These baked apple fritters are an easy treat bursting with sweet apple flavor! Covered in a yummy glaze, they make for a delightful snack or breakfast option.
What’s great is that they’re baked, not fried! I love making these on a cozy morning, and they disappear fast at my house. Who can resist a warm, glazed fritter? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are my favorites for their tartness and crunch, but feel free to use any apple you love. Fuji or Gala work well too! You can also mix different apples for extra flavor.
Flour: Regular all-purpose flour is perfect, but if you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It usually substitutes well in baking without affecting taste too much.
Milk: I’ve used whole milk for rich flavor, but any milk (like almond or oat milk) works perfectly. Just be cautious with flavored versions, as they can change the taste.
Powdered Sugar: Instead of powdered sugar for the glaze, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar-free alternative for a different kind of sweetness. Just ensure it dissolves well.
How Do I Get the Perfect Bake on My Fritters?
Baking these fritters needs some care to achieve that perfect golden brown color and soft inside. Follow these tips for the best result:
- Preheat Oven: Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking. This step is key!
- Spacing: Space your fritters 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This helps them bake evenly and prevents them from sticking together.
- Flatten Gently: When you drop them on the sheet, use the back of a spoon to flatten them slightly. This helps them cook uniformly.
- Watch the Time: Baking time can vary. Start checking at 15 minutes. They are done when golden brown, and a toothpick comes out clean!
- Cooling: Allow them to cool slightly before glazing. This makes the glaze stick better and keeps it from melting.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious, perfectly baked apple fritters every time! Enjoy baking! 🍏
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil for greasing the baking sheet
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15-18 minutes to bake. Adding in a little cooling time after baking, you can enjoy these scrumptious fritters in under 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or a touch of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is nicely combined. This will create a sweet and fragrant base for your fritters!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the egg and then add the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix everything well until the ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to over mix! Now, fold in the diced apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Shape the Fritters:
Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each fritter. Use the back of the spoon to slightly flatten each one. This helps them cook evenly!
6. Bake the Fritters:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Make the Glaze:
While the fritters are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency.
8. Cool the Fritters:
Once baked, let the fritters cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set perfectly!
9. Glaze and Serve:
Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters, coating them deliciously. These are best enjoyed warm, so serve them right away! Enjoy every bite of these tasty, tender fritters!
Happy baking! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their texture and sweetness, you can also use Fuji, Gala, or even a mix for a unique flavor profile. Just be sure to choose apples that are firm for the best results!
Can These Fritters Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the fritters ahead! Bake them and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To enjoy later, just warm them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their delightful texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftovers 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 be aware that the glaze may soften slightly after storage.
Can I Freeze Baked Apple Fritters?
Yes! To freeze, allow the fritters to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
