Baked Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Applesauce and Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Introduction
Baked apple fritters are a lighter, oven-baked twist on the classic fried treat. These small, tender fritters combine cinnamon-spiced applesauce and green apple cubes for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Enjoy them glazed with a simple vanilla icing for a delightful snack or dessert.

Ingredients
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1/2 cup unrefined cane sugar
- 1 1/2 cups cinnamon applesauce (if plain, add 2 teaspoons cinnamon)
- 2 cups green apple cubes (peeled, cored, diced, about 3 apples)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with silicone mats or baking paper safe for broiler use. Generously oil the paper and set aside.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together self-rising flour, cinnamon (if your applesauce is plain), and sugar until combined.
- Step 3: Fold in the applesauce gently until a thick, moist batter forms. Avoid over-mixing.
- Step 4: Fold in the green apple cubes until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Step 5: Drop heaping tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each for expansion. Keep fritters small for the best texture—about 27 fritters total.
- Step 6: Bake one sheet at a time in the center rack for 18–21 minutes, until golden brown. Keep the second sheet at room temperature while the first bakes.
- Step 7: While baking, prepare the glaze by stirring powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond milk together until smooth.
- Step 8: Once baked, brush a light layer of glaze on each warm fritter. Place them on the top rack under the broiler set to 420°F (210°C) for 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully so they don’t burn.
- Step 9: Remove from oven and let fritters cool on a rack for 10 minutes. Then dip each fritter fully into the glaze and return to the rack to allow excess glaze to drip off.
Tips & Variations
- Use cinnamon-flavored applesauce for extra warmth, or add cinnamon if your applesauce is plain.
- For a dairy-free glaze, almond milk works perfectly, but coconut or oat milk can be alternatives.
- Keep fritters small to ensure they bake evenly and develop a tender crumb.
Storage
Store baked apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated in a warm oven for a few minutes. Avoid refrigeration, which may dry them out.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, but you will need to add 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the flour to mimic self-rising flour’s leavening.
Can I make fritters without glazing?
Absolutely. The fritters are delicious on their own with a natural apple and cinnamon flavor. The glaze adds sweetness and a slight crispness if broiled.
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Baked Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Applesauce and Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 27 small fritters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these crispy, golden baked apple fritters made with cinnamon applesauce, fresh green apple cubes, and a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfectly small and tender, these fritters are baked to perfection and finished with a sweet almond milk glaze for a delightful treat that’s lighter than traditional fried versions.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Self-Rising Flour
- 1/2 cup Unrefined Cane Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Cinnamon (omit if using cinnamon applesauce)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup Cinnamon Applesauce (if plain applesauce is used, add 2 tsp. cinnamon)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Fresh Fruit
- 2 cups Green Apple Cubes (peeled, cored, diced in small cubes; about 3 green apples)
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons Almond Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with silicone mats or baking paper safe for oven use and generously oil the paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, sugar, and cinnamon (if your applesauce isn’t cinnamon-flavored), ensuring a uniform mixture.
- Add Applesauce and Form Batter: Fold in the cinnamon applesauce and stir gently until a thick, moist batter forms. Be careful not to over-mix to maintain a tender texture.
- Incorporate Fresh Apples: Fold the diced green apples into the batter evenly, ensuring each fritter will have a good distribution of fruit.
- Shape and Arrange Fritters: Drop heaping tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them with about a thumb’s width apart. Aim for small fritters, around 27 total, to optimize texture and even baking.
- Bake Fritters: Place one baking sheet in the center rack of the oven at a time, and bake for 18-21 minutes or until fritters are golden brown. Keep the second sheet at room temperature while baking the first.
- Prepare Glaze: While fritters bake, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond milk until smooth and pourable.
- Broil for Crispiness: After baking, brush a light coating of the glaze onto each warm fritter. Broil them on the top rack at 420°F (210°C) for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning, to achieve a crisp, glossy finish.
- Cool and Glaze: Remove fritters from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then dip each fritter in the glaze and return to the rack to allow excess glaze to drip off and set.
Notes
- Use small-sized fritters for the best texture and even cooking; large fritters may become soggy inside.
- If plain applesauce is used, increase cinnamon to 2 teaspoons for optimal flavor.
- Oiling the baking paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Watch fritters closely during broiling as they can burn quickly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked apple fritters, cinnamon applesauce fritters, healthy apple fritters, baked fritters recipe, fruit fritters, gluten free option, vegetarian dessert

