these Baked Apple Fritters are about to become your new fall obsession! They’re easier than pie, healthier than their fried cousins, and so darn good you’ll want to make them every weekend from now ’til Christmas! Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner, these fritters are sure to impress everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these fritters come together quickly.
- Healthier Option: Unlike traditional fried apple fritters, this baked version uses less oil and includes whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gives these fritters a warm, comforting taste that screams fall.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a breakfast item, snack, or dessert. They can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 8 servings, they’re ideal for family gatherings or holiday parties!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Baked Apple Fritters, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Silicone baking mat
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients without spilling.
- Silicone baking mat: Provides a non-stick surface that helps ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 Cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 Cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons butter (cold and cut into pieces)
- 1/2 Cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 Cup chopped apple
Glaze
- 1 Cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl:
* Whisk together the flours, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter
Add the cold butter pieces:
* Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl:
* Whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until well blended.
Then:
* Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
Step 5: Add Apples
Gently fold in:
* The chopped apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Portion onto Baking Sheet
Using a scoop or measuring cup:
* Drop 1/4 cup portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each fritter.
Step 7: Bake Fritters
Bake in your preheated oven for:
* 11–13 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and the centers are set.
Step 8: Cool Slightly & Broil
Once baked:
* Remove fritters to a wire rack. Turn your oven to broil while they cool slightly.
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
In a medium bowl:
* Whisk together confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 10: Glaze Fritters
Brush a thin layer of glaze over each fritter. Then:
* Broil for 2–4 minutes until tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on them; they can burn quickly!
Step 11: Final Glazing
After broiling:
* Brush any remaining glaze over warm fritters for extra sweetness.
Step 12: Cool & Serve
Allow glaze to harden slightly before serving these delightful Baked Apple Fritters warm! Enjoy with family or friends during your next fall gathering.
How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters
Baked Apple Fritters are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert or a snack, these fritters can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm fritters, creating a delicious contrast in temperatures.
- Try cinnamon or caramel-flavored ice cream for an extra flavor boost.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A drizzle of rich caramel sauce adds sweetness and enhances the apple flavor.
- Make it homemade for an even more indulgent experience.
Topped with Fresh Whipped Cream
- Light whipped cream gives a creamy texture that complements the spiced fritters beautifully.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flair.
Served with Hot Coffee or Tea
- A warm cup of coffee or tea makes the perfect beverage pairing for these scrumptious fritters.
- Opt for spiced chai or pumpkin spice lattes during fall for seasonal vibes.
Accompanied by Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside slices of fresh apples or pears for added freshness and crunch.
- A fruit salad can also lighten up the dish and balance the sweetness.
How to Perfect Baked Apple Fritters
To ensure your Baked Apple Fritters turn out amazing every time, follow these handy tips.
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter helps create a flaky texture in your fritters. Be sure to cut it into small pieces before mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to tough fritters.
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm apples like Jonagold or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your fritters.
- Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your fritters while baking. Ovens vary, so adjust baking time if necessary to avoid overcooking.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add more spices like nutmeg or ginger to customize the flavor profile according to your taste.
- Serve Warm: These fritters are best served warm, right out of the oven for maximum enjoyment.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Apple Fritters
Baked Apple Fritters can be paired with various side dishes to elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Sautéed Cinnamon Apples: Slice and sauté apples with cinnamon and sugar for a warm, complementary side dish.
- Maple Glazed Bacon: The savory-sweet combination of bacon adds richness that balances the sweetness of the fritters.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a fresh and healthy contrast to the fritters.
- Cheese Platter: Pairing cheese varieties like Brie or sharp cheddar offers a delightful savory element alongside sweet fritters.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides brightness and balances out the heavier flavors of the fritters.
- Hot Chocolate: Especially during cooler months, hot chocolate makes a cozy drink option that complements sweet treats perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Apple Fritters, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your fritters turn out perfectly.
- Ignoring the butter temperature: Using warm butter can lead to a dense texture. Always ensure your butter is cold and cut into pieces before mixing.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make your fritters tough. Mix until just combined, leaving some lumps for a lighter texture.
- Skipping the glaze: The glaze adds a sweet finish that elevates your fritters. Don’t skip it; it’s essential for flavor!
- Not preheating the oven: If the oven isn’t hot enough, your fritters may not rise properly. Always preheat for optimal baking results.
- Using too much apple: While apples add flavor, too many can make the fritters soggy. Stick to one cup for the best consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Baked Apple Fritters in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Baked Apple Fritters
- Place cooled fritters in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- These can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Baked Apple Fritters
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one fritter at a time on high for 20-30 seconds, but expect a softer texture.
- Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Baked Apple Fritters?
Baked Apple Fritters are a delicious dessert made with chopped apples, spices, and flours, baked instead of fried for a healthier option.
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes! You can use any apple variety you prefer, but Jonagold or Granny Smith apples work well due to their sweetness and tartness.
How do I make these Baked Apple Fritters gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped nuts or raisins to enhance the flavor and texture of your Baked Apple Fritters.
Final Thoughts
Baked Apple Fritters are a delightful treat perfect for fall gatherings or cozy weekends at home. Their versatility allows you to customize them with nuts or different spices based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Baked Apple Fritters
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Baked Apple Fritters are the perfect fall treat that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. These scrumptious fritters are not only healthier than traditional fried versions, but they also boast a delightful blend of spices and tender apples. Easy to make and incredibly versatile, you can enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert. The sweet glaze adds an irresistible finishing touch that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll want to whip up these baked delights every weekend from now until Christmas!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped apple
- 1 cup confectioner's sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat.
- In a bowl, whisk together flours, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla; mix into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in chopped apples gently.
- Drop 1/4 cup portions onto the prepared sheet.
- Bake for 11–13 minutes until golden brown; cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Prepare glaze by whisking confectioner's sugar, milk, and vanilla; brush on fritters after broiling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter (approx. 70g)
- Calories: 158
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 16mg
