Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes.
2. In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and set them aside.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). This forms the base of your fritter dough.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

1. Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Shape the Fritters

1. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Shape them slightly to form small mounds (they don’t have to be perfect!).

Step 7: Bake the Fritters

1. Bake the fritters in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Optional Glaze

1. While the fritters are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
2. Once the fritters have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or piping bag for a more finished look.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

1. Dust the baked apple fritters with powdered sugar before serving.
2. Serve warm for the best flavor, though they’re also delicious at room temperature.