Homemade Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
There’s a particular aroma that signals the cosy season is truly upon us: the scent of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. It’s a smell that wraps around you like a warm blanket. For years, I adored the idea of apple fritters but shied away from the fuss and mess of deep-frying. That’s when I set out to create a baked version that captures all the soul-warming flavour without the vat of hot oil. This baked apple fritters recipe is the delicious result of that mission.
What we have here is a tender, cake-like fritter, studded with juicy pieces of apple and fragrant with spice. They’re soft on the inside with slightly crisp golden edges, all finished with a simple, sweet vanilla glaze that seeps into every nook. I used to struggle with getting baked goods to have that satisfying texture until I discovered the technique of using both grated and diced apple. It’s a small change that makes a world of difference, giving you moisture and distinct apple chunks in every bite.
This is the kind of recipe that works beautifully for a lazy weekend breakfast, an after-school treat for the kids, or a simple dessert when you have friends over for a cuppa. It’s straightforward to make and the results are consistently wonderful. Everyone seems to love these, and the sweet smell that fills the house while they bake is half the pleasure.
Recipe Overview
This recipe delivers soft, flavourful apple fritters with a tender crumb, all made on a single baking sheet. The flavour is dominated by sweet, slightly tart apples, warmly spiced with cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg, and finished with a simple vanilla glaze. I found during testing that letting the batter rest for just five minutes before baking gives them a noticeably better rise and a fluffier texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 fritters
- Difficulty: Easy
Why You’ll Love This Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
- Genuine Flavour: The taste is pure and authentic. You get the distinct sweet-tartness from the fresh apple pieces, which soften beautifully in the oven, complemented by the warmth of cinnamon and a whisper of nutmeg, without any greasy aftertaste.
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: This apple recipe is wonderfully efficient. From gathering your ingredients to pulling a tray of golden fritters from the oven, the whole process takes about half an hour.
- Flexible Recipe: Feel free to make it your own. You can swap the cinnamon for a mixed spice blend, add a handful of chopped walnuts for crunch, or use pears instead of apples for a different autumnal twist.
- Great for Casual Gatherings: This baked dessert is ideal when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. They are lovely for a brunch, a bake sale, or simply as a treat with your afternoon tea.
- Family Tested: My children absolutely adore these, often snatching them from the cooling rack while the glaze is still setting. They’re a staple in our home as soon as the first autumn leaves begin to fall.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, the type of apple you choose makes a difference. I prefer a firm, tart variety like Bramley or Granny Smith, as they hold their shape and provide a lovely contrast to the sweet batter. You can learn more about the rich history of apples and their cultivation to see just how many varieties there are to choose from!
- For the Fritters:
- 250g plain flour
- 75g caster sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large free-range egg
- 120ml whole milk
- 60g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium baking apples (approx. 300g), peeled, cored and chopped
- For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 150g icing sugar, sifted
- 2-3 tbsp whole milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Kira’s Tip: For the best texture, I dice one apple into small 1cm cubes and grate the other one. The diced pieces provide lovely juicy chunks, while the grated apple melts into the batter, ensuring it stays beautifully moist.
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
The process for this baked dessert is very straightforward. The key is to mix the batter gently to ensure the fritters stay light and airy. We’re not making bread here, so a light touch is all that’s needed.
- Preheat and Prepare: First things first, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Line a large baking sheet with baking parchment to prevent any sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, caster sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing them now ensures the spices are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl or a jug, whisk the egg, milk, cooled melted butter, and vanilla extract until they are well combined.
- Create the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Fold in the Apples: Gently fold your prepared diced and grated apples into the batter until they are evenly incorporated.
- Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for 5 minutes. What works best for me is using this time to clear away the mixing bowls. This short rest allows the baking powder to activate, resulting in a fluffier fritter.
- Scoop and Bake: Using two spoons or a medium ice cream scoop, drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the batter onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 5cm of space between each one for them to spread. You should get about 12 fritters.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fritters are puffed up, golden brown around the edges, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack and let the fritters cool for about 5-10 minutes. They need to be warm, but not piping hot, for the glaze.
- Prepare and Apply the Glaze: While the fritters are cooling, whisk the sifted icing sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. If it’s too thick, add the remaining milk, a little at a time. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fritters. Let it set for a few minutes before serving.
Tips From My Kitchen
- Oven Temperature is Key: Make sure your oven is fully preheated. If the oven is too cool, the fritters won’t rise properly and can become dense. An oven thermometer is a great tool to ensure accuracy.
- The Secret to a Fluffy Texture: I learned that the biggest enemy of a tender fritter is overmixing. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir only until you no longer see dry streaks of flour. This prevents too much gluten from developing.
- Make-Ahead Help: You can prepare the dry ingredient mix and store it in an airtight container for a few days. You can also peel and chop the apples an hour or so in advance; just toss them with a squeeze of lemon juice to stop them from browning.
- Storing Your Fritters: These are best enjoyed on the day they are made. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften them up again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: It’s tempting to squeeze them all on, but leaving ample space (at least 5cm) between fritters is crucial. This allows hot air to circulate freely, baking them evenly and helping the edges get a little crisp. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of bake.
- Using a “Wet” Apple: Some apple varieties contain more water than others. If your chopped apples seem particularly juicy, give them a quick pat with a paper towel before adding them to the batter. Excess moisture can make the fritters a bit gummy inside.
- Glazing When Too Hot: If you drizzle the glaze onto the fritters the moment they leave the oven, it will melt and run straight off. Letting them cool for 5-10 minutes allows them to firm up and provides the perfect warm surface for the glaze to cling to and set nicely.
What to Serve With Baked Apple Fritters
While these are absolutely delightful on their own, a few simple accompaniments can make this apple recipe even more of a treat. They are a wonderful, light follow-up to a savoury meal like my Flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe.
- A Scoop of Ice Cream: A scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream melting alongside a warm fritter is a classic pairing for a reason. Salted caramel ice cream also works wonderfully.
- A Dollop of Cream: For a true British touch, serve with a generous dollop of clotted cream or a spoonful of thick Greek yoghurt to cut through the sweetness.
- A Hot Drink: These are the ideal companion to a strong cup of tea or a milky coffee. The simple, warming flavours are just right for a relaxed afternoon break.
Frequently Asked Questions
Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat and Prepare: First things first, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Line a large baking sheet with baking parchment to prevent any sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, caster sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing them now ensures the spices are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl or a jug, whisk the egg, milk, cooled melted butter, and vanilla extract until they are well combined.
- Create the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Fold in the Apples: Gently fold your prepared diced and grated apples into the batter until they are evenly incorporated.
- Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for 5 minutes. What works best for me is using this time to clear away the mixing bowls. This short rest allows the baking powder to activate, resulting in a fluffier fritter.
- Scoop and Bake: Using two spoons or a medium ice cream scoop, drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the batter onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 5cm of space between each one for them to spread. You should get about 12 fritters.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fritters are puffed up, golden brown around the edges, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack and let the fritters cool for about 5-10 minutes. They need to be warm, but not piping hot, for the glaze.
- Prepare and Apply the Glaze: While the fritters are cooling, whisk the sifted icing sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. If it's too thick, add the remaining milk, a little at a time. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fritters. Let it set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
I really hope this Baked Apple Fritters Recipe brings a little bit of joy and warmth into your kitchen. It’s a simple, honest bake that relies on good ingredients and a little bit of love. If you give them a try, I would be so pleased to hear how they turned out for you. Please leave a comment below and let me know! Happy baking.
-Kira
