Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

When the fall season rolls around, there's nothing quite like the smell of warm, spiced apple fritters fresh from the oven. This Baked Apple Fritters recipe offers a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, without sacrificing the delicious combination of tender apples, cinnamon, and a sweet glaze. Baked instead of fried, these fritters are lighter, but still boast the crispy, chewy texture and rich flavors you love.

Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these baked apple fritters are a great way to enjoy the comforting flavors of fall. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to create a batch of these delicious fritters that everyone will love!

What Are Baked Apple Fritters?

Apple fritters are traditionally deep-fried doughnuts filled with chunks of apples and warm spices like cinnamon. They’re often glazed or dusted with powdered sugar to add an extra layer of sweetness. In this baked version, you’ll skip the oil for a lighter, less greasy fritter. The result is a fluffy, golden-brown pastry that’s healthier but still packed with flavor. These fritters are baked in the oven, giving you the same tender inside and slightly crispy outside, but without the mess or added fat from frying.

Ingredients List for Baked Apple Fritters

Before you get started, gather the following ingredients for the fritters and the glaze:

For the Fritters:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅓ cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite apple variety)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning of apples)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoon milk (adjust for consistency)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional for a spiced glaze)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust it to fit your dietary preferences or taste preferences:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute almond milk or oat milk for regular milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
• Sweetener Substitution: Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit for a lower-sugar option.
• Different Fruit: Swap the apples for pears or mix in other fall fruits like chopped pears or cranberries for a twist.
• Add Nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

These baked apple fritters are easy to make and come together in just a few steps. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small bite-sized pieces. Place the diced apples in a bowl and toss them with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Lightly grease the paper or mat to prevent the fritters from sticking.

Step 3: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and combined.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the fritters tough.
4. Fold in the diced apples.

Step 4: Form the Fritters

1. Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the apple fritter dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape them into mounds, leaving some space between each fritter to allow for even baking.
2. Gently flatten the mounds slightly with the back of the spoon to create more of a fritter shape.

Step 5: Bake the Fritters

1. Bake the fritters in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. If you want a slightly crispier exterior, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

How to Make the Glaze: A Step-by-Step Guide

While the fritters are baking, you can prepare the sweet glaze that will top them off.

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
2. For a spiced glaze, add a pinch of cinnamon.

Step 2: Glaze the Fritters

1. Once the fritters are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
2. Using a spoon, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fritters. For an extra indulgent touch, dip the entire fritter into the glaze and let the excess drip off.
3. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some tips to ensure your baked apple fritters come out perfectly:

• Overmixing the Dough: Be sure to mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in tough fritters.
• Using Too Many Apples: While apples are the star ingredient, too many can make the dough too wet and difficult to bake properly. Stick to the recipe’s suggested amount for the best results.
• Skipping the Glaze: The glaze adds sweetness and helps give the fritters that classic, indulgent flavor. Don’t skip it!

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters:

1. Serve the fritters warm for the best texture and flavor. The glaze will harden slightly as it cools, creating a deliciously sweet coating.
2. Pair these baked fritters with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or apple cider for the ultimate fall treat.

Presentation Ideas for Baked Apple Fritters

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a classic look, dust the fritters with powdered sugar instead of (or in addition to) the glaze.
• Add a Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle the fritters with homemade or store-bought caramel sauce.
• Serve with Ice Cream: If you want to turn these fritters into a full dessert, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe Tips

• Keep an Eye on the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking the fritters around the 12-minute mark. You want them to be golden brown on the outside and fully cooked in the center.
• Reheat for Crispiness: If you have leftovers, pop the fritters in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to re-crisp the exterior before enjoying.
• Double the Recipe: These fritters are so delicious, you might want to make a double batch! They also freeze well (before glazing), so you can store them for later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze baked apple fritters? A: Yes! You can freeze baked apple fritters before glazing. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, then glaze them.

Q: How do I store leftover fritters? A: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can reheat them in the oven to refresh their texture.

Q: Can I use a different type of fruit? A: Absolutely! While apples are traditional, you can substitute pears, peaches, or even blueberries for a different take on this recipe.

Q: Can I make these fritters without eggs? A: Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water) or a store-bought egg replacer for a vegan version.

Conclusion

These Baked Apple Fritters are the perfect way to enjoy a comforting fall dessert without the added oil and calories of deep-frying. They’re light, fluffy, and packed with spiced apple flavor, and the sweet glaze takes them over the top. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these fritters are sure to become a family favorite. Try out this healthier twist on a classic fritter recipe, and enjoy every bite of fall goodness!

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