Baked Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze
These Baked Apple Fritters are soft, fluffy, and filled with tender pieces of fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, they’re a delicious homemade treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Servings: 10–12 fritters
Ingredients
For the Apple Fritters
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅔ cup milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
For the Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Combine the Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
Gently fold in the diced apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Avoid overmixing.
5. Shape the Fritters
Drop generous spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each fritter. Gently shape them into rustic, uneven rounds.
6. Bake
Bake for approximately 18–22 minutes, or until the fritters are lightly golden and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
While the fritters are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Add a little more milk if needed to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
8. Glaze and Serve
Allow the fritters to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm fritters and let it set slightly before serving.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store cooled fritters in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze completely cooled, unglazed fritters in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before glazing.
To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes. You can also microwave individual fritters for 10–15 seconds, although they will be softer.
Helpful Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work beautifully because they hold their shape and provide a delicious sweet-tart flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to keep the fritters soft and fluffy.
- Cut Apples Evenly: Small, evenly diced apple pieces bake more consistently.
- Glaze While Warm: Drizzle the glaze over slightly warm fritters for a delicious finish.
- Add Extra Flavor: A little lemon zest or chopped pecans makes a lovely addition.
- Serve Fresh: These baked apple fritters taste best warm, when the apples are tender and the vanilla glaze is slightly set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes! You can replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the fritters may have a slightly denser texture.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the fritters shortly after mixing the batter so the baking powder works properly. You can prepare the wet and dry ingredients separately ahead of time.
How do I prevent the fritters from sticking?
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep the fritters from sticking to the baking sheet.
Can I freeze baked apple fritters?
Yes! Let them cool completely, freeze them without glaze, and store in a freezer-safe container. Reheat and add the glaze before serving.
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Diced pears or peaches can be delicious alternatives to apples.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend designed to replace all-purpose flour.
How do I know when the fritters are done?
They should be lightly golden and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Why are my fritters dense?
Overmixing the batter can develop too much gluten and make the fritters dense. Mix gently until the ingredients are just combined.
Enjoy these soft, cinnamon-spiced Baked Apple Fritters with a sweet vanilla glaze!
