What are Apple Fritters? What are some of the best deep fried pastries you can get at a local bakery? What if I told you that you could have all that deliciousness, but without the deep-frying? What is the difference between extra calories and mess? What is baked apple fritters? What is the difference between a cinnamon roll and an apple pie? If you love an apple dessert, like maybe a comforting apple crisp, but you want something different, you can try this Apple Crisp. If you want something different, you’ve got to try these. What are some of the best autumn treats to have at home? What is the best part about baking? I promise, you’ll be hooked after the first bite! If you are trying to avoid fried foods, this baked apple fritters recipe is exactly what you need. What are you looking for?
What is Apple Fritters?
What is an apple fritter? Think of it as a wonderfully spiced apple donut, but baked instead of fried. What is essentially a sweet batter, loaded with chunks of tender apples and generous dose of sour cream? What is cinnamon, all baked to golden perfection? What really sets Apple Fritters apart from regular apple cakes or pies is the glaze. A simple glaze really enhances the sweetness of apples and the spice of the cinnamon. delivers this recipe straight to a wonderful dessert category. The name “fritter” comes from the fact that the original versions were small, fried cakes, but we’re still here. What’s a healthier twist by baking them? Is it a comforting classic, reimagined for the home cook, and honestly, way easier to make than you think? What are the best baked apple fritters?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Alright, let me tell you why you’re absolutely going to adore these baked apple fritters. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible! Imagine warm, tender apples bursting with cinnamon spice, enveloped in a soft, cake-like dough, and topped with a sweet, glistening glaze. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and spice. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make. No fussy techniques or complicated steps here! I always love recipes that are budget-friendly, and this one definitely fits the bill. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can enjoy these fritters for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a cozy snack with a cup of tea. I’ve even served them warm with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream for a truly decadent treat. They also remind me a lot of a classic apple pie that my grandmother used to make, but these are way faster to whip up. I make these baked apple fritters anytime that I am looking for something sweet that I don’t have to feel guilty about!
How do I make Apple Fritters?
Quick Overview
How do I make Apple Fritters? How do you make a batter for apples? How do you mix the two, pour it into a baking dish, and bake until golden brown. While they’re baking, you can whip up a glaze to drizzle over the top. The whole process takes less than an hour, and the results are absolutely worth it. I promise, even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can nail this recipe. How do you bake apple fritters?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I prefer using unbleached flour for a slightly nutty flavor, but regular all-purpose works just as well.
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Feel free to reduce this slightly if you prefer a less sweet fritter. I’ve even used coconut sugar with great results.
* 2 teaspoons baking powder: This is what gives the fritters their light and fluffy texture. Make sure yours is fresh for the best results!
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the batter. I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors.
* 3/4 cup milk: I usually use whole milk for richness, but any kind of milk (almond, soy, oat) will work. I’ve tried a few different kinds. I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
* 1 large egg: Adds moisture and helps bind the batter together.
* 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds flavor and richness. Can you use coconut oil for a dairy free option?
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of sweetness.
For the Filling:
* 2 medium apples: I love using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for their tartness and texture. What is the best apple you’ve ever tried? Just make sure they’re peeled, cored and diced into small pieces.
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Prevents apples from browning and adds a touch of brightness.
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar: This forms the base of the glaze. Make sure it’s sifted to avoid lumps.
* 2-3 tablespoons milk: Add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency. I like mine to be thick enough to coat the fritters nicely, but thin enough so that they don’t drip easily.
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor and sweetness to glaze.
What are the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, grease and flour a 8×8 inch baking pan. How do you remove fritters? I always do this even if I’m using a non-stick pan, just to be extra safe.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. This will ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. If you’re using melted butter, make sure it’s cooled before adding it to the pan. This will prevent it from burning.
Step 4: Combine
What are the wet ingredients and how do you mix them? What are some good ways to avoid overmixing? Overmixing can result in a tough fritter, and nobody wants that.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples and lemon juice. Set aside. Toss to coat, making sure every piece is covered. This will prevent browning and add a nice tangy flavor.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Gently fold the apples into the batter. Spread the mixture evenly into a prepared baking pan. The mixture will be thick, but that’s perfect!
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to make sure they don’t get too brown. Ovens can vary, so adjust the baking time as needed.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the fritters cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before drizzling with the glaze. While fritters are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency. I like to let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice fritters into squares and serve warm. Can you store these fresh in an airtight container? Temperature for a day or two. Though, honestly, they never last that long at my house!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good recipes for baked Apple Fritters? What is next level?
For Breakfast:Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or cold milk. What are some good side dishes to serve with bacon or sausage?
For Brunch:Serve them as part of a brunch spread with other pastries, fresh fruit, and yogurt parfaits. What are some of the best brunch cocktails?
As Dessert:How do you top a strawberry ice cream with whipped cream? What are some good additions to a salad? A drizzle of caramel sauce or chopped nuts?
For Cozy Snacks:Have a cup of tea and enjoy them on chilly evenings. What are some good comfort foods for reading a book?
My family loves these anytime of the day! Is it true that breakfast is served with bacon? I love to drink coffee with a glass of water to give me the energy I need to wrangle my family.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Apple Fritters
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to help you make the perfect baked apple fritters:
Apple Prep: Make sure to dice your apples into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. You don’t want some pieces to be crunchy while others are mushy. I like to use a sharp knife or a mandoline for this.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough fritter. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few lumps.
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your glaze! You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for an extra layer of flavor. You can also use different extracts, like almond or maple, to create unique flavor combinations.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different flours. I’ve used whole wheat flour, almond flour, and gluten-free flour blends with great results. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the fritters while they’re baking to make sure they don’t get too brown. If they start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with foil to prevent burning.
Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, try using brown butter instead of melted butter. Simply cook the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the glaze. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to the glaze for a tangy twist.
I have learned from my mistakes when it comes to baking and cooking in general. This baked apple fritters recipe has been a long time coming, so trust me when I say, I know these tips will help.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your baked apple fritters to keep them fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them from drying out, you can place a slice of bread in the container to absorb excess moisture.
Refrigerator Storage: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm them up slightly in the microwave.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the fritters for more than a day, I recommend glazing them just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from getting soggy.
My family loves these baked apple fritters, but usually they get eaten way before I need to think about storing them!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for baked apple fritters! It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast treat, a crowd-pleasing brunch item, or a comforting dessert, these fritters are sure to hit the spot. And the best part? You can enjoy all the flavor of traditional apple fritters without the deep-frying mess. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other apple desserts for more inspiration! Like maybe my Apple Crumble bars or my delicious Cinnamon Apple Cake. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends. Happy baking!
How to Bake Apple Fritters Like a Pro: 7 Easy Steps!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour Plus more for dusting
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.75 cup Milk
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 Medium apples Peeled, cored, and diced
For Frying
- 3 cups Vegetable oil For frying
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar For dusting
- Cinnamon For dusting
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain.
- Dust with powdered sugar and cinnamon, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
