Baked Cinnamon Apple Fritters — The Cozy, No-Fry Fall Treat You’ll Love 🍩

If the smell of warm cinnamon apples makes you think of fall mornings, cozy kitchens, and homemade comfort, then these Baked Cinnamon Apple Fritters are about to become your new favorite dessert.

Unlike traditional apple fritters that are deep-fried, this version is baked to golden perfection, giving you all the delicious flavor and texture without the oil or mess. Lightly crisp on the outside, soft and tender inside, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze — these fritters are irresistible from the very first bite!

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 🍨

🍎 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Baked, not fried – All the flavor, none of the guilt.
✅ Simple pantry ingredients – You probably have everything you need right now.
✅ Delicious apple flavor – Fresh apple chunks and warm cinnamon spice in every bite.
✅ Perfect texture – Fluffy inside, golden and slightly crisp outside.
✅ Easy cleanup – No oil, no splatter, just one bowl and a baking sheet.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Apple Fritters

1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup finely chopped apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)

For the Vanilla Glaze

¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
This creates the warm, fragrant base of your fritters.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Form the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined — overmixing can make your fritters tough. The batter should be thick.

Gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Portion and Bake

Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You should get 8–10 fritters.

Bake for 13–16 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Let the fritters cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Adjust the milk until you reach your desired drizzling consistency.

Drizzle the glaze over warm fritters and let it set for a few minutes before serving.

🍩 Serving Suggestions

Enjoy them warm with a drizzle of glaze and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Serve with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Pair with chai latte, apple cider, or hot coffee for the perfect cozy snack.
For a brunch platter, serve alongside muffins, scones, or cinnamon rolls.

🍏 Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Fritters

Use tart apples (like Granny Smith) for the best sweet-tart balance.
Don’t overmix the batter – it should be just combined.
Finely chop the apples – this ensures they cook evenly in the oven.
Bake immediately after mixing – the leavening activates quickly.
Add glaze while warm – it will set beautifully and soak into the fritter slightly.

🍯 Variations

Apple Cinnamon Sugar Fritters: Skip the glaze and toss warm fritters in cinnamon sugar.
Maple Glaze: Replace milk in the glaze with maple syrup for a fall-inspired twist.
Caramel Apple Fritters: Drizzle warm caramel sauce instead of vanilla glaze.
Baked Apple Donut Holes: Bake the batter in a mini muffin pan for donut-style bites.

🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe bag (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ What apples work best for fritters?

Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady work best. They hold their shape during baking and balance the sweetness perfectly.

❓ Can I make these fritters without the glaze?

Yes! They’re still delicious plain, or you can dust them with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar instead.

❓ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix, and you’ll get great results.

❓ Do these taste like fried apple fritters?

They have the same comforting flavor of cinnamon and apples but are lighter and less greasy since they’re baked. The texture is soft and cakey rather than crispy.

❓ Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake on two trays. Rotate trays halfway through baking for even cooking.

❓ How can I make them more indulgent?

Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving for a bakery-style finish.

🍎 The Final Bite

These Baked Cinnamon Apple Fritters bring everything you love about fall — the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apples, and the comfort of home baking — all without frying. They’re simple, satisfying, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to get one.

Whether you make them for a lazy weekend brunch, a school bake sale, or just because you’re craving something cozy, this recipe is a keeper. 🍂✨