If there’s any recipe bound to steal the show at your next brunch or cozy afternoon gathering, it’s the Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze Recipe. Imagine tender, cinnamon-kissed apple bites tucked inside soft, golden pillows of dough, all finished with a shimmering sweet-tart glaze that’s impossible to resist. These treats capture all the nostalgia of classic fritters but without any deep-frying fuss, making them a breeze to whip up for bakers of all levels. Hands down, this is one of those bakes you’ll come back to all apple season long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze Recipe is how each simple ingredient brings something special—whether it’s tender structure, a spicy note, or that glossy finishing touch. Here’s how they each shine:

Apples: Use firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a tart, crisp bite that holds up during baking.
All-purpose flour: This forms the base and gives the fritters just the right amount of lift and texture.
Baking powder: The secret to that irresistible, airy puff in every fritter.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and classic fall flavor that pairs beautifully with apples.
Ground nutmeg: Just a hint goes a long way toward making the flavor profile more complex and cozy.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps brown the fritters perfectly in the oven.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, pourable batter.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together for a tender, cohesive texture.
Vanilla extract: Offers a subtle, fragrant backdrop that rounds out the sweetness.
Powdered sugar: The main player in the silky glaze for that irresistible sweet finish.
Fresh lemon juice: Lends brightness and just enough tang to balance all the sweetness in the glaze.
Water: Adjusts the glaze consistency until it’s just right for drizzling.

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small, even-sized chunks. For an extra hit of flavor, toss them in a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar—think of this as the first step in layering that signature fritter warmth. Set the apples aside while you prepare the batter; their juices will meld deliciously with the spice mixture.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar. Taking the time to combine these thoroughly makes sure every bite gets the perfect blend of sweetness and spice, with that classic golden color throughout.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, crack in the egg, then pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and a little frothy—this creates an airy, cohesive batter once combined with the dry ingredients. The vanilla really elevates the whole flavor.

Step 4: Stir Everything Together

Pour the wet mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently to bring everything together, folding just until you no longer see dry flour patches. Now, add the diced apples and fold them in very carefully for a light and tender fritter—avoid overmixing to keep things fluffy.

Step 5: Bake the Fritters

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking. Drop generous spoonfuls of batter onto the sheet, leaving space for the fritters to puff up beautifully. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While your kitchen fills with that irresistible apple-cinnamon aroma, whisk together powdered sugar with lemon juice and a little water to create a silky-smooth glaze. You want a consistency that flows easily but still clings—adjust the water slowly so you don’t thin it out too much.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

After the fritters have cooled ever-so-slightly, drizzle the glaze generously over the tops. It should drape and set, adding a gorgeous sheen. Serve these beauties warm, when the apples inside are still meltingly tender and the glaze has just begun to set.

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

A little extra flourish goes a long way here. Try a dusting of cinnamon-sugar on top of the glaze, a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans, or even a few wisps of fresh lemon zest to tie back to the glaze. These touches heighten both the look and the flavors of your Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze Recipe.

Side Dishes

These fritters are right at home with a warm mug of spiced cider, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a dollop of thick, tangy Greek yogurt. Their sweet, gently tart profile makes a delightful pairing with hot drinks or creamy elements, perfect for any brunch or dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

You can really play up the homemade charm by serving fritters in a cute basket lined with parchment or napkins—great for passing around at cozy gatherings. For something a bit more elegant, stack them on a cake stand with cascading glaze and a few fresh apple slices as a centerpiece. However you present them, the Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze Recipe is guaranteed to draw happy oohs and aahs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra fritters (it’s rare, but it happens!), simply let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to three days. The glaze keeps them moist and flavorful, so they taste freshly baked even a day later.

Freezing

The Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze Recipe holds up beautifully to freezing. Wrap each fritter individually or separate layers with parchment paper and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature or overnight in the fridge for best results, and glaze after thawing if possible for maximum shine and freshness.

Reheating

To bring back that straight-from-the-oven warmth, pop leftover fritters in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about five minutes, or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. If you want to refresh the glaze, drizzle a bit more on after reheating for that signature sweet finish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in the Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their firmness and tart flavor, feel free to use any apple you love eating out of hand. Just make sure they’re crisp enough to hold their shape while baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

It sure is! Simply substitute a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the same amount as the regular flour. The result is still deliciously tender with just the right amount of chew.

Can I double or triple the Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze Recipe?

Yes! This recipe scales up beautifully, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer. Just use the provided ingredient scale and bake in batches if needed.

What’s the secret to keeping fritters tender and not dry?

Be gentle when folding the batter and avoid overmixing after adding the flour and apples. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a denser fritter. Using firm, juicy apples also ensures the fritters stay moist after baking.

How do I adjust the glaze to the perfect consistency?

Add the water to the powdered sugar and lemon juice mixture just a tiny bit at a time, whisking between additions. Stop when the glaze ribbons off the spoon and clings to the fritters—thin enough to drizzle but thick enough not to run right off.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a warm, fuss-free treat that highlights the best of apple season, this Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze Recipe is the answer. The unbeatable combination of tender apples, cozy spices, and glossy glaze is sure to win over anyone who tries them, so invite some friends, get baking, and enjoy every sticky-sweet bite!