Baked Apple Fritters: the easy, healthier alternative to classic apple fritters

Baked apple fritters is a tasty recipe to enjoy during fall season. Instead of deep-frying them in loads of oil as for classic apple fritters, these treats are healthier as they're lightly brushed in butter then baked, giving you the same golden brown color with a fraction of the calories and a far less greasy feel. Baked apple fritters have a super-soft, fluffy inside and slightly crunchy, perfectly browned outside. Generously drizzling them with sweet homemade vanilla glaze makes each bite that much better. They're wonderful on a crisp, autumn morning with a cup of coffee or enjoyed warmed up as a sweet mid-afternoon snack.

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters

One of the best parts of this easy baked apple fritter recipe (besides how delicious they taste fresh out of the oven) is that it uses store-bought flaky biscuit dough, so you don't need to fuss with mixing and making the batter yourself. Chop the biscuits into pieces then toss them in a bowl with the sugar and cinnamon. Add the apple and mix everything well. Grab a ¼ measuring cup and scoop the fritter dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each fritter with a little melted butter and bake until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about 14 to 17 minutes.

How to Make the Glaze for Apple Fritters

If you thought making the fritters was easy, preparing the apple fritter glaze is even easier. Whisk the sugar, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl. For a thinner glaze, add one tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches that ideal, easy-to-pour consistency. Once the apple fritters are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over them.

What are the Best Apples for Apple Fritters?

Without a doubt, the best apples for baked apple fritters (or any apple fritter!) are Granny Smiths. Their natural tartness helps prevent the fritters from becoming too sweet and they don't turn to mush when baked. Jonagold is another type of apple that is excellent for baking and has a slightly tarter taste.

Expert Tips for Making Baked Apple Fritters

Looking to make vegan baked apple fritters? It's easy! Use cooking spray or water instead of butter to help the fritters brown in the oven and swap milk for a non-dairy alternative or just use water to make the glaze.

If you don't have flaky biscuits on hand, you can use Bisquick mix instead. You'll also need either ½ cup of water or milk, 1 egg, and 4 tablespoons of sugar instead of 2.

Try different types of glazes on your baked apple fritters to mix things up. Use honey or maple syrup instead of vanilla.

How to Store the Best Baked Apple Fritters

Keep your apple fritters tasting their freshest by keeping them in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy them within 4 to 5 days.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Remove the biscuits from the tube and cut the 8 into 10 pieces.

Mix chopped biscuits, sugar, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Mix in the apple.

Scoop ¼ cup of fritter dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the dough is used.

Drizzle each fritter with melted butter. Bake for 14 to 17 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven.

For the glaze, whisk sugar, vanilla, and 3 tablespoons of milk in a bowl. Add more milk as needed for the glaze to reach your preferred consistency. Drizzle over the fritters while they're still warm but not hot.

Notes

You can use water of non-dairy plant-based milk instead of milk to make the glaze.