Description

These cozy baked apple fritters are a nostalgic pioneer-style dessert, featuring tender apple chunks, warm spices, and a golden cake-like texture—all oven-baked for less mess and guilt. Perfect for fall gatherings, brunches, or a comforting homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (plus more for sprinkling)
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup (80ml) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
1/2 cup (120ml) milk (whole, almond, or oat milk)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp brown sugar
3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk (for glaze)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

Peel, core, and dice apples into 1/2-inch chunks. Toss with lemon juice and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a muffin tin.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs. Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until just combined; batter will be thick and lumpy.
Drain excess liquid from apples, then fold apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
Drop large spoonfuls (about 1/4 cup each) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart, or fill muffin tin cups 2/3 full. Sprinkle tops with extra cinnamon.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, until golden brown and springy to the touch. If using a muffin tin, check at 18 minutes.
Remove fritters from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool for at least 10 minutes.
For the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Drizzle over warm fritters or dust with powdered sugar if preferred.

Notes

Use firm, tart apples for best texture. For gluten-free, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Batter can be chilled for 10 minutes if too loose. Fritters are forgiving—adjust milk or flour if batter consistency is off. Serve warm for best flavor; leftovers reheat well. Glaze while fritters are slightly warm for a shiny finish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fritter
Calories: 170
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 180
Fat: 5
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 2
Protein: 3

Keywords: baked apple fritters, pioneer dessert, fall recipe, easy apple fritters, oven baked, apple dessert, brunch, homemade fritters, autumn baking