Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of Baked Apple Fritters fresh out of the oven. These fritters offer the perfect combination of soft, tender centers and a caramelized, slightly crisp exterior.
Plus, they’re baked rather than fried, making them a lighter option while still bursting with the cozy flavors of fall.
With chunks of juicy apples and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, these fritters are easy to whip up in less than 30 minutes.
What you will need?
Apples – Fresh, chopped apples provide bursts of juicy sweetness. Use tart varieties like Granny Smith for balance.
White Whole Wheat Flour – Adds a hearty texture and depth of flavor without being too heavy.
Brown Sugar – Offers a rich sweetness with a hint of molasses, which complements the warm spices.
Butter – Cold butter gives the fritters a tender crumb and helps with that crisp exterior.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice – The trio of spices brings warmth and depth, enhancing the apple flavor.
Milk – Adds moisture and richness; opt for whole milk if possible for a tender result.
Egg – Binds the ingredients together and helps the fritters rise.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the sweetness and aroma of the fritters.
Confectioner’s Sugar – For a smooth, sweet glaze that pairs perfectly with the spiced fritters.
Simple Steps to Bake These Apple Fritters
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and preparing your baking sheet.
In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients and cut in cold butter to form a crumbly texture. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients, then combine with the dry ingredients, stirring just until mixed.
Gently fold in the chopped apples for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Scoop the batter onto your baking sheet using a 1/4 cup for larger fritters or a heaping tablespoon for smaller ones.
Bake until golden, then broil for a few minutes to achieve a delightful caramelized crust. While still warm, glaze the fritters for that final sweet touch.
Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free?
Address substitutions such as gluten-free flour (like King Arthur’s) and non-dairy milk options. You can also include tips from readers who have successfully used alternatives.
Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Fritters
For the best results, use a tart apple variety like Granny Smith, which balances the sweetness of the sugar and glaze. If your apples are particularly juicy, add a bit more flour to keep the batter from becoming too runny.
Also, don’t skip the broiling step – it’s key to achieving that irresistible golden top without drying out the fritters. And for those who prefer less sweetness, you can glaze just one side of the fritters or leave them unglazed.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
For longer storage, freeze them without the glaze for up to three months.
Reheat them in the oven before applying fresh glaze to restore their crispiness and flavor.
Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Fritters:
- 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour**
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup chopped apple***
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons cold butter cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup milk richer flavor with higher fat content
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- For the Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons milk higher fat content recommended
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat suitable for broiling, or prepare the baking sheet without the mat for easier cleanup afterward.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Work in the cold butter until the mixture has a crumbly texture resembling coarse crumbs.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until incorporated. Gently fold in the chopped apple.
- Using a 1/4 cup measuring scoop, drop portions of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. For smaller fritters, use a heaping tablespoon of batter for each portion.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and the centers are fully set. If making mini fritters, start checking for doneness after 8 minutes. Transfer the baked fritters to a wire rack and switch the oven to the broil setting.
- While the oven is heating to broil, prepare the glaze. Whisk together the confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Lightly brush the fritters with a thin layer of the glaze and place them under the broiler for 2-4 minutes until the tops turn a light golden color and the glaze starts to bubble.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the fritters with the remaining glaze while still warm. Let the glaze harden slightly before serving.
Notes
FAQ
Can I use an air fryer instead of baking these fritters?
No, this particular recipe is designed for baking. Air frying wouldn’t yield the same texture or caramelized finish.
Can I substitute non-dairy milk in this recipe?
Absolutely! Non-dairy milk such as almond, coconut, or oat milk works well in this recipe without affecting the final result.
My fritters turned out soft, how can I make them crunchier?
For a crispier finish, make sure not to skip the broiling step. You can also reduce the oven temperature slightly if they’re browning too quickly but still soft in the middle.
Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
It’s better to stick with fresh apples for this recipe. The pie filling is too soft and sweet, which may affect the fritter texture.