These baked apple fritters are a delightful treat! Stuffed with sweet apples and topped with a shiny glaze, they’re much lighter than fried ones but still oh-so-tasty!
Whenever I make these, they disappear fast! I love serving them warm for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: This is the base of your fritters. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend. It works great and gives a nice texture!
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to your batter. For a healthier option, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar replacement like Stevia. Just keep in mind that sweetness levels may vary.
Apples: Gala and Fuji are excellent for their sweetness and texture. However, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart flavor or any good baking apple you have on hand.
Milk: I use whole milk for creaminess. You can substitute almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk you enjoy, but it may slightly alter the consistency.
Butter: I love using melted butter for richness. You can swap it out for coconut oil or a dairy-free butter if you’re looking for a vegan option.
How Do I Get the Perfect Glaze Consistency?
Getting the glaze right is crucial for that beautiful finish on your fritters. You want it thick enough to coat but not so thick it won’t drizzle. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Start with 3/4 cup of powdered sugar and add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time.
- Mix until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk. If it’s too thin, sprinkle in a bit more powdered sugar.
- Mix well after each addition to reach your desired consistency!
Usually, a thicker glaze holds up well on warm fritters, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 apple (such as Gala or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced small
For the Glaze:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and approximately 12-15 minutes to bake the fritters. So, in total, plan for about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a delicious treat without too much waiting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light greasing to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them together well so that everything is evenly distributed.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then mix in the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Remember, it’s okay if there are a few lumps—do not overmix!
5. Add the Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apple pieces until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Portion the Batter:
Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of the batter onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to puff up.
7. Bake the Fritters:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fritters are puffed up and golden brown around the edges. They should look delicious by now!
8. Make the Glaze:
While your fritters are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, drizzling consistency. You can adjust the thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
9. Cool the Fritters:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. This helps them firm up a little and makes them easier to glaze!
10. Drizzle with Glaze:
Once they are slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fritters. Don’t be shy with the glaze; it adds a wonderful sweetness!
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Your baked apple fritters are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm, and watch how quickly they disappear!
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Gala and Fuji are great choices for their sweetness and texture, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for a balance of sweet and tart. Just make sure to peel and core them before dicing!
Can I Make These Fritters in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time! Simply mix everything up and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before baking. However, it’s best to bake them fresh for the highest quality!
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or any other plant-based milk. For the melted butter, use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute, and you’re all set!
