Warm and comforting, these Baked Apple Fritters are packed with chunks of juicy apple and sweet cinnamon, then finished with a light glaze. This recipe is a healthier twist on the classic deep-fried version, offering all the cozy flavors of fall in a guilt-free treat. Whether you're craving something sweet for breakfast or a delightful snack, these apple fritters will hit the spot.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup milk of choice
2 tablespoon melted coconut oil or butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups finely chopped apples (peeled or unpeeled)
Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk of choice
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a muffin tin or baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and optional nutmeg.
Stir in the applesauce, milk, coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the chopped apples.
Drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking surface, shaping into small mounds.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the tops are lightly golden.
While the fritters bake, whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
Let the fritters cool slightly before drizzling with glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10 fritters
Variations
For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and coconut oil instead of butter.
Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for some added crunch.
Experiment with other spices like ground ginger or cloves to bring in more fall flavors.
If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can adjust the powdered sugar in the glaze to taste.
Storage/Reheating
To store: Keep the fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat: Simply warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! I like using honeycrisp or granny smith apples for their balance of sweetness and tartness, but any variety will work. Just make sure the apples are firm enough to hold their shape when baked.
Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the fritters ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Just drizzle the glaze on before serving to keep them looking fresh.
Can I freeze these baked apple fritters?
Yes, these fritters freeze well! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container. Reheat them in the oven when you're ready to enjoy them.
Is there a way to make these apple fritters vegan?
Yes, to make these fritters vegan, simply use non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and coconut oil instead of butter. The recipe is already egg-free, making it easier to adapt.
Can I skip the glaze?
Of course! If you prefer a less sweet option, you can enjoy the fritters without the glaze. They're still delicious on their own or served with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Conclusion
These Baked Apple Fritters are the perfect fall treat that I always look forward to making. They're warm, comforting, and much lighter than the deep-fried variety, yet just as satisfying. The balance of cinnamon, apples, and that sweet glaze makes every bite worth savoring. Whether I’m having them as a snack or sharing them with friends, I’m always delighted by how simple and tasty they are!
Recipe:

Baked Apple Fritters
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 fritters
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Apple Fritters are a healthier twist on the classic deep-fried version, packed with chunks of juicy apple and sweet cinnamon, finished with a light glaze. A comforting fall treat that's quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup milk of choice
2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups finely chopped apples (peeled or unpeeled)
Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk of choice
¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a muffin tin or baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and optional nutmeg.
- Stir in the applesauce, milk, coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chopped apples.
- Drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking surface, shaping into small mounds.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the tops are lightly golden.
- While the fritters bake, whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Let the fritters cool slightly before drizzling with glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and coconut oil instead of butter.
Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for some added crunch.
Experiment with other spices like ground ginger or cloves to bring in more fall flavors.
If you prefer a sweeter glaze, adjust the powdered sugar in the glaze to taste.
To store: Keep the fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat: Microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg