Baked Apple Fritters

Baked Apple Fritters are a delicious, healthier twist on the traditional fried version. These treats are packed with juicy apple chunks, a hint of cinnamon, and a sweet glaze that makes them perfect for breakfast or dessert. By baking instead of frying, you get all the flavors you love in a lighter form. Let’s bake up a batch of these irresistible fritters!

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cook’s Notes and Tips
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

For the Fritters

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined.
4. Mix the Batter: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Fritters

5. Shape Fritters: Scoop about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet for each fritter, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten and shape the fritters.
6. Bake: 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.

Step 3: Glaze the Fritters

7. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
8. Glaze the Fritters: Once the fritters have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top of each fritter. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

• Apple Type: Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tart flavor, but you can use any firm apple you prefer.
• Batter Consistency: The batter will be thick, but avoid overmixing to keep the fritters light and fluffy.
• Glaze Thickness: Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency—less milk for a thicker glaze, more for a thinner drizzle.

Variations

• Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Instead of the glaze, brush the warm fritters with melted butter and sprinkle them with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
• Add Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Caramel Drizzle: Replace the glaze with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast Treat: Enjoy these fritters as a breakfast treat with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
• Dessert Option: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
• Brunch Addition: These baked apple fritters are perfect for a brunch spread, alongside fresh fruit and other pastries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make These Fritters Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make these fritters ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to freshen them up.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Can I Use a Different Flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, but the fritters may be slightly denser. You could also use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Can I Fry These Fritters Instead?

Yes, if you prefer the traditional fried version, you can fry spoonfuls of the batter in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels before glazing.

Baked Apple Fritters are a delightful twist on a classic treat, offering all the delicious flavors of traditional apple fritters without the extra oil from frying. With their tender apple chunks, warm spices, and sweet glaze, these fritters are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a special brunch. Gather your ingredients, bake a batch, and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade apple fritters!

Happy Baking!