These baked apple fritters are sweet, soft, and packed with apple pieces. Topped with a shiny glaze, they are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Baking instead of frying makes them a little lighter, and trust me, that glaze is hard to resist! They vanish from my kitchen faster than I can say “fritter”! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the fritters. For gluten-free options, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, which works well in most recipes.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the fritters. You could substitute it with brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor or even use a sugar alternative like Stevia if you’re looking for lower calories.
Buttermilk: This keeps the fritters tender and moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, mixing regular milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice (1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar) can mimic it perfectly!
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great, but feel free to use whatever apples you have on hand. Tart apples add a wonderful contrast to the sweetness, while sweeter varieties like Fuji will work too.
How Do You Ensure Your Fritters Stay Soft?
To keep your fritters soft and fluffy, it’s important to mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough fritters. Also, make sure your oven is preheated properly, and don’t bake them for too long; they should be golden brown, not dark brown!
- Whisk the dry ingredients together to avoid clumps, then add the wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
- Don’t skip the cooling step on a wire rack as it helps maintain their texture.
- Adjust the flour quantity if you notice a thick batter; it should be thick yet drop easily from a spoon.
These tips will help you achieve perfect, fluffy fritters that are sure to be a hit! Enjoy your baking!
Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 1-2 medium apples, preferably a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. Plus, you might want another 10 minutes for glaze preparation. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 40 minutes from start to finish! Easy, right?
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup, and give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Make sure there are no clumps!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another medium bowl, crack the eggs and beat them. Then add the buttermilk and vanilla extract to the eggs, stirring everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixes:
Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Give it a gentle stir just until everything is combined. Remember, it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy—just don’t overmix!
5. Add Apples and Butter:
Carefully fold in the melted butter and diced apples into the batter. You want the apples to be evenly distributed without smashing them!
6. Scoop onto Baking Sheet:
Using a spoon, drop about 2 tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving around 2 inches of space between each fritter for spreading.
7. Bake:
Pop the fritters into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. They should be golden brown when done, and a toothpick inserted into the center will come out clean.
8. Cool the Fritters:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack to keep them from becoming soggy.
9. Prepare the Glaze:
While the fritters cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. You want a nice, smooth glaze that’s a bit runny—perfect for drizzling!
10. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the fritters are warm, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bottle for a more controlled application.
11. Enjoy!
Dig into these warm, sweet baked apple fritters that are sure to bring smiles all around. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Enjoy every bite!
This recipe yields about 12 fritters, making it ideal for sharing or enjoying throughout the week!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can use any firm variety you have on hand. Fuji, Braeburn, or even a mix of apples can work well!
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, they can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving!
Can I Make These Fritters Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. However, the fresher the fritters, the better! If possible, bake them closer to when you plan to enjoy them for optimal texture and flavor.
What Can I Use as a Gluten-Free Substitute?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix can be used instead of all-purpose flour. Just ensure it has a good blend of flours (like rice flour, tapioca, and xanthan gum) to achieve the best texture!
