Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

There’s just something downright magical about biting into a batch of Baked Apple Fritters: all the cozy cinnamon-apple nostalgia, but none of the mess (or guilt!) of deep frying. This easy, oven-baked twist on a classic brings tender apple-studded bites wrapped in golden dough, drizzled with sweet vanilla glaze—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime your cravings call out for comfort.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Baked Apple Fritters rely on a handful of kitchen staples that deliver big comfort and flavor. Each ingredient has a special role—creating those soft, cinnamony pockets and the magical vanilla-scented icing on top.

• Refrigerated flaky biscuits (8 count): The unsung hero! These shortcut biscuits puff up beautifully and give you that classic fritter texture without the elbow grease.
• Chopped apple (about 1 cup): Choose a sweet-tart apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for bright flavor and perfect texture that doesn’t get mushy.
• Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Helps caramelize the fritters as they bake and brings out the natural sweetness of the apples.
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Warm and fragrant, cinnamon is the heartbeat of classic apple fritters.
• Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Drizzled over before baking, it adds richness and toasty flavor.
• Confectioners’ sugar (1¼ cups): The star of the simple glaze—smooth and sweet with the lightest touch.
• Vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to make the glaze heavenly.
• Water (3-6 teaspoons): Adjust as needed for a pourable, glossy glaze that covers every nook and cranny.

Variations

These Baked Apple Fritters are endlessly adaptable—feel free to mix things up to match what’s in your kitchen, or cater to special diets and occasions.

• Try a different fruit: Swap in chopped pear, peaches, or even blueberries for an equally delicious twist on the original.
• Go nutty: A handful of toasted pecans or walnuts mixed in will add satisfying crunch and a buttery flavor.
• Make them dairy-free: Use plant-based butter in place of regular, and your favorite non-dairy biscuits and milk for the glaze.
• Warm spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to amp up the cozy spice notes.

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup (and stress-free fritter removal). This step lets you focus on assembling while the oven gets nice and hot.

Step 2: Cut and Toss the Dough

Pop open your tube of refrigerated biscuits and cut each one into 10 small pieces—bite-sized is best so every fritter is loaded with soft apple pockets. Toss the biscuit pieces into a large bowl.

Step 3: Add Apples & Spices

Sprinkle in your chopped apples, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Give everything a gentle stir until the fruit and dough are evenly coated in fragrant cinnamon-sugar. This is where the magic starts!

Step 4: Shape and Drizzle

Scoop out ¼ cup portions of the doughy apple mixture onto the parchment, using your hands or a scoop. Lightly press and pat each mound into a thick fritter shape (about 3 inches wide), leaving a little space between each. Drizzle the melted butter over the top—don’t skip this part for irresistible flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 14–17 minutes, or until the fritters are a gorgeous golden brown and cooked through. The hardest part? Resisting the urge to steal one hot from the pan!

Step 6: Whisk and Drizzle the Glaze

As the fritters bake, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and 3 teaspoons of water. Add a little more water as needed until your glaze is glossy and runny enough to drizzle. When the fritters are slightly cooled, spoon glaze over each, letting it drip deliciously into every crook and cranny. Allow to set for a few minutes before serving (if you can wait!).

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters

Garnishes

For extra panache, shower your Baked Apple Fritters with a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving, or sprinkle on a touch of extra cinnamon. A tiny drizzle of caramel sauce can turn them into a true bakery treat!

Side Dishes

Serve your fritters alongside hot coffee or spiced tea for brunch, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They also pair beautifully with a big bowl of fruit salad or creamy Greek yogurt for an unbeatable breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the fritters on a pretty cake stand and letting the glaze drip down for an eye-catching centerpiece. For parties, skewer mini fritters on cocktail picks, or box them up with a ribbon as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Baked Apple Fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or pop them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh a little longer—just bring them to room temp before serving for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unglazed fritters for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat before glazing and serving. The glaze may get a little sticky if frozen, so it’s best to add just before enjoying for that “just-made” look and taste.

Reheating

To revive leftover fritters, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, or zap briefly in the microwave until just warmed through. A fresh drizzle of glaze perks them up and brings back that bakery-fresh magic.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a fritter fanatic or just discovering the joy of baked breakfast treats, these Baked Apple Fritters are bound to win you over. Cozy, simple, and utterly irresistible, they’ll fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and happy smiles—so go ahead, give them a try and share a little homemade magic with everyone you love!

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