Baked Apple Fritters
these Baked Apple Fritters are about to become your new fall obsession! They’re easier than pie, healthier than their fried cousins, and so darn good you’ll want to make them every weekend from now ’til Christmas! Perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday brunches, or a simple weeknight dessert, these fritters blend the sweetness of apples with warm spices, making them a delightful treat for all occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these delicious fritters in no time.
- Healthier Twist: These are baked instead of fried, making them a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Flavor: The combination of apples and spices creates a warm taste that is perfect for fall and winter.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 8 servings, making it great for family gatherings or potlucks.
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits to the batter for extra texture and flavor!
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your Baked Apple Fritters, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
- Wire rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
- Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for even baking of your fritters.
- Wire rack: Allows fritters to cool evenly while keeping them crisp.
Ingredients
For the Fritters
- 3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 Cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 Cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons butter (cold and cut into pieces)
- 1/2 Cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Cup chopped apple
For the Glaze
- 1 Cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until well mixed.
Step 3: Cut in Butter
Add the cold butter pieces into the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the flour mix.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if some lumps remain.
Step 6: Add Apples
Fold in the chopped apples until they are evenly distributed through the batter.
Step 7: Form Fritters
Drop spoonfuls (about 1/4 cup each) of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each fritter.
Step 8: Bake Fritters
Bake in your preheated oven for 11–13 minutes. They should be golden on the bottom and set in the center.
Step 9: Prepare Glaze
While fritters bake, whisk together confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 10: Broil Topping
Once baked, remove fritters from oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Turn on broiler. Brush a thin layer of glaze over each fritter and broil for 2–4 minutes until golden on top.
Step 11: Final Glaze Application
After broiling, brush any remaining glaze over warm fritters for extra sweetness.
Step 12: Serve
Allow glaze to harden slightly before enjoying your delicious Baked Apple Fritters!
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters
Baked Apple Fritters are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them. Whether at breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these fritters can be paired with various toppings and sides to enhance their flavor.
With a Sweet Glaze
- Drizzle extra glaze over the fritters for added sweetness. A simple mixture of confectioner’s sugar and milk makes a delightful topping.
Served Warm with Ice Cream
- Pair warm Baked Apple Fritters with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold is irresistible!
Accompanied by Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside fresh apple slices or mixed berries for a refreshing balance. This adds a healthy touch to your dessert.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- For an indulgent treat, add a dollop of whipped cream on top. It enhances the flavor and provides a creamy texture.
As Part of a Breakfast Platter
- Include fritters in a breakfast spread with pancakes, eggs, and bacon. They make an excellent sweet addition to savory dishes.
How to Perfect Baked Apple Fritters
To achieve the best Baked Apple Fritters, follow these handy tips that ensure perfect results every time.
- Use fresh apples: Freshly chopped apples provide the best flavor and texture in your fritters.
- Don’t overmix: Gently stir the batter; overmixing can lead to dense fritters instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Cool before glazing: Let the fritters cool slightly before applying glaze to allow it to set better.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust spices like cinnamon or nutmeg according to your taste preferences for unique flavors.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days for optimal freshness.
- Broil cautiously: Watch closely while broiling; they can burn quickly if left unattended.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Apple Fritters
Pairing side dishes with Baked Apple Fritters can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement their flavor beautifully.
- Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon balances the sweetness of the fritters perfectly.
- Sausage Links: Savory sausage links offer a hearty contrast to the lightness of apple fritters.
- Oven-Baked Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns provide a satisfying texture alongside sweet treats.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: A yogurt parfait layered with granola and fruits brings freshness and creaminess.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of maple syrup enhances the sweetness while adding depth of flavor.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad adds brightness and freshness, making for a well-rounded dish.
- Coffee or Tea: Serving these fritters with your favorite hot beverage complements their flavors nicely.
- Cheese Platter: Pairing with mild cheeses creates an interesting contrast, enriching your tasting experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Apple Fritters, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s what to watch out for to ensure delicious results.
- Using the wrong flour: Different flours absorb liquid differently. Stick to the recommended all-purpose and white whole wheat flours for the best texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense fritters. Combine ingredients just until they are mixed to keep them light and fluffy.
- Skipping the glaze: The glaze adds a wonderful sweetness and appeal. Don’t skip it; it’s part of what makes these fritters irresistible!
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so use precise measurements for flour, sugar, and spices to achieve consistent results.
- Neglecting oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly. A hot oven ensures that the fritters bake evenly and rise beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Baked Apple Fritters in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Baked Apple Fritters
- Freeze fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Apple Fritters
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-30 seconds per fritter. Be careful not to overheat, as they might become soggy.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; warm each side for about 2 minutes until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Baked Apple Fritters.
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for varied flavors in your fritters.
How do I make these fritters gluten-free?
You can substitute the flours with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How can I customize my Baked Apple Fritters?
Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, or mix in some raisins or cranberries for added flavor.
Are Baked Apple Fritters healthy?
Compared to traditional fried versions, these baked treats are healthier due to less fat and calories while still being delightfully satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Baked Apple Fritters are not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize them with different spices or mix-ins. Perfect as a fall treat or any time you crave something sweet, these fritters will surely become a favorite. Give them a try this weekend!
Baked Apple Fritters
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Baked Apple Fritters are the ultimate autumn treat that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds! These scrumptious fritters combine the natural sweetness of fresh apples with cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all while being baked instead of fried for a healthier twist. With a quick preparation time and a delightful glaze to finish, these fritters are perfect for any gathering, holiday brunch, or simply as an indulgent dessert at home. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how irresistible they taste—definitely a fall staple you won’t want to miss!
Ingredients
- 3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 Cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 Cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons butter (cold and cut into pieces)
- 1/2 Cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Cup chopped apple
- 1 Cup confectioner's sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk for glaze
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until well mixed.
- Add the cold butter pieces into the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the flour mix.
- Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if some lumps remain.
- Fold in the chopped apples until they are evenly distributed through the batter.
- Drop spoonfuls (about 1/4 cup each) of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each fritter.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 11–13 minutes. They should be golden on the bottom and set in the center.
- While fritters bake, whisk together confectioner's sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once baked, remove fritters from oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Turn on broiler. Brush a thin layer of glaze over each fritter and broil for 2–4 minutes until golden on top.
- After broiling, brush any remaining glaze over warm fritters for extra sweetness.
- Allow glaze to harden slightly before enjoying your delicious Baked Apple Fritters!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter (60g)
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
