🍎 Dolly Parton’s Baked Cinnamon Apple Fritters
Soft, tender apple fritters baked until golden around the edges, filled with juicy cinnamon-spiced apples, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze.
These baked apple fritters capture all the cozy flavor of a classic fried apple fritter without deep-frying. Fresh apples are folded into a lightly sweet cinnamon batter, baked until beautifully golden, then drizzled with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
They’re wonderful for breakfast, brunch, afternoon coffee, or a comforting fall dessert.
⏱️ Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 8 fritters
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Baked
🛒 Ingredients
🍎 For the Apple Fritters
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🍬 For the Glaze
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
For easier release and extra browning, lightly grease the parchment.
2. Prepare the Apples
Peel and core the apples, then dice them into small, even pieces.
Set aside.
For the best flavor and texture, use apples that hold their shape when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
Mix until evenly combined.
4. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
Whisk until smooth.
5. Make the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Stir gently until just combined.
The batter should be thick and scoopable.
Don’t overmix, as this can make the fritters dense.
6. Fold in the Apples
Add the diced apples to the batter.
Gently fold until the apple pieces are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
You want plenty of apple in every fritter.
🍎 Shape the Fritters
7. Portion the Batter
Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, place approximately 8 portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheet.
Leave a little space between each fritter.
Gently shape them into rough rounds.
Don’t flatten them too much—the fritters should remain slightly thick and rustic.
8. Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 18–22 minutes, or until the fritters are puffed and lightly golden around the edges.
The centers should be cooked through but still tender.
For deeper browning, place them under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully so they don’t burn.
🍬 Make the Glaze
9. Mix the Glaze
Place the powdered sugar in a small bowl.
Add 1 tablespoon of milk and whisk until smooth.
Add a little more milk, a few drops at a time, until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.
Stir in vanilla extract if desired.
10. Glaze the Fritters
Allow the baked fritters to cool for approximately 5–10 minutes.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fritters.
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
☕ Serve
Serve the apple fritters warm or at room temperature.
They’re especially delicious with:
- Hot coffee
- Tea
- Apple cider
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
For an extra fall-inspired finish, sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the glaze.
⭐ Chef’s Tips
Dice the apples small: Smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the batter and soften beautifully while baking.
Don’t overmix: Stir the batter just until the flour disappears for tender fritters.
Use flavorful apples: A slightly tart apple creates a delicious contrast with the sweet glaze.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave enough space between the fritters so heat can circulate properly.
Glaze while warm: Slightly warm fritters help the glaze settle into all the little ridges and crevices.
For crispier edges: Lightly brush the tops with melted butter before baking.
🍎 Easy Variations
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters
Skip the glaze and brush the warm fritters with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Caramel Apple Fritters
Drizzle the finished fritters with warm caramel sauce instead of powdered sugar glaze.
Pecan Apple Fritters
Fold ¼ cup chopped pecans into the batter along with the apples.
Raisin Apple Fritters
Add ¼ cup raisins for extra sweetness and texture.
Apple Pie Fritters
Add a pinch of ground nutmeg and a little extra cinnamon for a classic apple-pie flavor.
🧊 Storage
Store completely cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days.
The glaze may soften slightly during storage.
🔥 Reheating
For the best texture, warm the fritters in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes.
You can also use an air fryer at 325°F (165°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Avoid overheating, which can dry out the apple-filled centers.
❄️ Freezing
Allow the baked fritters to cool completely.
Freeze them in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
For the best results, add the glaze after reheating.
🍎✨ Final Result
These Dolly Parton’s Baked Cinnamon Apple Fritters are wonderfully tender, warmly spiced, and packed with juicy apple pieces.
Baking gives them beautifully golden edges while keeping the centers soft and comforting, and the simple vanilla glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness.
A cozy homemade treat that’s perfect with a cup of coffee, especially when apple season arrives! 🍎☕🍂✨