Baked apple fritters are warm and sweet treats filled with juicy apples and spices. They are lighter than traditional fried fritters but just as tasty!
These little bites are perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. I love to drizzle them with a simple glaze for an extra touch—because who doesn’t love a little sweetness in their day? 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smiths are tart and great for baking, while Honeycrisps add sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, feel free to swap in other apples like Fuji or Braeburn, but avoid soft varieties like Macintosh as they can turn mushy.
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe. But if you have dietary needs, you can try a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture!
Buttermilk: This adds richness to the batter. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. It’ll work just fine!
Glaze Ingredients: You can switch powdered sugar for maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness. Adjust the consistency to your liking with a little extra liquid if needed.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Fritters?
A key to successful fritters is not overmixing your batter. After combining wet and dry ingredients, stir just until moistened. A few lumps are okay! This keeps the fritters light and fluffy.
- When folding the diced apples in, use a gentle hand to avoid breaking them down.
- Make sure to let them bake until golden brown. This gives them a lovely texture and flavor.
- After baking, let them cool a bit before glazing. This helps the glaze stick without sliding off.
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely diced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (or heavy cream)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake, totaling around 30-35 minutes from start to finish! You’ll have delightful, warm fritters ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for getting those fritters perfectly baked! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This will ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Then add in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix everything together well until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, gently pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold everything together until just combined. Remember, it’s okay if there are a few lumps—don’t overmix!
5. Add the Apples:
Carefully fold in the finely diced apples until they are evenly mixed throughout the batter. This will give your fritters that delicious apple flavor!
6. Spoon the Batter:
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to rise and spread while baking.
7. Bake the Fritters:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the fritters are golden brown and cooked through. You might want to check them at 15 minutes!
8. Prepare the Glaze:
While the fritters are baking, make the glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
9. Cool and Transfer:
Once the fritters are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool a bit more.
10. Drizzle with Glaze:
Finally, drizzle that delicious glaze over the warm fritters. Let it set for a few minutes, and then they are ready to serve! Enjoy your warm, tender baked apple fritters with that sweet glaze!
Happy baking! 🍏✨
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Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can use any apple you prefer. Just avoid overly soft varieties like Macintosh, as they can turn mushy during baking.
Can I Make These Fritters Without Buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute. Just mix 3/4 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. That will give you a similar acidity for the recipe!
How Should I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any 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. Reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying again!
Can I Freeze Baked Apple Fritters?
Definitely! Allow the fritters to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat them directly from the freezer in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!