Warm Baked Apple Fritters are sweet little treats that bring joy with every bite. They’re filled with yummy apples and coated in a simple glaze!
These fritters are baked, not fried, so they’re a bit lighter. I love enjoying them fresh out of the oven, preferably with a cup of coffee. Trust me, they won’t last long! 🍏☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use sweet apples like Gala or Honeycrisp for the best flavor. If you like tartness, Granny Smith is a great option. Don’t worry if you’re out of fresh apples—substitute with applesauce, because it adds moisture!
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure. If gluten-free, swap for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and your fritters will still turn out great!
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works well, but you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Coconut sugar is another alternative if you’re looking for a healthier option!
Milk: Any milk will do—dairy or non-dairy (like almond or oat milk) can be substituted without affecting the batter too much.
How Do I Make Sure My Fritters Come Out Light and Fluffy?
The secret to light and fluffy fritters is in the mixing. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Over-mixing can lead to dense fritters. Also, be sure your baking powder is fresh for that perfect rise.
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even baking.
- Gently fold in the apples instead of stirring vigorously.
- If your batter looks a bit thick, that’s normal, and it’ll still puff up nicely in the oven.
Once they come out of the oven, don’t forget to coat them in the cinnamon sugar while they’re warm. This helps the sugar stick better, giving each fritter a delightful sweet crunch!
Warm Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for richness)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
For Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling and coating, so in total, you’re looking at about 35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly with vegetable oil or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined. This will set the stage for your fritters!
3. Beat the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the egg using a whisk or fork, then add in the milk and vanilla extract. If you want a richer flavor, stir in the melted butter, too.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined—don’t over-mix, as we want these fritters to be light and fluffy!
5. Add the Apples:
Carefully fold in the diced apples. Your batter will be thick, and that’s okay! It helps to hold those delicious apple pieces inside.
6. Spoon onto Baking Sheet:
Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop mounds of the batter onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each fritter.
7. Bake Them Up:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. They should look puffed and golden brown once done!
8. Prepare Cinnamon Coating:
While the fritters bake, mix the granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Set this aside until the fritters are ready.
9. Cool Down a Bit:
When the fritters are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. This gives them a chance to firm up slightly.
10. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
Toss the warm fritters gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are nicely coated. This step adds a sweet and crunchy exterior!
11. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you’d like a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add more.
12. Drizzle and Serve:
Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters while they’re still on the baking sheet. Serve immediately for the best warm and fluffy experience!
These warm baked apple fritters are not only soft and delicious but also joyfully covered in cinnamon sugar and a touch of glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy treat any time of the day. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! You can use sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for a sweeter fritter, or tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangy flavor. Mixing varieties can add depth to your fritters!
How Should I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just reheat in the oven or microwave to enjoy again!
Can I Freeze These Fritters?
Yes, you can freeze baked fritters! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What Can I Use Instead of Milk?
If you’re dairy-free or out of milk, you can substitute it with any non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. You can also use water in a pinch, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
