Baked Apple Fritters

Baked Apple Fritters 🍏🍩

These Baked Apple Fritters are a healthier twist on the classic fried treat, offering all the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples without the guilt. Lightly sweetened, perfectly spiced, and topped with a simple glaze, these fritters are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with warm, autumnal flavors. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, they’re sure to become a favorite!

Let’s dive into how to make these delicious baked apple fritters step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthier Alternative : Baked instead of fried, but still crispy and indulgent.
2. Warm & Comforting : Packed with cinnamon-spiced apples for a cozy, seasonal flavor.
3. Easy to Make : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for any home cook.
4. Perfect for Any Time : Great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a late-night snack.
5. Customizable : Add nuts, adjust sweetness, or experiment with different spices.

Ingredients

(Makes 8–10 fritters)

For the Fritters:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour 🥣
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 🌿
• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
• ¼ cup granulated sugar 🫒
• 1 large egg , lightly beaten 🥚
• 1 cup milk 🥛
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup peeled and diced apples (about 1 medium apple ) 🍎
• 2 tablespoons butter , melted 🧈

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar , sifted ❄️
• 1 tablespoon milk 🥛

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour , baking powder , cinnamon , salt , and granulated sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg , milk , vanilla extract , and melted butter until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix—the batter will be slightly lumpy.
2. Gently fold in the diced apples , ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Form the Fritters

1. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use a cookie scoop or two spoons for uniform sizing.
   • Tip : Flatten the tops slightly with the back of a spoon for even baking.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes , or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Optional : For extra crispiness, broil the fritters for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

1. While the fritters bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for a thinner glaze) or more powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze).

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

1. Once the fritters are baked, let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
2. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fritters.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, sweet goodness!

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Apples : Choose firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.
2. Add Texture : Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
3. Make Ahead : Store unglazed fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days . Reheat in the oven or microwave before glazing and serving.
4. Freeze for Later : Freeze unglazed fritters in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before glazing.
5. Switch Up the Spices : Add nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom for a deeper spice profile.

Perfect Pairings

These Baked Apple Fritters pair beautifully with:

• Coffee or Tea : Enjoy alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Fresh Fruit : Serve with fresh berries or sliced apples for balance.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold glass of milk for refreshment.

Nutritional Information (Per Fritter, Approx.)

(Based on 10 fritters, with glaze)

• Calories : ~150 kcal
• Protein : ~3g
• Carbohydrates : ~25g
• Fat : ~4g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Apple Fritters are a warm, sweet, and comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these fritters deliver on flavor and satisfaction. The combination of tender apples, aromatic cinnamon, and a sweet glaze creates a dish that’s as indulgent as it is wholesome.

The best part? They’re endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the spices, or pair them with different toppings to make them your own. So grab your apples, mix up that batter, and get ready to enjoy a treat that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.