Healthier Than Fried: Baking reduces the fat content significantly without sacrificing flavor.
- Easy Cleanup: No splattering oil or greasy pans to scrub. Baking means a much simpler cleanup.
- Kid-Friendly: Apples and cinnamon are a winning combination with kids. They’ll love helping to peel and chop the apples!
- Perfect for Fall: These fritters are the ultimate autumn treat, ideal for weekend breakfasts, cozy afternoons, or festive gatherings.
- Seriously Delicious Glaze: The tangy-sweet glaze takes these fritters to the next level.
Ingredient List – Let’s Get Started!
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze:
For the Fritters:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well), peeled, cored, and diced into ½-inch pieces
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (start with 2, add more as needed)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions – Baking Perfection!
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps for perfectly golden Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze.
1. Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sugar. Make sure everything is nicely combined.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Mix the Batter:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are okay!
5. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to mash the apples.
6. Bake the Fritters:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown.
7. Cool Slightly:
Let the fritters cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. This helps them set up a bit.
8. Make the Glaze:
While the fritters are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. It should be pourable but not runny.
9. Glaze & Serve:
Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm fritters. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions – Get Creative!
Here are some extra tips, modifications, and serving ideas to elevate your Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze:
- Apple Choice: Different apples offer different textures and sweetness. Granny Smiths add a tartness, while Honeycrisp are sweeter and crisper. Feel free to experiment! A mix of apples works beautifully too.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of warmth.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: For a richer glaze, replace half of the powdered sugar with cream cheese (softened).
- Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to either the batter or the glaze for a bright, citrusy note.
- Serve with: These fritters are delicious on their own, but for an extra treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Make Ahead: The batter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the apples right before baking.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving – recipe makes 12 servings)
- Calories: ~280-320
- Fat: ~8-10g
- Saturated Fat: ~3-4g
- Cholesterol: ~20mg
- Sodium: ~200mg
- Carbohydrates: ~50-55g
- Sugar: ~25-30g
- Fiber: ~2-3g
- Protein: ~3-4g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Bringing Back the Warmth – Try This Recipe!
These Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze are more than just a dessert; they’re a way to reconnect with cherished memories and share a bit of comfort with loved ones. They’re wonderfully adaptable to your preferences, and I’m confident you’ll find them as irresistible as my grandmother’s original recipe. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the inviting aroma of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples. Happy Baking!
