Baked Apple Fritters are a delightful twist on the classic fried version, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying treat. These fritters are made with tender, diced apples folded into a flavorful batter and baked to golden perfection. Unlike traditional apple fritters that are deep-fried, these are oven-baked, giving them a healthier edge while still delivering a comforting and delicious experience.
The essence of these fritters lies in the combination of sweet, juicy apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The apples soften beautifully during baking, infusing the fritters with their natural sweetness and a burst of fruitiness in every bite. The batter, made from a simple blend of flour, sugar, and spices, creates a fluffy and tender texture that complements the apple pieces perfectly.
Drizzled with a smooth, sweet glaze, these baked apple fritters have a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The glaze adds a touch of decadence and a glossy finish, making each fritter a little indulgent treat. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature, these fritters offer a cozy and satisfying taste of fall that can be savored any time of the year.
Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, baked apple fritters are versatile and crowd-pleasing. Their aroma, filled with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, makes them especially inviting. Each bite delivers a comforting mix of tender apple chunks and a lightly spiced, cake-like batter, making them a perfect choice for those who love fruity, baked goodies with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- For the Fritters:
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare Apples:
- Dice the peeled and cored apples into small pieces. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, beat the egg and then mix in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick. Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Spoon Batter:
- Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Glaze:
- While the fritters are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon (if using) in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze Fritters:
- Once the fritters are done baking, let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Drizzle or dip the fritters in the glaze while they are still warm.
- Serve:
- Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Apple Varieties: Use apples that hold their shape well when baked, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith.
- Texture: For a lighter texture, you can use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour, though all-purpose flour works perfectly fine.
- Adding Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg according to your taste preferences.
- Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy these delightful Baked Apple Fritters as a delicious treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
