While the traditional version is fried to golden perfection, this baked Old Fashioned Apple Fritters recipe offers a lighter twist without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. As someone who enjoys a nostalgic treat with a slightly modern, health-conscious approach, I find this baked version to be a winner.
1. Old Fashioned Apple Fritters Recipe ( Baked )
Ingredients
For the Fritters
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons applesauce (unsweetened works best)
- 2 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced
For the Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in milk and applesauce until combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the diced apples gently to avoid overmixing.
Scoop and Shape: Drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each fritter—they’ll spread a little.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 14–18 minutes or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Glaze Time: While the fritters are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the fritters are done and slightly cooled (about 5–10 minutes), dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it generously over them.
2. Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Apple Fritters
Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith adds a lovely tartness that balances the sweet glaze, while Honeycrisp brings a juicy crunch. I personally love the slightly tangy kick of Granny Smith in a warm fritter.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can make the fritters tough instead of tender.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly-sized fritters, a cookie scoop ensures uniformity and even baking.
Let the Glaze Set: After glazing, let the fritters sit for a few minutes. This allows the glaze to firm up slightly for that classic, crackly finish.
Add a Pinch of Nutmeg (Optional): If you’re a spice lover like me, a tiny pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavor beautifully.
3. How to Store & Reheat Leftover Apple Fritters
Once you’ve enjoyed these warm, baked apple fritters fresh from the oven, you may find yourself with a few leftovers. No worries—they store wonderfully!
Storing: Place the cooled fritters in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to allow them to cool completely before sealing them away to preserve their texture.
Reheating: To bring back the warmth and crispness of the fritters, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes. This will heat them through and crisp up the exterior again. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat them in the microwave, but the texture won’t be quite as crispy.
If you’re like me and don’t want the extra hassle of frying, the baked version is such a win. The subtle sweetness from the apples and glaze paired with the cinnamon-spiced batter creates a comforting dessert that’s not too heavy.
Plus, the fact that they bake instead of frying means you can enjoy them more often without the guilt. And, trust me, the glaze takes these fritters to a whole new level—it’s the cherry on top!
For me, these baked Old Fashioned Apple Fritters are more than just a treat—they’re a small, delicious connection to tradition, made a little easier and a bit more wholesome.
