Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

There’s something truly magical about biting into a warm, soft apple fritter on a crisp day, especially when it’s baked to perfection and topped with a delightful glaze. Whether you’re making a quick snack or planning a special breakfast treat, this baked apple fritters recipe is a must-try. Perfect for satisfying that fall craving or indulging in a sweet, homemade delight, these fritters are lighter than their fried counterparts, thanks to baking, while still retaining all the warm, spiced flavors you love. Follow along, and I’ll walk you through the steps to create this irresistible treat!

this Recipe

What Are Baked Apple Fritters?

Baked apple fritters are a baked version of the traditional fried apple fritter, a popular doughnut-like pastry filled with chunks of fresh apples and spices. Instead of frying the dough, we bake it to achieve a healthier, yet still delicious alternative. The outside gets golden and slightly crisp, while the inside remains soft, fluffy, and packed with juicy apple bites. These fritters are then drizzled with a simple glaze, adding a sweet finish that will keep you reaching for another.

Ingredients List for the Fritters

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that go into these amazing baked apple fritters. Make sure to gather all of these items before you begin:

• ¾ Cup all-purpose flour: Helps form the base structure of the fritter, giving it that soft, fluffy texture.
• ¾ Cup white whole wheat flour: Adds a slightly nutty flavor while making the fritters more wholesome.
• ½ Cup brown sugar: Contributes sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the fritters rise.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and the signature apple pie flavor.
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg: Deepens the spice profile with its rich, earthy notes.
• ¼ teaspoon allspice: Provides a slight kick and extra depth of flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances sweetness.
• 6 tablespoons butter (cold and cut into pieces): Adds richness and creates tender layers in the dough.
• ½ Cup milk: Moistens the dough and helps it come together smoothly.
• 1 egg: Provides structure and contributes to the light, fluffy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 Cup chopped apple: The star ingredient! The apples add natural sweetness and a juicy bite to the fritters.

Ingredients List for the Glaze

The glaze is a simple but crucial finishing touch. It adds a sweet, smooth coating that elevates these fritters to a whole new level of deliciousness:

• 1 Cup confectioner’s sugar: Forms the base of the glaze, giving it that silky, smooth texture.
• 2 Tablespoons milk: Thins the sugar into a pourable consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds extra flavor and warmth to the glaze.

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of this baked apple fritters recipe is its flexibility. You can adjust ingredients to match your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Flour Substitutions: If you want to make these fritters gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also swap out the white whole wheat flour for regular whole wheat flour, though the fritters might be slightly denser.
• Sweetener Options: Instead of brown sugar, try using coconut sugar or maple sugar for a different flavor profile. You can also reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet fritter.
• Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk.
• Apple Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different types of apples! Granny Smith apples add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the fritters, while Fuji or Honeycrisp apples will give a sweeter result.
• Additional Add-ins: Want to make these fritters extra special? Consider adding a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to bake! Follow this easy step-by-step guide to create your delicious baked apple fritters:

1. Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for a tender and flaky fritter.
4. Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly lumpy and thick.
6. Fold in the chopped apples: Gently fold the apple pieces into the dough, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout.
7. Shape the fritters: Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. You can use a cookie scoop or two spoons to form roughly shaped mounds, leaving a little space between each fritter.
8. Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How to Cook Baked Apple Fritters: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking baked apple fritters is simpler than you might think, and you don’t need to worry about deep-frying. Follow these tips to ensure your fritters come out perfectly baked every time:

• Chill the butter: Using cold butter and cutting it into the flour mixture helps create a flaky, tender texture, similar to scones or biscuits.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to dense fritters. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together just until they are combined, and don’t worry about getting the dough perfectly smooth.
• Check doneness early: Since all ovens vary, start checking your fritters at around 12 minutes. They should be golden brown on top and feel firm but soft when touched.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for when baking apple fritters:

• Using warm butter: Make sure your butter is cold! Warm butter will cause the fritters to spread too much in the oven, leading to flat, greasy results.
• Skipping parchment paper: While you can lightly grease your baking sheet, parchment paper makes for easier cleanup and ensures your fritters won’t stick.
• Not folding apples gently: Stirring the apples too vigorously can crush them and release too much moisture into the dough, affecting the texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can take your baked apple fritters from simply tasty to utterly delightful. Here are a few ideas to impress your family or guests:

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters

Serve these fritters warm, right out of the oven, for the best flavor and texture. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crisp exterior.

Presentation Ideas for Baked Apple Fritters

For a beautiful presentation, drizzle the glaze over the fritters generously and let it naturally drip down the sides. You can also sift a little powdered sugar over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. Arrange the fritters on a rustic wooden board or serving platter, perhaps with a few fresh apple slices or cinnamon sticks for garnish.

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe Tips

• Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, scoop and bake as instructed for a quick and fresh breakfast treat.
• Storage: Keep any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them and reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.
• Add a caramel drizzle: For an even more indulgent treat, try drizzling a little homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the fritters along with the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the fritters ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours before baking.

Q: How do I keep fritters fresh?
A: Store fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Q: Can I fry these fritters instead of baking them?
A: This recipe is designed specifically for baking. If you want to fry apple fritters, you’ll need a different batter with a more liquid consistency.

Conclusion

Baked apple fritters are the perfect way to enjoy a cozy, homemade treat without the fuss of deep-frying. Packed with fresh apples, warm spices, and a delightful glaze, these fritters will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or just a snack, this recipe delivers all the flavor of traditional fritters with a lighter, baked twist. Ready to get baking? Give this recipe a try and savor the delicious results!

Print