Baked Apple Fritters are a healthier twist on the classic deep-fried treat, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. These fritters are packed with juicy apple chunks, warm cinnamon flavor, and are baked until golden and fluffy. Topped with a light glaze, they have all the delicious flavors of traditional apple fritters without the mess of frying. This easy recipe will bring the comforting taste of apples and cinnamon to your table in no time.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Fritters
- Recipe Variations
- FAQs
- Serving Suggestions
- Conclusion
Ingredients
For the Fritters
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.
- Form the Fritters: Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter for each fritter and drop it onto the prepared baking sheet, forming small mounds. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
- Glaze the Fritters: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled fritters using a spoon. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Fritters
- Use Firm Apples: Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well during baking and add a nice tart flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the fritters tender. Overmixing can result in tough fritters.
- Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a drizzling consistency.
Recipe Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Instead of glazing, brush the baked fritters with melted butter and roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a classic coating.
- Add Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a nutty crunch.
- Apple Pie Spice: Substitute the cinnamon and nutmeg with apple pie spice for a more complex flavor profile.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the fritters ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Glaze them just before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I freeze baked apple fritters?
A: Absolutely! Allow the fritters to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of fruit?
A: Yes, you can substitute apples with pears or even diced peaches for a different twist on this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
- With Coffee: Enjoy these fritters with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Warm: Serve the fritters slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Baked Apple Fritters are a delightful, healthier alternative to traditional fried fritters, offering the same cozy flavors of apples and cinnamon in a soft, fluffy bite. Easy to make and perfect for any time of day, these fritters are sure to satisfy your cravings. Try them today and enjoy the comforting taste of apples and cinnamon with every bite!
