Baked Apple Fritters with Cinnamon and Lemon Glaze Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Baked Apple Fritters with Cinnamon and Lemon Glaze Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Picture tender, fluffy fritters dotted with juicy, tart apples, enhanced by the cozy warmth of cinnamon and brightened by a tangy lemon glaze that perfectly balances the sweetness. Baking them instead of frying keeps things lighter without sacrificing any of the classic comfort and flavor you love. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these baked apple fritters will have a permanent spot in your heart and kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a unique role in building the wonderful texture and flavor of your baked apple fritters. From the yeast that gives the dough its lovely rise to the lemon juice that brightens the apples, every element works together like a flavorful symphony.

• Active dry or instant yeast (1 ½ Tablespoons / 14 g): This is the powerhouse for your dough’s rise and fluffiness.
• Warm water (½ cup / 120 ml): Activates the yeast to kickstart fermentation and dough expansion.
• White granulated sugar (2 teaspoons and ¼ cup / 50 g + 2 tsp): Adds natural sweetness and feeds the yeast.
• Bread flour (2 cups / 250 g): Gives structure and chewy texture; all-purpose flour works if needed.
• Baking powder (¼ teaspoon): A tiny lift for extra lightness in the fritters.
• Mace (¼ teaspoon): A subtle spice that enhances the warm notes; nutmeg is a fine substitute.
• Salt (1 teaspoon / 6 g): Balances flavors and deepens the sweetness.
• Shortening or lard (2 Tablespoons / 30 g): Keeps the dough tender and moist; vegetable oil will also work.
• Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (¼ teaspoon): Infuses the dough with fragrant sweetness.
• Tart apples (2 medium): Peeled, cored, and chopped into ½-inch pieces for tender, flavorful pockets.
• Lemon juice (2 teaspoons, freshly squeezed): Prevents browning and adds a fresh zing to the apples.
• Cinnamon (4 teaspoons): The star spice here—adds warmth and depth to the apple filling.
• Bread flour (1 Tablespoon): Helps thicken the apple cinnamon filling slightly.
• Confectioners/icing sugar (2 cups / 280 g): Forms the base of the luscious lemon glaze.
• Light corn syrup or golden syrup (1 ½ teaspoons): Gives the glaze a glossy finish and smooth texture.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness in the glaze for a perfect bite.
• Vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon): Adds a delicate aroma to the glaze.
• White sugar (1 Tablespoon): Sweetens the glaze and the apple filling.
• Water (⅓ cup / 80 ml): Helps achieve the ideal consistency of the glaze.

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters with Cinnamon and Lemon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 2 teaspoons sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This foam signals that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic, ensuring a beautifully risen dough for your fritters.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Take a large bowl and whisk together the bread flour, ¼ cup sugar, baking powder, mace or nutmeg, and salt. These dry ingredients create the foundation of your dough, adding flavor and structure that will hold your apple filling beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Dough

Add shortening (or oil), the egg, vanilla, and the foamy yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir everything until it forms a sticky dough. This is where your dough begins to come alive with flavor and texture, ready for kneading.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This process develops the gluten, giving your fritters that perfect chew and volume.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Lightly grease a bowl and place your dough inside, covering it to keep the warmth in. Let it rise in a cozy spot until doubled in size, usually 1 to 1.5 hours. This rise is where the dough doubles in flavor and fluffiness.

Step 6: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the dough is rising, toss your chopped apples with sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This macerates the apples, softening them and infusing a subtle citrus brightness that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about ½-inch thick. This thickness ensures your fritters bake evenly without becoming too dense or doughy.

Step 8: Assemble Filling Inside the Dough

Evenly spread the apples over the dough, sprinkle the cinnamon and a tablespoon of bread flour on top. This coating helps keep the filling moist but prevents sogginess in your fritters.

Step 9: Fold and Seal the Fritters

Fold the dough over the apple filling and gently press down to seal. Then cut the dough into 12 equal pieces. Sealing the edges well ensures that the juicy filling stays locked inside during baking.

Step 10: Final Proof Before Baking

Place the fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This final proofing leads to an irresistibly fluffy texture after baking.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the fritters for 18 to 22 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point is simply unbeatable.

Step 12: Prepare the Lemon Cinnamon Glaze

While the fritters bake, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, light corn syrup, salt, vanilla, white sugar, and water until you get a smooth, pourable glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more water or sugar as needed for a perfect drizzle.

Step 13: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the warm fritters generously with your lemon cinnamon glaze before serving. This glaze adds zesty sweetness and a beautiful shiny finish that makes every bite unforgettable.

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters with Cinnamon and Lemon Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or dust some additional confectioners’ sugar over the fritters just before serving. A few fresh apple slices or a sprig of mint on the plate adds a pop of color and freshness that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

These baked apple fritters pair wonderfully with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the warm spices with creamy coolness. For a breakfast twist, serve alongside crispy bacon or a cup of strong coffee for a delightful morning treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Baked Apple Fritters with Cinnamon and Lemon Glaze Recipe into a charming dessert platter. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra glaze, cinnamon, and fresh lemon wedges for guests to customize their bites. You could also stack them into a fritter tower drizzled with glaze for a delightful centerpiece at any brunch or dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and honestly, you might!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the fritters tender without losing their fresh-baked charm. Avoid refrigeration as it tends to dry out the fritters.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your baked apple fritters by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to two months frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or reheat straight from frozen.

Reheating

The best way to warm up your fritters without sacrificing texture is in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. This method refreshes their crisp edges and brings back that just-baked aroma you fell in love with.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Absolutely! All-purpose flour will work just fine. Bread flour provides extra chewiness and structure, but your fritters will still be delicious using all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use vegetable oil instead of shortening or lard. Make sure your glaze ingredients also align with your dietary needs.

Can I substitute apples with other fruits?

You can experiment with pears or peaches for a twist. Keep in mind the differing moisture levels might slightly alter the texture of your fritters, so adjust the flour or baking time accordingly.

What’s the reason for macerating the apples in sugar and lemon?

Macerating softens the apples and infuses them with sweetness and a little tangy brightness, enhancing their natural flavor while preventing browning during dough preparation.

How do I adjust the glaze if it’s too thick or too runny?

If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If too runny, whisk in a bit more confectioners’ sugar gradually to thicken it without making it grainy.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Apple Fritters with Cinnamon and Lemon Glaze Recipe is such a treat that I hope you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It’s comforting, elegant, and versatile enough to feel special for any occasion. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or just a sweet snack, the warm apples and bright glaze create a flavor that’s utterly irresistible. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy apples!

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