Shortcut Easy Apple Fritters.

September means apples first, pumpkin later. These shortcut apple fritters bake up flaky and golden—no frying, no fuss. Think cinnamon-sugar Honeycrisps tucked between buttery layers of puff pastry, then finished with a simple vanilla (or vanilla-coffee!) glaze.

They’re quick for a weeknight treat and cute enough for a weekend apple-picking spread. Warm from the oven is best… and they smell like a cider mill.

I say this every single season, but this is my time of year. These are the days I love so much. It’s funny because I’m in New York this week for multiple events and meetings, but it feels more like summer here. It’s 90 degrees and humid, but I’m still in my fall mode and so happy to be!

With September here, it’s time to focus on our apple recipes! Too many people jump ship and go right to pumpkin everything. But as I say every year, September is for apples, October is the time to break out the pumpkin recipes.

With that in mind, I have so many new apple recipes coming up – both sweet and savory! But per usual I had to share one of my favorites first. These apple fritters are the best treat!

When I set out to make these, I had every intention to make a more traditional fritter, but baked, not fried in hot oil.

I adore a really great apple fritter made with local apples. Especially a New York State Empire apple (perfection). Just like the ones we used to get in western New York when I was little. Those memories inspired me to want to share a baked fritter recipe that would be just as delish.

Unfortunately, the baked fritters I was attempting to make weren’t turning out so great, so I kept thinking. And then while I was hiking I had this idea.

They aren’t classic fritters, but they’re so delicious. And they’re the easiest way I could think of to bake up a delicious apple fritter.

Details

Step 1: layer the pastry

We’re working with puff pastry for these fritters. The idea is to sandwich chopped-up apples between two sheets of puff pastry.

You’ll first want to layer the pastry with butter, apple butter, cinnamon sugar, and then the apples.

Next, roll the pastry up into a log and cut it into cute little rolls. As I type this out, it sounds kind of tricky, but it’s one of the easiest things.

Use the photo as guidance. And what I love about a fritter is that they’re naturally messy. The more not perfect they are, the better!

Don’t stress.

Step 2: flatten the pastries

Now that you have cute little apple rolls, you need to flatten them down so your fritters will be perfectly baked all around.

Use the palm of your hand to flatten each roll down.

Step 3: bake the fritters

Next, bake each fritter inside a paper cupcake liner. I ordered these on Amazon. Of course, you can skip these if you prefer and just bake the fritters directly in a sheet pan.

The liner just helps contain any apples that fall out.

Step 4: the glaze

I kept this glaze simple. These fritters are pretty darn yummy just as they are.

Powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and sea salt. I sometimes add a touch of coffee too, which highlights that delish vanilla flavor.

You can dip or drizzle each fritter in the glaze or just skip the glaze altogether. I do one quick dip and always an extra sea salt sprinkle. Tis so delicious.

FAQ:

Can I skip the cupcake liners?
Yes—bake on a parchment-lined sheet pan and space well. Expect a few caramelized juices; slide a spatula under quickly while warm.

How do I keep the pastry from unrolling?
After slicing, press to flatten and tuck loose ends under. Chilling the log before slicing helps the spirals hold.

My apples were juicy and the bottoms got soggy—help?
Pat diced apples dry and keep to a single, even layer. Bake until bottoms are deep golden and crisp; use the middle rack and preheated pan for extra insurance.

Can I make the glaze ahead?
Yes, whisk and refrigerate in a sealed jar. It will thicken; loosen with a splash of milk and re-whisk before dipping or drizzling.

Looking for other sweet apple recipes? Here are a few ideas: 

Cinnamon Spiced Apple Fritters

Salted Maple Apple Tarte Tatin with Cinnamon Pumpkin Seeds

Sweet and Salty Chocolate Drizzled Cider Caramel Apples

Double the Streusel Apple Butter Bars

Lastly, if you make these Shortcut Easy Apple Fritters with Vanilla Coffee Glaze be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!