why make this recipe
Baked Apple Fritters are a delightful treat that brings the cozy flavors of fall right to your kitchen. They are soft, sweet, and packed with the goodness of apples and warm spices. Unlike traditional fried fritters, these are baked, making them a healthier option without losing any of the comforting taste. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet dessert, this recipe is simple enough for beginners and delicious enough to impress family and friends.
how to make Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients:
For the Fritter Dough:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2/3 cup (160ml) milk (any kind)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (about 2 cups), peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work well)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Simple Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Apple Filling
In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon until evenly coated. Set this aside while you make the batter. This step allows the apples to release some of their natural juices, which will create pockets of flavor in the fritters.
Step 3: Make the Fritter Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: the 2 cups of flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing will lead to tough fritters.
Step 4: Fold in the Apples
Add the cinnamon-sugar coated apples to the batter. Gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the thick batter.
Step 5: Form and Bake the Fritters
- Using a large cookie scoop or two spoons, drop 8 equal-sized mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. They should be rustic and uneven—this is what gives them their “fritter” character!
- Gently pat the tops to shape them slightly, but don’t flatten them.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Transfer the baked fritters to a wire cooling rack placed over the baking sheet.
Step 6: Glaze to Perfection
While the fritters are cooling slightly, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk the confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a thick but pourable consistency. While the fritters are still warm (but not piping hot), drizzle the glaze generously over the top. The warmth will help the glaze set into a beautiful, shiny coating.
how to serve Baked Apple Fritters
Serve your Baked Apple Fritters warm, drizzled with the sweet glaze. They make a fantastic breakfast paired with coffee or tea. You can also enjoy them as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream or some whipped cream on the side.
how to store Baked Apple Fritters
To store your Baked Apple Fritters, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about two days. For longer storage, you can put them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their soft texture before serving.
tips to make Baked Apple Fritters
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the fritters light and fluffy.
- Experiment with different spices like ginger or cloves for added warmth.
- For an extra touch, you can sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins into the batter.
variation
You can customize your Baked Apple Fritters by adding other fruits like pears or using different types of glaze, such as a caramel glaze for a richer flavor. Adding a dash of lemon juice to the apples can also enhance the overall taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of apples?
Yes! You can use any apple variety you like, but Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn are particularly good choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness.
2. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to make the batter fresh for the best texture, but you can prepare the diced apples a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to mix everything together.
3. How can I make these fritters even sweeter?
If you want sweeter fritters, you can add a bit more sugar to the batter or glaze. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top just after they come out of the oven.
