Baked Apple Fritters
these Baked Apple Fritters are about to become your new fall obsession! They’re easier than pie, healthier than their fried cousins, and so darn good you’ll want to make them every weekend from now ’til Christmas! Perfect for cozy gatherings, festive brunches, or a sweet treat any day of the week, these fritters combine delicious flavors with a simple baking process that anyone can master.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these delightful fritters without the fuss.
- Healthier Option: Unlike traditional fried fritters, these baked treats offer a lighter choice without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Delight: Perfect as a dessert, breakfast item, or snack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
- Fall Flavors: Infused with spices and fresh apples, they celebrate the essence of autumn in every bite.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these sweet treats. They’re great for family gatherings!
Tools and Preparation
To make your Baked Apple Fritters, having the right tools is essential. Here are the must-have items to ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Silicone baking mat
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked fritters.
- Silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently and effectively.
- Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the mixture for a light texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 Cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 Cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons butter (cold and cut into pieces)
- 1/2 Cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1 Cup chopped apple
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 Cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the following:
All-purpose flour,
White whole wheat flour,
Brown sugar,
Baking powder,
Cinnamon,
Nutmeg,
Allspice,
Salt.
Step 3: Cut in Butter
Add cold butter pieces to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together:
1. Milk,
2. Egg,
3. Vanilla extract.
Then add this mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 5: Add Apples
Gently fold in the chopped apple until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Scoop onto Baking Sheet
Drop by 1/4 cupfuls onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them out evenly.
Step 7: Bake
Place in the oven and bake for 11–13 minutes until the bottoms are golden and centers are set.
Step 8: Cool Slightly
Remove fritters from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Turn your oven to broil while preparing for glazing.
Step 9: Make Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together:
Confectioner’s sugar,
Milk,
Vanilla extract.
This creates your sweet glaze!
Step 10: Glaze Fritters
Brush a thin layer of glaze over each fritter. Broil them for 2–4 minutes until tops are golden brown.
Step 11: Finish Glazing
After broiling, brush any remaining glaze over warm fritters for extra sweetness.
Step 12: Serve
Allow glaze to harden slightly before serving these delectable Baked Apple Fritters warm or at room temperature! Enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters
Baked apple fritters are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a cozy snack or a festive dessert, these fritters are versatile enough to match any occasion.
With Warm Vanilla Glaze
- Drizzle warm vanilla glaze over the fritters right before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Pairing with Ice Cream
- Serve your fritters warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert that’s hard to resist.
Topped with Fresh Fruit
- Add fresh slices of apples or berries on top of the fritters for a refreshing contrast and added nutrition.
Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these fritters with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea to enhance their flavors while relaxing.
Served with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream on top can elevate your baked apple fritters to a new level of indulgence.
How to Perfect Baked Apple Fritters
To ensure your baked apple fritters turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter creates a flaky texture in the fritters, making them light and airy.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter gently; overmixing can lead to dense fritters instead of fluffy ones.
- Choose Firm Apples: Opt for firmer apple varieties like Jonagold or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to tweak the spice levels according to your taste; more cinnamon can add warmth, while nutmeg adds depth.
- Bake in Batches: If making multiple batches, allow space between each fritter on the baking sheet for even cooking.
- Check Doneness: Keep an eye on your fritters towards the end of baking; they should be golden brown and cooked through.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Apple Fritters
Baked apple fritters can shine even brighter when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to serve alongside them.
-
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting
A simple mixture of cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top adds an extra layer of flavor. -
Caramel Sauce
Drizzling warm caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and gives a decadent touch. -
Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits can provide freshness and balance out the sweetness of the fritters. -
Yogurt Parfait
Layered yogurt with granola and fruit makes for a healthy option to accompany your fritters. -
Cheese Platter
Pairing with cheeses like brie or cheddar offers a nice contrast in flavors and textures. -
Maple Syrup
A drizzle of maple syrup brings out the fall flavors beautifully in these baked treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Apple Fritters, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the chilling step: If you don’t chill the butter before mixing it in, your fritters may not have the right texture. Always use cold butter.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dense fritters. Spoon and level your flour for an accurate measurement.
- Using unripe apples: Unripe apples can affect flavor and texture. Choose ripe apples for the best taste in your fritters.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make the fritters tough. Stir until just combined for a light and fluffy result.
- Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your fritters, as they may need slight adjustments in baking time.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Baked Apple Fritters in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Baked Apple Fritters
- Place cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Apple Fritters
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat one fritter at a time for 15-20 seconds. This method may soften them slightly.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side for a crispy exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Baked Apple Fritters that might help you with your baking adventure.
Can I use different types of apples for Baked Apple Fritters?
Yes, feel free to experiment with various apple types! Sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp work well, while tart ones like Granny Smith add a nice balance.
How do I make vegan Baked Apple Fritters?
To create vegan fritters, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, use plant-based milk, and replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water.
What can I serve with Baked Apple Fritters?
These fritters pair well with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Are Baked Apple Fritters suitable for breakfast?
Definitely! They make a delicious breakfast treat or snack option any time of day.
Final Thoughts
Baked Apple Fritters are not only easy to make but also incredibly delightful! Their warm flavors make them perfect for fall gatherings. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or spices based on your preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy these irresistible treats!
Baked Apple Fritters
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Baked Apple Fritters are the perfect fall treat that combines the warmth of spices and fresh apples with a healthier twist. These oven-baked delights are simple to prepare, making them ideal for cozy gatherings or a sweet indulgence any day of the week. With a crisp exterior and a tender, flavorful inside, they capture the essence of autumn in every bite. Drizzled with a luscious vanilla glaze, these fritters will quickly become your family’s favorite dessert!
Ingredients
- 3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 Cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 Cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons butter (cold and cut into pieces)
- 1/2 Cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Cup chopped apple
- 1 Cup confectioner's sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, and vanilla extract; then add to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in chopped apples evenly throughout the batter.
- Drop spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 11–13 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before glazing with a mixture of confectioner's sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter (50g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
