I’m always on the hunt for desserts that taste indulgent without the fuss, and these Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Fritters hit all the right notes.
There’s something magical about the aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? Unlike traditional fritters, these baked beauties skip the deep-fryer but keep all the flavor.
Want to know my secret to getting that perfect balance of tender apples and crunchy edges? The trick lies in both the preparation and a special ingredient most cooks overlook.
Why You’ll Love these Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Fritters
Three reasons you’ll love these cinnamon-spiced baked apple fritters: they’re healthier than traditional fried versions, incredibly easy to make, and fill your home with the most amazing aroma.
I’m talking about warm, tender bites of apple-studded goodness that won’t leave you with that heavy, greasy feeling.
Can you imagine pulling these from the oven, watching the glaze melt perfectly over each golden mound? The muffin tin method makes portion control a breeze, too.
Plus, those Granny Smith apples add just the right tartness to balance the sweet glaze. Wholesome comfort in every bite, without the deep-fryer mess.
What Ingredients are in Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Fritters?
These baked apple fritters require just a handful of pantry staples plus fresh apples to create a delicious breakfast treat without the deep fryer.
- 1 cup flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 cup diced apples
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
For best results, Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness which creates a perfect balance with the sweet glaze, though any firm baking apple could work in a pinch.
How to Make these Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Fritters
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a muffin tin. Give it a good coating of non-stick spray or butter—trust me, these little fritters love to stick, and we want them sliding out effortlessly when they’re done.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, ¼ cup of sugar, 1½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
This magical powder combination creates that perfect fritter texture—not too cakey, not too dense.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk ⅓ cup of milk, 1 egg, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter until smooth.
The melted butter is what gives these fritters their rich, satisfying mouthfeel without deep frying, which means we can totally have seconds, right?
Step 4: Create the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
For smoother, lump-free batter, consider using a premium food processor mixer to achieve perfect consistency in seconds.
Gently fold in 1 cup of diced apples—those tart Granny Smiths work wonders here, creating pockets of fruity goodness throughout each fritter.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
Don’t overfill them; about two-thirds full is perfect since they’ll puff up nicely during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly, like a cozy autumn afternoon.
Step 7: Make the Simple Glaze
While the fritters are baking, mix ½ cup of powdered sugar with about 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl.
Stir until smooth, adding a few more drops of water if needed to reach a drizzle-worthy consistency.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Let the fritters cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
While they’re still warm, drizzle the sweet glaze over each one.
The warmth helps the glaze seep slightly into the fritters, creating that authentic apple fritter experience without any deep fryer in sight.
What to Serve with Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Fritters
These warm, cinnamon-scented treats are versatile enough for breakfast or dessert, and they’re begging for some delicious company. A scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms them into an impressive dessert, melting beautifully over the warm fritters.
For breakfast, pair with a strong cup of coffee or spiced chai tea to balance the sweetness. Want something rejuvenating? A small fruit salad with berries and citrus offers a bright contrast to the rich fritters.
And don’t underestimate the power of a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. These fritters also make delightful afternoon snacks with a glass of cold milk for the kiddos.
Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Fritters Substitutions and Variations
- Make it vegan: Use a flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 Tbsp water) instead of a regular egg.
- Sweetener options: Reduce sugar or replace with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey (use 3 Tbsp if liquid).
- Add-ins: Fold in chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips for extra texture.
- Topping twists: Try maple glaze, cream cheese frosting, or a simple dusting of cinnamon-sugar instead of the standard glaze.
Leftovers and Storage for these Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Fritters
These apple fritters are at their absolute best when freshly baked and still slightly warm, but leftovers can be just as delightful with proper storage.
Here’s how to keep them tasting great:
- Store completely cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze unglazed fritters in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, pop refrigerated fritters in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. From frozen, add a few extra minutes.
- The glaze might soften in storage, so you might want to add a fresh drizzle before serving leftover fritters.
- Pro tip: These little treats actually develop deeper flavor overnight as the cinnamon and apple meld together!
Final Thoughts
These cinnamon-spiced baked apple fritters bring all the comfort of traditional fried versions without the extra oil.
What makes them truly special is their versatility—equally perfect for weekend brunches or as a thoughtful addition to holiday breakfast spreads.
The contrast between the slightly tart Granny Smith apples and sweet glaze creates that perfect balance of flavors that appeals to both adults and children.
Baking them in muffin tins not only makes portion control easier but guarantees each bite delivers that perfect blend of soft, apple-studded interior and slightly crisp exterior.
These fritters remind us that sometimes the most satisfying treats are the ones that feel just a little bit virtuous.
Like moist pumpkin bread, they capture the essence of fall baking with warm spices and comforting textures that make your kitchen feel like home.