Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These baked apple fritters are a healthier twist on the classic fried version, offering a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior. The combination of fresh apples, warm spices, and a sweet glaze makes them irresistible. They’re easy to prepare, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time. Perfect for fall mornings or any time you’re craving a comforting, apple-infused treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped apple (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- Incorporate the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Mix the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Form the Fritters: Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the fritters are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze the Fritters: Once baked, remove the fritters from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a minute, then serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 fritters
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spice Adjustments: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for a spicier flavor.
- Apple Varieties: Experiment with different apple types like Honeycrisp or Fuji for varied sweetness and texture.
- Add-ins: Incorporate raisins, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to restore their crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
Are these fritters suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked fritters. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make these fritters without the glaze?
Absolutely. The fritters are delicious on their own, or you can dust them with powdered sugar instead of glazing.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well, as they provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the fritters.
Can I make these fritters vegan?
Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a non-dairy milk alternative.
How can I make the fritters crispier?
For a crispier exterior, you can broil the fritters for 1-2 minutes after baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Can I add other fruits to the fritters?
Yes, diced pears or berries can be added for a different flavor profile.
How do I prevent the fritters from being too greasy?
Baking instead of frying helps reduce greasiness. Ensure the fritters are placed on a wire rack after baking to allow any excess oil to drain.
Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the fritters gluten-free.
How do I know when the fritters are done?
The fritters should be golden brown on the outside, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Conclusion
Baked apple fritters offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them a perfect treat
Baked Apple Fritters
Baked apple fritters are a healthier twist on the classic fried version, featuring a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior. Packed with warm spices and fresh apples, these fritters are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, offering a comforting, apple-infused treat with a sweet glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 fritters
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped apple (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- Incorporate the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Mix the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Form the fritters: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 11-13 minutes or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the glaze: While the fritters bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze the fritters: Once baked, remove the fritters from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a minute, then serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding ground ginger or cloves for a spicier kick.
- Experiment with different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness and texture.
- Add-ins like raisins, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut can give the fritters an extra texture and flavor boost.
