Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about apple fritters—those warm, cinnamon-sugar coated doughnuts packed with sweet, soft apple chunks. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee, as a sweet snack, or as an indulgent dessert, apple fritters never fail to delight. Traditionally deep-fried to crispy perfection, apple fritters are a beloved treat. But if you’ve been craving that delicious, nostalgic flavor without the heavy oil, look no further than these baked apple fritters.
Baking the fritters instead of frying them results in a lighter, less greasy version of the classic, but without sacrificing any of the delicious taste and texture that make apple fritters so irresistible. These baked fritters are golden on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, with perfectly spiced apples in every bite, topped with a sweet glaze for that ultimate finishing touch.
This recipe will guide you through how to bake these apple fritters from scratch, using basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. We’ll also share tips and tricks for making them even more customizable and adaptable to your tastes. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started on creating this healthier version of a classic favorite.
Ingredients
To make these delicious baked apple fritters, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect texture and flavor, so be sure to measure carefully!
For the Fritters:
- 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and finely chopped): The apples are the star of the show! You can use any variety, but Granny Smith apples offer a nice balance of tartness, while Honeycrisp apples provide a sweeter bite. Fuji apples are another great option for a naturally sweet flavor.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure for the fritter dough. Be sure to spoon and level your flour to avoid using too much.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: This will sweeten the fritters just enough without overwhelming them. You can substitute with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a more natural sweetener.
- 1 tsp baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the fritters rise and become light and fluffy.
- ¼ tsp baking soda: This works in combination with the baking powder to give the fritters their soft, airy texture.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Cinnamon and apples are a match made in heaven, adding warmth and spice to the batter.
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a subtle depth of flavor and enhances the apple’s sweetness.
- ½ tsp salt: A little salt helps to balance the sweetness of the sugar and spices.
- 1 large egg: Eggs provide structure and moisture to the fritter dough. If you need a vegan option, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) works well.
- ½ cup milk: Whole milk is ideal for a rich flavor, but you can use any milk alternative like almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Butter adds richness and flavor. You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: This adds depth and sweetness to the batter.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adding lemon juice to the apples prevents them from browning and adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the fritters.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The glaze needs powdered sugar to achieve that smooth, shiny finish.
- 2-3 tbsp milk: The milk helps to thin the glaze to a smooth, pourable consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds flavor and a little sweetness to the glaze.
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional): For extra spice and a more complex flavor profile, add cinnamon to the glaze.
Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, let’s dive into how to make these delicious baked apple fritters.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Begin by preparing your apples. Peel, core, and finely chop the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. You want the apple chunks to blend into the batter, so aim for pieces that are about ¼ inch in size. To prevent the apples from browning as you work, place them in a small bowl and drizzle with lemon juice. Set the bowl aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking these ingredients together ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving the fritters a uniform texture and flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The wet ingredients should be fully combined before you add them to the dry mixture. If your butter has cooled too much and solidified, warm it slightly to ensure it mixes smoothly with the other wet ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should remain thick and slightly lumpy. Overmixing can lead to tough fritters, so just stir until everything is incorporated.
Step 5: Add the Apples
Add the chopped apples to the batter and fold them in gently. The apples will distribute throughout the dough, but you want to ensure they are evenly spread without breaking them down too much. The batter will be thick, but that’s perfectly normal—it will hold the apples in place as it bakes.
Step 6: Shape the Fritters
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart, as they will expand a little while baking. Optionally, you can lightly flatten the tops of the fritters with the back of the spoon to help them bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake the Fritters
Place the fritters in the preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the fritters toward the end of the baking time to prevent over-baking, as every oven behaves differently.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the fritters are baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Whisk until the glaze is smooth and pourable. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk if the glaze is too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
Step 9: Glaze the Fritters
Once the fritters are done baking and have cooled slightly, it’s time to glaze them. Dip the tops of each fritter into the glaze, making sure they are generously coated. You can also drizzle the glaze over the fritters using a spoon for a lighter touch. Once glazed, transfer the fritters to a cooling rack or another sheet of parchment paper to let the glaze set.
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 18-20 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: This recipe yields about 12 fritters, depending on the size of the scoops. You can easily double or halve the recipe to suit your needs.
Variations
While this recipe offers a classic approach to baked apple fritters, there are many ways to personalize it. Here are some ideas for adding variety:
- Add-ins: Try adding chopped walnuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture. These additions will give your fritters a delightful crunch and a burst of sweetness.
- Crispier fritters: If you prefer a crunchier fritter, lightly spray the fritters with cooking spray before baking. This will give them a slightly crispier exterior without deep frying.
- Vegan Apple Fritters: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water), use a dairy-free milk such as almond or oat milk, and replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Apple cider glaze: For a deeper apple flavor, replace the milk in the glaze with apple cider. This will complement the apples in the fritters and enhance the overall apple taste.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Once cooled and glazed, these baked apple fritters can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days. If you prefer them warm, you can gently reheat them.
Freezing: These fritters freeze well for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Reheating: To reheat, you can place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warm. For a quicker option, reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
10 FAQs About Baked Apple Fritters
- Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use any type of apple, but Granny Smith apples are a great choice for a balance of tartness and firmness. Honeycrisp apples are sweeter and softer, making them another good option.
- Can I make these fritters without glaze?
- Yes, the fritters will still taste wonderful without the glaze. For a lighter version, simply skip the glaze or dust with powdered sugar.
- Can I substitute the flour to make these fritters gluten-free?
- Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be sure to use a blend designed for baking to ensure the best texture.
- What should I do if the fritters turn out too dry?
- If your fritters are dry, it could be due to overmixing the batter or overbaking them. Make sure to mix gently and bake just until golden brown to maintain their moisture.
- Can I make these fritters in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the fritter batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. However, the fritters are best when freshly baked for the perfect texture.
- Can I fry these fritters instead of baking them?
- Yes, you can fry the fritters in hot oil for a more traditional approach. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the fritters until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Can I freeze the fritters before baking?
- Yes, you can freeze the unbaked fritters. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Can I use a different glaze for the fritters?
- Absolutely! You can use a maple glaze, cream cheese glaze, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar instead of the cinnamon glaze.
- How long will the fritters stay fresh?
- These fritters will stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature or up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- How can I make the fritters crispier?
- If you want a crispier fritter, try lightly spraying the fritters with cooking spray before baking, or bake them for an additional 3-5 minutes until crispy.
Conclusion
These baked apple fritters offer a lighter, healthier take on the beloved classic, without sacrificing any of the flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, these warm, cinnamon-spiced fritters are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
With their fluffy texture, sweet apple chunks, and golden, crispy edges, they make the perfect homemade indulgence. Try this recipe today, and let us know how your fritters turn out—whether you stick with the classic glaze or try a fun variation, we’re sure you’ll love them!
Enjoy baking, and happy frittering!