Created on February 1st, 2026 at 10:40 am
A warm and easy dessert made for quiet autumn evenings
Fall dessert nights have a special kind of magic. The air cools, the days grow shorter, and suddenly simple homemade treats feel more comforting than ever. These baked apple fritters were created for exactly those moments, when dinner is done, the kitchen lights are soft, and you want something sweet without turning the evening into a big project. They are simple, cozy, and filled with familiar fall flavors that feel just right after sunset.
Unlike fried desserts that can feel heavy late in the day, these baked apple fritters are gentle and satisfying. The apples soften into the batter, the cinnamon adds warmth, and the oven does the work while you unwind. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or shared at the table with family, these fritters turn an ordinary fall night into a small, comforting ritual.
Quick Facts
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 10 to 12 fritters
Kitchen Utensils
This recipe is designed to be calm and approachable, using basic kitchen tools you already have.
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Apple peeler and knife
Why Baked Apple Fritters Work So Well as a Fall Dessert
Dessert at night calls for something comforting but not overwhelming. These baked apple fritters strike that balance beautifully. Baking instead of frying keeps them lighter, while still delivering the familiar apple fritter flavor people love. The apples release their natural sweetness as they bake, and the cinnamon creates that unmistakable fall aroma that fills the kitchen.
Another reason these fritters shine at night is their simplicity. There is no rush, no hot oil, and no complicated steps. You can prepare the batter slowly, enjoy the process, and let the oven finish the job while you relax. The result is a dessert that feels homemade, thoughtful, and perfectly suited for fall evenings.
Ingredients
For the Fritter Batter
- All purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt
- Milk
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Apple Filling
- Fresh apples, peeled and diced
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
Optional Vanilla Glaze
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
These steps are written to be clear and relaxed, so you can bake confidently even in the evening.
- Preheat your oven to the correct temperature and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the fritters bake evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Take a moment to break up any clumps so the spices are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. The mixture should look creamy and well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently stir until the flour is just incorporated. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks remain to keep the fritters tender.
- In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until all the apple pieces are coated. This step adds flavor and helps the apples soften evenly.
- Fold the apple mixture into the batter using slow, gentle turns. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Scoop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, forming slightly uneven mounds. Leave space between each fritter so heat can circulate.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake until the fritters are lightly golden on top and set in the center. They should feel firm but soft when gently pressed.
- Remove the fritters from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to finish setting.
- If using the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over the warm fritters before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
- Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best texture.
- Dice apples small so they soften completely during baking.
- For deeper fall flavor, add a pinch of cloves or allspice.
- Skip the glaze for a lighter dessert option.
- Serve slightly warm for the best texture and flavor.
Storage & Make Ahead
These baked apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but they store well if needed. Once fully cooled, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to four days.
To reheat, warm fritters gently in the microwave for a few seconds or place them in a low oven until heated through. If freezing, freeze without glaze and add it after reheating for the best finish.
A Gentle Dessert to End a Fall Day
Simple baked apple fritters are the kind of dessert that feels just right at the end of a fall day. They are warm, familiar, and easy to make, turning everyday ingredients into something comforting and special.
Save this recipe for those evenings when you want a homemade dessert without extra effort. It is a quiet, cozy way to celebrate fall, one soft apple filled bite at a time.
FAQ
Can I make these fritters earlier in the day?
Yes, you can bake them earlier and reheat gently before serving.
Do baked fritters taste heavy at night?
No, they are lighter than fried versions and perfect for evening desserts.
What apples are best for fall fritters?
Firm apples that balance sweetness and tartness work best.
Can I skip the glaze for dessert?
Yes, they are delicious plain and still feel complete.
Are these good served warm?
Yes, serving them warm enhances the cinnamon and apple flavor.
Simple Baked Apple Fritters for Fall Dessert Nights
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber Spatula
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Fritter Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup milk room temperature
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
Cinnamon Apple Filling
- 2 cups apples peeled and diced small
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so the fritters do not stick and bake evenly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture looks uniform and the spices are evenly distributed.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Make sure the butter is not hot so it blends evenly with the eggs.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula just until the flour disappears. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy. Overmixing will make the fritters dense.
- In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until fully coated. This helps soften the apples and adds flavor throughout the fritters.
- Fold the apple mixture into the batter using slow, gentle turns. Stop as soon as the apples are evenly mixed to keep the batter light.
- Scoop the batter into 10 to 12 mounds on the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each fritter so heat can circulate and they bake evenly.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the centers feel set when gently pressed. If needed, bake an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove the fritters from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to finish setting and keeps the texture soft.
- If using the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm fritters for a thinner glaze or cooled fritters for a thicker finish.
Notes
Enjoyed this recipe? Leave a review!
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
