Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
Enjoy a cozy start to your morning with this Baked Apple Fritters Recipe. With a caramelized crust and tender inside, these fritters are packed with real apple pieces and warm spices that create the perfect fall flavor in every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthier take on a classic favorite.
Equipment
- Oven (preheated to 400°F / 200°C)
- Baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Separate small bowl for wet ingredients
- Whisk (and/or pastry cutter/fork to cut butter)
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Pastry brush (for glaze)
Ingredients
For the Fritters
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold butter cut into pieces
- ½ cup milk higher fat content recommended
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped tart apple e.g., Granny Smith
For the Glaze
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk higher fat content recommended
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together both flours, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt in a large bowl.
Cut in the Butter:
- Add cold butter pieces to the dry mixture, cutting them in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour into the dry mixture, stirring just until combined (avoid overmixing).
Fold in Apples:
- Gently incorporate the chopped apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Portion the Batter:
- Drop 1/4-cup portions of batter (or heaping tablespoons for mini fritters) onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
- Bake for 11–13 minutes (about 8 minutes for mini fritters), or until the fritters are golden brown and set.
Prepare the Glaze and Broil:
- Whisk together confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla. Brush a thin layer of glaze over the fritters, then broil for 2–4 minutes to caramelize.
Finish with Glaze:
- Once they come out of the broiler, brush on the remaining glaze. Allow it to set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Healthier Than Fried: Baking instead of frying lowers calories and fat.
- Use Firm, Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples provide a perfect sweet-tart balance.
- Spice Blend: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice deliver classic autumn flavors.
- Broil to Caramelize: A quick broil after adding the first layer of glaze creates a caramelized crust.