Looking for a cozy, homemade treat that fills your kitchen with the scent of warm cinnamon apples? These baked apple fritters with vanilla glaze are the perfect alternative to traditional fried versions. Golden, fluffy, and bursting with apple flavor, this easy dessert recipe skips the oil but keeps all the indulgence. Whether you serve them for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these fritters are a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Baked, not fried, for a lighter indulgence
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Made with budget-friendly pantry staples
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Kid-friendly and great for all ages
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Quick prep and fast bake time
Ingredients Breakdown:
For the Fritters:
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2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced – Adds natural sweetness and moisture
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Base for structure and softness
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1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps the fritters rise and stay fluffy
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Warm spice that complements the apples
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¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor
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½ cup sugar – Sweetens the batter
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2 large eggs – Binds and enriches the mixture
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and warmth
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½ cup milk – Creates a smooth, pourable batter
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness
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1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens flavor and prevents apple browning
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional) – Can thicken the glaze for a more opaque finish
For the Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar – Sweet base for the glaze
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1 tablespoon milk (more as needed) – Thins the glaze to desired consistency
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Flavor boost for the glaze
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Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness
Tips and Tricks:
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Use firm, crisp apples for the best texture.
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Avoid overmixing the batter to keep fritters soft and fluffy.
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Glaze while warm, not hot, to avoid melting it completely.
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Make extra glaze if you prefer a thicker coating.
Variations and Customizations:
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Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for crunch.
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Substitute apple pie spice for cinnamon to enhance the fall flavor.
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Mix in chocolate chips for a dessert-style twist.
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Combine with grated carrots or zucchini for added nutrition.
Pairing Suggestions:
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Serve with black coffee or chai tea for a comforting breakfast.
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Include on a brunch table with muffins, eggs, and fresh fruit.
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Pair with vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold dessert combo.
Storage Instructions:
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Freeze unglazed fritters in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to refresh texture.
Popular Questions:
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a softer texture but optional based on preference.
Can these be fried instead?
Yes, although baking is healthier and easier to clean up.
What apples are best for this recipe?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are excellent choices for both tartness and texture.