These baked apple fritters are fluffy and packed with sweet apple bits, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or a snack. Topped with a simple glaze, they’re hard to resist!
Making these fritters is a breeze! Just mix, scoop, and bake—no frying mess here! I love enjoying them warm with a cup of coffee. It’s like a hug in a pastry! ☕🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the main base for your fritters, giving them structure. If you’re gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour works well too!
Apples: Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are fantastic for baking because of their sweetness and moisture. You can swap with Granny Smith for a tart flavor or use any firm apple you have on hand.
Granulated sugar: This helps sweeten the fritters. You could use coconut sugar or maple syrup as alternatives, but reduce the liquid slightly if you do.
Eggs: They help bind the fritters. If you need an egg substitute, try using applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) which also adds more apple flavor!
Butter: Unsalted is what I recommend for better control over salt levels. You can use coconut oil or vegetable oil if you want to keep it dairy-free.
How Do I Ensure My Fritters Are Light and Fluffy?
Mixing is key to getting light fritters! You want to mix just until the wet and dry ingredients come together—overmixing can make them dense. When folding in the apples, be gentle to avoid breaking them down too much.
- Preheat your oven properly to 350°F (175°C) to get that perfect rise.
- Use a spoon or scooper to drop batter; this keeps shapes consistent.
- Bake until golden brown—check with a toothpick to ensure they’re cooked through.
Following these tips will help you create the perfect baked apple fritters, every time! Enjoy these as a sweet breakfast treat or a delightful snack.
Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced small (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 18-22 minutes to bake, for a total of around 35-40 minutes. Plus, you can add a few extra minutes for glazing and cooling. It’s a straightforward and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any time of day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar. Mixing these ingredients well ensures your fritters have a consistent flavor and texture.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Then stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined. These wet ingredients will add moisture and flavor to your fritters.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix gently just until everything is combined. It’s important not to overmix, as this keeps your fritters light and fluffy.
5. Add the Apples:
Fold in the diced apples carefully into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them down too much.
6. Scoop Onto Baking Sheet:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
7. Bake the Fritters:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
8. Make the Glaze:
While the fritters are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Feel free to adjust the amount of milk to get your preferred glaze consistency.
9. Drizzle and Cool:
Once the fritters are out of the oven and have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over them. This adds sweetness and a nice finish to your fritters.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
These delicious baked apple fritters are ready to be admired and enjoyed! Serve them warm for the best flavor, and enjoy the lovely combination of fluffy cake batter, sweet apples, and a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast or as a tasty treat!
With their soft and tender inside and sweet, flavorful glaze, these baked apple fritters are a delightful twist on your classic fritter! Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While apples give a fantastic flavor and texture, you can experiment with other fruits like pears, peaches, or even berries. Just make sure they are diced small and have a similar moisture content.
How Can I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy them warm again!
Can I Freeze Baked Apple Fritters?
Yes, you can freeze them! Allow the fritters to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy them!
What If I Don’t Have Baking Powder?
If you’re out of baking powder, you can make a substitute using cream of tartar and baking soda. For each teaspoon of baking powder needed, mix 1/2 tsp cream of tartar with 1/4 tsp baking soda. Alternatively, you can use baking soda mixed with an acid like vinegar or lemon juice, but measure carefully to balance the flavors.
