These baked apple fritters are a delightful treat, perfect for a cozy breakfast or dessert. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a baking time of 15-18 minutes, you’ll have 12 delicious fritters ready in around 33 minutes. Each fritter contains approximately 180 calories.
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they’re well blended.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
- Combine & Fold: Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Shape & Bake: Using a spoon, drop mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping each into small rounds. Bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the fritters are baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze & Serve: Once the fritters have cooled slightly, drizzle or dip them in the glaze. Let the glaze set before serving.
Enjoy these cozy apple fritters!
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze may soften slightly.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing:
- Unglazes Fritters: Once completely cooled, place unglazed fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat from frozen.
- Glazed Fritters: Glazed fritters can also be frozen, but the glaze might become a bit sticky or watery upon thawing. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Store for up to 1 month.
- Reheating:
- Oven/Toaster Oven: The best way to reheat is in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy.
- Air Fryer: Reheat in an air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Microwave: While quick, microwaving may make them a bit soft. Heat in 15-30 second intervals until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What kind of apples are best for fritters? A: Firm, slightly tart apples work best to hold their shape and provide good flavor. Good options include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn.
Q: Can I fry these fritters instead of baking? A: Yes, you can. If frying, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels before glazing. Be mindful of oil temperature to prevent burning.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe? A: You can slightly reduce the sugar in the fritter batter (e.g., to 1/8 cup) if you prefer them less sweet. However, the sugar contributes to the texture and browning. The glaze adds significant sweetness, so you can adjust its consistency and amount.
Q: Why are my fritters dense/not fluffy? A: Overmixing the batter is a common culprit. Mix until just combined; a few lumps are fine. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh and active.
Q: Can I add other spices? A: Absolutely! A pinch of allspice or cardamom could be lovely, especially during the fall season.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t Overmix: This is crucial for tender fritters. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly normal.
- Even Apple Dice: Cut your apples into small, consistent 1/4-inch dice so they cook evenly and distribute well throughout the batter.
- Cool Fritters Before Glazing: Ensure the fritters are at least warm, if not completely cool, before applying the glaze. If they’re too hot, the glaze will melt and run off.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add milk a tiny bit at a time (1/2 teaspoon increments) until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Parchment Paper is Key: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh cinnamon and nutmeg. Grating whole nutmeg yourself will yield a much more potent aroma and taste.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Fritter)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
