There’s just something about the smell of apples baking that fills the whole house with warmth and comfort. I remember the first time I tried my hand at making apple fritters; my youngest had lost his first tooth that morning, and we needed a little celebratory treat. Being the soft touch that I am, I dove headfirst into the world of baked apple fritters. The result was a delicious hit, and now it’s a go-to recipe whenever we need a burst of coziness on a chilly day.
Now, I’ve always been the kind of person who likes keeping things simple, and these Baked Apple Fritters fit the bill to a tee. They’re not fried, which means less mess in the kitchen and—hooray!—a slightly healthier treat for my family. Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe just a tad here and there, but the basics remain the same. These fritters are packed with apples and a blend of spices that taste just like autumn in every bite.
You see, what really sold me on these was the ease of it all. No need for a fancy mixer or a deep fryer—just a bowl, a whisk, and a baking sheet. That’s it! It’s the perfect recipe for when the kids are buzzing around the house on a Saturday morning, hungry and hanging around for something sweet. The ingredients are things you probably already have in your pantry, which makes this recipe fuss-free and quick to assemble.
Every time I make these, I’m reminded of that first batch, fresh out of the oven, with the whole family gathered around the kitchen island, impatiently waiting to try one, and inevitably burning our tongues on that first hasty bite! But isn’t that the best part? The laughter, the shared anticipation, and of course, the delicious reward. So, if you’re looking for a way to bring a little more warmth into your home, give these Baked Apple Fritters a whirl. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Let’s dive into the recipe and get baking!
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup diced apples
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure nothing sticks.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Cut the cold, cubed butter into the mixture until it resembles small crumbs.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract, and egg. Slowly incorporate this liquid blend into the dry mix, stirring gently until just combined. Add in the diced apples and fold them into the batter.
- Using a 1/4 cup scoop for larger fritters or a heaping tablespoon for smaller ones, drop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for about 11-13 minutes, or until you see the bottoms turning a lovely golden color and the centers firming up. For the smaller fritters, start checking at the 8-minute mark. Once done, transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Change your oven setting to broil. While it’s heating up, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl until you get a smooth glaze.
- Brush each fritter lightly with the glaze and place them under the broiler for 2-4 minutes. You’ll want to see the glaze bubble and the tops get a nice golden hue.
- Remove from the oven carefully and while they’re still warm, brush on the remaining glaze. Let them sit and rest for a moment while the glaze sets, then dig in and enjoy the delightful flavor!
Storing Suggestion
Store any leftover baked fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, refrigeration can extend their lifespan for up to five days. For the best texture, warm them in the oven briefly before serving.
Cooking Tips
For extra flavor, consider adding a small handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. These nuts provide a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft apples. You can also experiment by adding a dash of cardamom for an exotic twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Baked Apple Fritters are delightful on their own, but for an added flourish, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pairing them with a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of hot apple cider can really elevate your experience.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re out of all-purpose flour, you can substitute it with more white whole wheat flour, although this may change the texture slightly. Almond milk can replace whole milk if you prefer a dairy-free option, just as a flax egg can substitute a regular egg.
Seasonal Variations
In the summer, use peaches or pears instead of apples for a fresh variation. During fall, consider mixing in cranberries with the apples for a tart surprise. For winter celebrations, you can add dried fruit like raisins or currants to the batter.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and egg. For those with gluten intolerance, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the flours. A dairy-free butter and milk can be adapted for those avoiding dairy, and a flax egg can replace the egg for allergy-friendly fritters.
FAQs
Can I freeze baked apple fritters?
Yes, you can freeze them! Allow the fritters to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and reheat in a warm oven.
What’s the best type of apple to use?
Any firm, tart apple, such as Granny Smith, holds up well during baking and provides a nice contrast to the sweet dough. Available varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well if you prefer a sweeter apple flavor.
How do I prevent the fritters from being too dry?
To avoid dry fritters, ensure the butter is well incorporated into the flour until it resembles fine crumbs. Don’t overmix the batter, which can lead to toughness. Lastly, keep an eye on baking time, pulling them out as soon as they’re firm and golden.
Can I make the fritters gluten-free?
Sure! Substitute the all-purpose and whole wheat flours with a good quality gluten-free flour mix designed for baking. This should provide a similar texture and taste, so everyone can enjoy these tasty treats without any gluten-related concerns.
Is it possible to make these ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the batter in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, simply scoop onto the prepared baking sheet as directed. This makes it convenient to have fresh fritters ready in the morning.
What can I do if the glaze is too runny?
If your glaze seems too runny, try adding a bit more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. A thicker glaze will stick to the fritters better. You can start with a teaspoon at a time to avoid over-thickening it.
Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6 tablespoons cold butter cubed
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup diced apples
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Blend the cold butter into the dry ingredients until it forms coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract, and egg. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
- Drop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet using 1/4-cup scoops. For smaller fritters, use a heaping tablespoon.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and the centers are set. For smaller fritters, begin checking for doneness at 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer the fritters to a wire rack.
- Switch your oven to broil. While it preheats, prepare the glaze by whisking the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Brush a thin layer of glaze over the fritters. Place them under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, until the glaze bubbles and the tops turn lightly golden.
- Carefully remove the fritters and brush the remaining glaze over them while they are still warm. Allow the glaze to set, then enjoy!
