Baked Apple Fritters: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Baked apple fritters: Forget everything you thought you knew about fritters! Imagine biting into a warm, cinnamon-spiced cloud, bursting with tender, sweet apples, all without the guilt of deep-frying. That’s right, we’re taking this classic treat and giving it a healthy, delicious makeover.

Apple fritters, in their fried form, have a long and delicious history, tracing back to ancient Roman times. Variations of fried dough with fruit have popped up across cultures, each adding their unique twist. While traditionally enjoyed as a decadent indulgence, I wanted to create a version that could be enjoyed more often, without sacrificing any of the comforting flavors we all crave.

What’s not to love about a warm apple fritter? The combination of soft, spiced dough and sweet, slightly tart apples is simply irresistible. But let’s be honest, the deep-frying process can be a bit daunting, and the resulting fritters can be heavy and greasy. That’s where my baked apple fritters recipe comes in! By baking instead of frying, we achieve a lighter, healthier treat that’s just as satisfying. You get all the comforting flavors and textures you adore, without the extra calories and mess. Get ready to experience a new way to enjoy this timeless classic!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Fritters:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, unsalted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• For the Optional Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For Baking:
• Non-stick cooking spray

Preparing the Apple Fritter Batter

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Make sure everything is evenly distributed to ensure proper leavening and flavor. I like to use a whisk for this step to break up any clumps in the flour.
2. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Ensure the butter isn’t too hot when you add it to the milk and egg mixture, as it could cook the egg.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough fritters. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
4. Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Make sure the apples are coated with the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
5. Rest the Batter: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the baking powder and baking soda to activate, resulting in lighter and fluffier fritters.

Baking the Apple Fritters

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, but the non-stick spray is crucial to prevent the fritters from sticking.
2. Drop Batter onto Baking Sheet: Using a large spoon or a cookie scoop (about 1/4 cup), drop mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each fritter. The fritters will spread slightly during baking.
3. Bake the Fritters: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
4. Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the fritters cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking and allows them to firm up slightly.

Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1. Combine Sugar and Cinnamon: While the fritters are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
2. Coat the Fritters: While the fritters are still slightly warm (but not too hot to handle), gently roll each fritter in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides. The warmth of the fritters will help the sugar adhere.

Preparing the Optional Glaze

1. Whisk Together Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the fritters but thin enough to drizzle easily.
2. Drizzle Glaze over Fritters: Once the fritters have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top of each fritter. You can use a spoon or a fork to drizzle the glaze.
3. Let Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent the glaze from being too sticky.

Tips and Variations

• Apple Variety: I prefer using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for this recipe because they hold their shape well during baking and have a slightly tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the fritters. However, you can use any apple variety you like.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice to the batter for a warmer, more complex flavor.
• Add Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). Use plant-based milk and butter.
• Storage: Store the baked apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave them for a few seconds or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular all-purpose flour. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
• Don’t Overmix: I can’t stress this enough! Overmixing the batter will result in tough fritters. Mix until just combined.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet fritter, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter and the cinnamon sugar coating.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve these baked apple fritters warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They are also delicious on their own with a cup of coffee or tea.

Troubleshooting

• Fritters are too dense: This could be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Be sure to measure the flour accurately and mix until just combined.
• Fritters are too flat: This could be due to using old baking powder or baking soda. Make sure your leavening agents are fresh.
• Fritters are burning on the bottom: This could be due to the oven temperature being too high or the baking sheet being too close to the heating element. Lower the oven temperature slightly or move the baking sheet to a higher rack.
• Apples are sinking to the bottom: Make sure the apples are diced into small pieces and coated with the batter before baking.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious baked apple fritters! They are a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Let me know in the comments if you try them and what you think!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These baked apple fritters are more than just a dessert; they’re a warm hug on a plate, a burst of autumnal flavor, and a guilt-free indulgence all rolled into one. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting taste of apples and cinnamon, but wants to avoid the deep-fried route. The light and airy texture, combined with the sweet and tangy glaze, is simply irresistible.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and deliciousness. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to whip up a batch of these beauties. The ingredients are readily available, the instructions are straightforward, and the results are consistently amazing. Plus, baking them instead of frying cuts down on the mess and the calories, so you can enjoy them without any regrets.

Imagine biting into a warm, slightly crisp fritter, the soft apple pieces melting in your mouth, the cinnamon and nutmeg dancing on your tongue, and the sweet glaze adding the perfect finishing touch. It’s pure bliss, I tell you! And the aroma that fills your kitchen while they’re baking? Absolutely heavenly!

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. While these baked apple fritters are fantastic on their own, they’re also incredibly versatile. For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a bit of maple syrup. For a more decadent treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nutty crunch. Or, if you’re a fan of spice, add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. You could even experiment with different types of apples – Granny Smith for a tart flavor, Honeycrisp for a sweet and crisp bite, or Fuji for a balanced sweetness. The possibilities are endless!

These fritters are also perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dessert after dinner. They’re a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends. And because they’re baked, you can feel good about serving them to your loved ones.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to give it a try. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of baking; this recipe is foolproof, I promise! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen.

Once you’ve made these baked apple fritters, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments with me – I can’t wait to see your creations! You can tag me on social media using #BakedAppleFrittersDelight or simply leave a comment on the recipe page.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and bake up a batch of these delicious fritters. You won’t regret it! Happy baking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s a true testament to how simple ingredients and a little bit of love can create something truly extraordinary. I am sure that this recipe will become a staple in your home, just as it has in mine.