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Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

4.8 from 145 reviews

These baked apple fritters offer a delightful treat with a soft, tender interior and a crispy exterior. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and studded with juicy diced apples, these fritters are a healthier alternative to traditional fried versions. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, they make a perfect snack or dessert for apple lovers, combining classic flavors with a guilt-free baked twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins

  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (preferably firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted unsalted butter (slightly cooled), and eggs. Beat well until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix to avoid tough fritters.
  5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed without breaking them apart.
  6. Form Fritters: Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow room for spreading as they bake.
  7. Bake: Bake the fritters for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, testing doneness with a toothpick if needed.
  8. Prepare Glaze: While fritters bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze.
  9. Cool and Glaze: Remove the fritters from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then dip each fritter into the glaze to coat thoroughly, and return to the baking sheet to allow the glaze to set.

Notes

  • Use firm apple varieties (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) to ensure the apples hold their shape while baking.
  • Dice apples into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the fritters.
  • Allow melted butter to cool slightly before mixing with eggs to avoid scrambling.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep fritters tender and light.
  • Cool fritters slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and sliding off.
  • You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon sugar before baking for a sweet crust.
  • Drizzle caramel sauce or serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent variation.
  • Batter can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated.
  • Baked fritters freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
  • Whole wheat flour can substitute all or part of the all-purpose flour, though texture will vary slightly.

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