Warm Baked Apple Fritters

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15–18 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 10–12 fritters

Difficulty Level: Easy–Moderate

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Introduction

Craving something warm, sweet, and slightly spiced to go with your morning coffee or afternoon tea? These Warm Baked Apple Fritters are the ultimate comfort treat. Unlike their deep-fried cousins, these fritters are oven-baked, making them a slightly healthier but equally indulgent alternative. Packed with juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg, these fritters come together easily and make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing.

Whether you’re serving them fresh from the oven or warming them up for a cozy midnight snack, these fritters strike the perfect balance between rustic and refined. Best of all? You don’t need any special equipment—just a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a love for sweet homemade goodies.

Let’s get started.

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Ingredients

For the Apple Fritters:

• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 2 large eggs

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup packed brown sugar

• ⅓ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

Optional Add-ins:

• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for a nutty crunch)

• 2 tablespoons raisins or chopped dates

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

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Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Peel, core, and dice your apples into small chunks (about ¼ to ½ inch pieces). You want them small enough to soften during baking but still retain some bite.

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Step 2: Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside. These spices will give your fritters that signature warm, aromatic flavor.

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Step 3: Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined and slightly frothy (about 1–2 minutes).

Add in the sour cream, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix until everything is smooth.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Do not overmix—the batter should be thick and just moistened.

Once combined, gently fold in the diced apples and any optional add-ins like nuts or raisins. The batter should be dense and lumpy—this is perfect.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, drop mounds of batter (about 2–3 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each fritter to allow for spreading.

For a rustic look, don’t worry about making them perfectly round. A little unevenness adds to the charm.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended)

While the fritters are baking, prepare your glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (start with 2 tablespoons), vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon if using. Adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more milk (for thinner glaze) or more sugar (for thicker glaze).

Once the fritters are out of the oven, let them cool for 5–10 minutes on a wire rack.

Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fritters using a spoon or piping bag. Allow a few minutes for the glaze to set—or don’t, and dig in while they’re gooey and warm!

Serving Suggestions

These warm baked apple fritters are best served fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.

Pair them with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert

• A mug of chai or hot coffee for breakfast

• A dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel for an extra-special treat

They also make a beautiful fall or holiday brunch addition.

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Tips & Variations

• Apple Choice: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a firmer texture or sweet apples like Fuji or Gala for a softer, sweeter bite.

• Healthier Version: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reduce the sugar slightly.

• Make It Vegan: Use flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 6 tbsp water), non-dairy milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free yogurt.

• Add a Crunch: For a crispier top, brush the fritters lightly with melted butter and sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.

Nutrition Facts (Per Fritter, without glaze):

Note: Nutrition will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size. Adding glaze or extra toppings will increase sugar and calories.