Description
These Baked Apple Fritters are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic fried favorite. Made with a fluffy batter filled with diced apples and baked to golden perfection, they offer a tender, lightly spiced treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. The optional vanilla glaze adds a sweet finishing touch, making these fritters irresistibly flavorful while avoiding the extra oil of frying.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp preferred)
For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended!):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the fritters evenly and achieving a golden crust.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the fritters from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This creates an even distribution of leavening and spices in the batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the fritters light and tender.
- Add Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution without breaking the fruit pieces.
- Shape Fritters: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop small mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them adequately to allow expansion during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the fritters turn golden brown and feel firm when gently pressed.
- Prepare Glaze: While fritters cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps.
- Glaze Fritters: Drizzle or dip each fritter into the glaze, coating them generously for extra sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes so it slightly hardens. Serve the fritters warm to enjoy their full flavor and soft texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
- Feel free to use other apple varieties, but tart ones like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp balance well with the sweet glaze.
- For added texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
- The glaze is optional but recommended to enhance the sweetness and add a beautiful finish.