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 brunch gatherings, cozy family dinners, or even a sweet treat on a chilly evening, these fritters bring the essence of autumn right to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, these fritters come together quickly for any occasion.
- Healthier Option: Using baked rather than fried methods reduces calories while keeping the flavor intact.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh apples creates a warm, inviting taste that is simply irresistible.
- Versatile Serving: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or breakfast treat—perfectly adaptable to your needs!
- Easy Cleanup: Baking means less mess compared to frying. Spend more time enjoying and less time cleaning.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delightful Baked Apple Fritters, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and ensures great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Silicone baking mat
- Measuring cups
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills. A larger bowl helps accommodate all your dry ingredients easily.
- Silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking. It’s also reusable, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients
To make your Baked Apple Fritters, gather the following 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
Additions
- 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:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until combined.
Step 3: Cut in Butter
Next:
1. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
Step 5: Add Apples
Gently fold in:
1. The chopped apple until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Shape Fritters
Using a measuring cup:
1. Drop 1/4 cup-full portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake Fritters
Bake in the preheated oven:
1. For 11-13 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown and the centers are set.
Step 8: Prepare for Glazing
After removing fritters from the oven:
1. Transfer them to a wire rack.
2. Turn your oven to broil.
Step 9: Make Glaze
In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 10: Glaze Fritters
Brush:
1. A thin layer of glaze over each fritter.
2. Broil for 2-4 minutes until tops are golden brown.
Step 11: Final Glaze Application
Remove from broiler:
1. Brush any remaining glaze over warm fritters for an extra touch of sweetness.
Step 12: Serve
Allow glaze to harden slightly before serving these delicious Baked Apple Fritters warm from the oven!
How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters
Baked Apple Fritters are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, these fritters are sure to please everyone.
With Fresh Fruit
- Sliced Bananas – Fresh banana slices complement the warm spices of the fritters.
- Mixed Berries – A berry medley adds a refreshing and tart contrast to the sweetness.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a creamy balance with the warm fritters.
- Cinnamon Ice Cream – For an extra spice kick, cinnamon ice cream pairs perfectly.
Dusted with Powdered Sugar
- Powdered Sugar – A simple dusting elevates the presentation and sweetness of your fritters.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Caramel Sauce – Drizzling warm caramel sauce enhances the flavor and adds richness.
With Coffee or Tea
- Coffee – Enjoy your fritters with a cup of coffee for a cozy morning treat.
- Herbal Tea – A warm cup of herbal tea makes for a relaxing pairing in the afternoon.
How to Perfect Baked Apple Fritters
To ensure your Baked Apple Fritters turn out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use cold butter – Chilled butter helps create a flaky texture in your fritters.
- Don’t overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the fritters light and airy.
- Choose firm apples – Firm apples hold their shape better during baking for added texture.
- Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for personal taste.
- Broil carefully – Keep an eye on the fritters while broiling to avoid burning them.
- Serve warm – Enjoying them fresh from the oven maximizes flavor and enjoyment.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Apple Fritters
Baked Apple Fritters pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some excellent options:
- Greek Yogurt – A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess.
- Fruit Salad – A colorful fruit salad provides fresh flavors alongside your fritters.
- Maple Syrup – Drizzling maple syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the apple.
- Whipped Cream – Light whipped cream gives a fluffy texture and balances sweetness beautifully.
- Oatmeal – A bowl of oatmeal can serve as a hearty breakfast option alongside fritters.
- Cheese Platter – Pairing with cheese offers savory notes that contrast nicely with the sweet fritters.
- Nuts & Seeds – A mix of nuts adds crunch and nutrition, perfect for a balanced meal.
- Hot Chocolate – A cozy cup of hot chocolate makes for a comforting drink pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Apple Fritters, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some tips to help you get it right.
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to tough fritters. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
- Skipping the Glaze: The glaze adds essential flavor and sweetness. Don’t skip it; brush it on while warm for best results.
- Using Warm Ingredients: Cold butter and milk help create a better texture. Make sure your ingredients are at the correct temperatures.
- Baking Time Misjudgment: Ovens vary; keep an eye on the fritters. Bake until they’re golden brown to ensure they’re cooked through.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Freezing Baked Apple Fritters
- Place fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag; they can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Apple Fritters
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one fritter at a time for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Baked Apple Fritters?
Baked Apple Fritters are a healthier twist on traditional fried apple fritters, made with fresh apples and baked instead of fried.
Can I use other fruits in Baked Apple Fritters?
Absolutely! You can substitute apples with pears or even berries for a different flavor profile.
How do I make my Baked Apple Fritters more flavorful?
Try adding nuts, raisins, or extra spices like ginger or clove for an enhanced taste.
Are Baked Apple Fritters suitable for breakfast?
Yes! They can be enjoyed as a delightful breakfast treat or a sweet snack any time of day.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Apple Fritters are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for any occasion from cozy brunches to festive gatherings. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite spices or mix-ins. Try this recipe today and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall!
Baked Apple Fritters
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with these Baked Apple Fritters! This delightful recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried fritters, featuring fresh apples and warm spices. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these irresistible treats that are perfect for brunch, snacks, or cozy evenings. The easy baking method means less mess and more time to savor their deliciousness. Topped with a sweet glaze, these fritters will quickly become your go-to autumn 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 cold butter
- 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 oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla; add to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in chopped apples gently.
- Drop 1/4 cup portions onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare glaze by whisking together confectioner's sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Brush glaze over each fritter and broil for 2-4 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
- Brush any remaining glaze over warm fritters before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
