Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, apple cider, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 2: Shape the Fritters
- Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Each fritter should be about 1/4 cup of dough.
- Use the back of the spoon to gently flatten the mounds into irregular shapes—don’t worry about perfection; fritters should look rustic!
Step 3: Bake
- Bake the fritters in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the fritters from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or apple cider), and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time.
Step 5: Glaze the Fritters
- While the fritters are still slightly warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the tops using a spoon or pastry brush.
- Allow the glaze to set for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Optional Variations
- Add Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Use Brown Sugar: Swap half of the granulated sugar for brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: Instead of a glaze, brush the warm fritters with melted butter and roll in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these baked apple fritters warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
- Enjoy them as a sweet breakfast treat or an afternoon snack.
Storage and Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Baked Apple Fritters have all the comforting flavors of fall in a lighter, oven-baked form. With tender chunks of apple, warm spices, and a sweet glaze, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. Plus, the easy preparation and baking method make them a great choice for when you want something special without the mess of frying.
Enjoy these irresistible fritters fresh from the oven—you deserve it!