Introduction:
Baked Apple Fritters are a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version, yet they are still packed with all the warm, comforting flavors of fall. These fritters combine the sweetness of apples with a touch of cinnamon and are baked to perfection for a golden, crispy outside and a soft, tender inside. The best part? You don’t have to worry about the extra oil or mess from frying, making these fritters perfect for a quick treat or breakfast on the go.
So, if you’re craving the flavors of an apple fritter but want a lighter option, this recipe is for you! Let’s dive into how you can easily whip up a batch of these delicious baked goodies.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results)
- Optional: 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting or glazing)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk together until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Make sure the butter is slightly cooled before adding it to avoid cooking the eggs.
Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 5: Gently fold in the diced apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop small mounds of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can slightly flatten the tops with the back of the spoon to create a fritter shape.
Step 7: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the fritters for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: While the fritters are baking, you can prepare an optional glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or water until smooth. Once the fritters are done baking, let them cool for 5-10 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the top or dust them lightly with powdered sugar.
Cooking Notes:
- Apples: For the best texture and flavor, use firm apples that hold up well when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These apples add a nice tart contrast to the sweetness of the fritters.
- Glazing Option: If you prefer a more traditional fritter with a sweet glaze, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or water to make a simple glaze. Drizzle over the fritters once they’ve cooled slightly.
- Avoid Overmixing: To ensure light and fluffy fritters, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing will make the dough tough and dense.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the fritters warm, either on their own or with a side of maple syrup or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Pair these baked apple fritters with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or apple cider for a cozy fall breakfast or afternoon snack.
- For a fancier presentation, drizzle a caramel sauce over the fritters and sprinkle them with chopped nuts.
Tips:
- Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their freshness to 4-5 days.
- Reheating: To reheat the fritters, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Freezing: These fritters freeze well! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy later, thaw them at room temperature and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Add-Ins: For extra texture and flavor, you can fold in 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or dried cranberries along with the apples.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
12-15 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
Conclusion:
Baked Apple Fritters are a fantastic alternative to the deep-fried classic, offering all the flavor without the guilt. These tender, fluffy fritters are brimming with chunks of sweet-tart apples, enhanced with a touch of cinnamon. Whether you choose to glaze them or simply dust them with powdered sugar, these fritters are the perfect fall treat. Plus, they are so easy to make, you’ll find yourself whipping them up for breakfast, dessert, or just because!
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Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results)
- Optional: 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting or glazing)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk together until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Make sure the butter is slightly cooled before adding it to avoid cooking the eggs.
Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 5: Gently fold in the diced apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop small mounds of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can slightly flatten the tops with the back of the spoon to create a fritter shape.
Step 7: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the fritters for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: While the fritters are baking, you can prepare an optional glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or water until smooth. Once the fritters are done baking, let them cool for 5-10 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the top or dust them lightly with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 190
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 3g