Baked Apple Fritters

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that combines the irresistible flavors of fall with a little bit of indulgence, then these Baked Apple Fritters are exactly what you need! Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in a soft, golden dough, baked to perfection and finished with a sweet glaze. They’re lighter than their deep-fried counterparts, but just as delicious, making them the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, these baked apple fritters are sure to become your new favorite comfort food!

Why You’ll Love Baked Apple Fritters

Here’s why these apple fritters are bound to win your heart:

• Light and Fluffy: Unlike traditional fried fritters, these are baked, so you get all the goodness with less oil. The texture is perfectly soft and pillowy with a delightful crunch on the outside.
• Warm Fall Flavors: Apples and cinnamon are a match made in heaven, and in these fritters, they create a comforting, spiced flavor that will make your kitchen smell like autumn.
• Easy to Make: No deep fryer required—these fritters are baked in the oven, making them a much simpler and cleaner treat to prepare than their fried version.
• Perfectly Glazed: The sweet glaze that coats these fritters gives them an extra touch of sweetness, taking them to the next level. It’s just the right amount of drizzle to add that finishing touch!
• Versatile: These fritters are perfect for any time of day! Serve them with coffee in the morning, as an afternoon snack, or as a sweet treat for a family gathering.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these delightful baked apple fritters:

• Apples: Choose your favorite type of apples—Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the dough, giving it structure and body.
• Baking Powder: Helps the fritters rise, making them light and airy.
• Cinnamon: The warm spice that perfectly complements the apples.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough, and you’ll also need some for tossing the apple pieces.
• Eggs: Give the fritters a nice, tender texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, helping it come together.
• Butter: For richness and flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic note to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• For the Glaze: Powdered sugar, milk, and a little vanilla extract to create that sweet, glossy drizzle.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on making these delicious fritters!

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the fritters from sticking.

2. Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. Toss them with a little bit of sugar and cinnamon, then set them aside to let the flavors meld together.

3. Make the Fritter Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, melt the butter and whisk in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. The batter should be thick but scoopable.

4. Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the cinnamon-sugar apples into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

5. Form the Fritters

Scoop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, forming small fritter shapes. You can make them as big or small as you like, but keep in mind they will spread a little while baking.

6. Bake the Fritters

Bake the fritters for about 18-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you want extra crispness, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

7. Make the Glaze

While the fritters are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches a drizzle-able consistency.

8. Glaze the Fritters

Once the fritters are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Your Baked Apple Fritters are ready to be enjoyed! They’re best served warm, but they’re still delicious at room temperature. Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters

These fritters are delightful on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:

• With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: The sweetness of the fritters pairs perfectly with a hot beverage like a latte or black coffee.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve these as a delicious addition to your weekend brunch spread, alongside eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
• As a Dessert: They make a fantastic dessert—light enough for after a meal, but still indulgent enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Additional Tips

• Make Them Apple-Cinnamon Doughnuts: If you’re craving doughnuts instead of fritters, you can shape the batter into rings and bake them to create apple-cinnamon doughnuts.
• Add a Dash of Nutmeg: For an extra fall flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter. It pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and apples.
• Try Different Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties to find the one you like best. A tart variety like Granny Smith adds a nice contrast to the sweet fritters.
• Storage Tips: These fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore some of their crispiness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
A1: While fresh apples work best, you can use frozen apples if necessary. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using to avoid excess moisture in the fritters.

Q2: Can I make these fritters without the glaze?
A2: Absolutely! The glaze adds a sweet touch, but these fritters are delicious even without it. You could dust them with powdered sugar instead if you prefer a simpler finish.

Q3: Can I freeze the fritters?
A3: Yes! After baking, let the fritters cool completely and freeze them in an airtight container for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Q4: Can I substitute the apples with another fruit?
A4: Yes, pears or peaches would work well as substitutes for apples, giving the fritters a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.

Q5: How do I make the fritters extra crispy?
A5: If you’re looking for extra crunch, you can brush the fritters with a little melted butter before baking, or sprinkle them with sugar right before they go into the oven.

Conclusion

These Baked Apple Fritters are the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence. They’re easy to make, full of warm fall flavors, and just sweet enough with a simple glaze. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy breakfast or sharing them with friends, these fritters will make any occasion feel extra special. So go ahead, grab some apples, and start baking—your kitchen (and taste buds) will thank you!

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