Apple Fritter Bites Recipe

Introduction

Apple fritters are a beloved treat, often enjoyed at bakeries or served as a sweet breakfast pastry. But what if you could make a bite-sized version that’s even easier to prepare and enjoy? That’s where Apple Fritter Bites come in. These mini fritters are packed with cinnamon, apple, and a delicious apple cider glaze, offering all the flavors of a classic apple fritter but in a portable, poppable bite. I recently made these for a family brunch, and let’s just say, they didn’t last long! The combination of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and a sweet glaze made them a hit with everyone, young and old alike. They are perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, a snack with your afternoon tea, or even for a festive dessert at your next gathering.

Ingredients

For the Apple Fritter Bites:

• Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the muffin tin)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 1/2 cups finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples (about 2 medium apples)

For the Apple Cider Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or juice

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the bites from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This will create the dry base for your fritter batter.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and applesauce, stirring until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense fritters. Once the batter is formed, gently fold in the finely diced apples. The apples provide a burst of freshness and flavor, so you want to make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Spoon the Batter into Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. This will allow enough room for the fritters to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake the Fritter Bites: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a fritter bite comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, and the fritters should look slightly puffed.
7. Make the Apple Cider Glaze: While the fritters cool slightly, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and apple cider (or juice) in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. The glaze should have a consistency that coats the fritters but isn’t too runny.
8. Dip in the Glaze: Once the fritters are slightly cooled but still warm, dip each one into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed fritters on a cooling rack to allow the glaze to set and harden slightly.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once the glaze has set, the fritter bites are ready to enjoy. These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or sharing!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 bites
• Calories per serving: 130 kcal
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve

• Breakfast or Brunch: Serve the Apple Fritter Bites as a delicious breakfast or brunch treat with a cup of coffee or hot tea.
• Afternoon Snack: They make a great snack for the afternoon when you’re craving something sweet and comforting.
• Dessert: Serve them as a dessert at your next gathering or holiday party for a fun and bite-sized treat.
• With Ice Cream: These fritter bites are also excellent when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Apples: Honeycrisp and Gala apples are ideal because they’re sweet and crisp, but feel free to experiment with other varieties of apples to suit your taste.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep your fritter bites light and airy, avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Stir just until combined.
3. Customize the Glaze: If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add a bit more powdered sugar. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for extra flavor.
4. Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a quicker prep time when you’re ready to bake.
5. Crispier Fritter Bites: If you prefer a slightly crispy exterior, you can lightly spray the muffin tin with cooking spray before baking.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk in the batter.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these bites gluten-free.
• Add-ins: Try adding nuts such as chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and a richer flavor.
• Spiced Apple Fritters: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the batter along with the cinnamon.
• Baked Apple Fritter Muffins: Instead of making bites, spoon the batter into a regular muffin tin to make larger fritter muffins. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until fully cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Coffee or Tea: These Apple Fritter Bites go perfectly with a hot beverage, making them ideal for breakfast or brunch.
• Pair with Yogurt: Serve alongside a bowl of vanilla yogurt for a sweet contrast.
• As a Party Treat: They are perfect for serving at gatherings. Guests can easily grab a few and enjoy them on the go.
• Serve with Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a little warm caramel sauce over the bites before serving for a decadent dessert.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: Store leftover Apple Fritter Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The glaze may soften a bit, but they’ll still be delicious!
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed Apple Fritter Bites in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature and dip them in fresh glaze.
• Reheating: Reheat the fritters in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat. If they’ve been frozen, allow them to thaw and warm them up for the best results.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, other apple varieties such as Fuji or Granny Smith work well, but keep in mind that Granny Smith apples are more tart than sweet.

2. Can I make these without the glaze?
Absolutely! The fritter bites are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Just make sure to glaze them right before serving.

4. How can I make the fritter bites less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or glaze to make them less sweet, or even leave out the glaze entirely for a less sugary treat.

5. Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal and 3 tablespoons water) to replace the egg in the batter for a vegan version.

6. How do I know when the fritter bites are fully baked?
The fritters are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the tops are golden brown.

7. Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini muffin tin?
Yes, you can use a standard muffin tin, but the baking time may increase slightly. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until done.

8. Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable or canola oil as a substitute for the butter, but the flavor

might differ slightly.

9. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Apple Fritter Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

10. Can I use a different type of glaze?
Yes, you can experiment with different glazes, such as caramel or a cinnamon sugar glaze, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Apple Fritter Bites are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon in a small, easy-to-eat form. They are quick to make, easy to store, and versatile enough to serve at any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a party dessert, these fritter bites will be a hit every time. The addition of the apple cider glaze is what takes them from good to great, making them irresistibly sweet and satisfying. Enjoy these bite-sized treats and make them a part of your fall or winter baking traditions!

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