Baked Apple Fritters: A Delicious 20-Minute Treat

Introduction

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked apple fritters wafting through the kitchen. Warm, soft, and bursting with cinnamon-apple goodness, baked apple fritters are the perfect treat for a cozy weekend breakfast or a festive family gathering. This recipe for baked apple fritters offers a delightful twist on a classic, delivering all the flavor without the extra grease of traditional frying. If you’re looking for other delicious baked treats, you might enjoy our apple coffee cake recipe.

Why these Baked Apple Fritters are Special

These baked apple fritters are special because they’re baked, not fried! This means they’re a healthier option, perfect for those watching their fat intake. Plus, they’re made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making them a quick and easy dessert or snack any day of the week. For a fun twist, try our easy mini muffins recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious baked apple fritters:

Fresh Ingredients

• 2 medium apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work best for baking. Choose apples that are firm and crisp, not bruised or overly ripe. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the fritters perfectly.
• 1 large egg: A large egg helps bind the ingredients together.

Pantry Staples

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure for the fritters. You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier version, though the texture might be slightly denser.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness to the fritters. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: This helps the fritters rise and become light and airy.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This gives the fritters that warm, comforting flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A touch of nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup milk: Any kind of milk works – whole milk, 2%, or even skim. You can also use buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter adds richness and moisture.

Glaze Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar: This forms the base of the sweet glaze.
• 2-4 tablespoons milk: Add milk gradually to achieve the desired glaze consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the sweetness of the glaze.

Making the Baked Apple Fritter Dough

Let’s get our hands doughy! Making the fritter dough is easy and fun. Just follow these simple steps:

Preparing the Apples

First, wash and peel your apples. Then, use an apple corer to remove the core. You can either chop the apples into small pieces (about 1/4 inch) or grate them using a box grater. If you chop them, your fritters will have chunks of apple throughout. Grating the apples will give you a smoother texture. My kids love finding apple chunks, so I usually chop them.

Combining Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined, so your fritters have a consistent flavor. Whisking helps to aerate the dry ingredients, creating lighter fritters. For more baking inspiration, check out our 4-ingredient banana bread recipe.

Combining Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and melted butter. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Make sure your butter isn’t too hot, or it could cook the egg.

Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can make the fritters tough. A few lumps are okay. It’s better to have a slightly lumpy batter than tough fritters. Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, gently fold in the prepared apples.

Baking the Apple Fritters

Now that our batter is ready, let’s get baking! This is where the magic happens. Learn more about the health benefits of apples.

Preparing the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the fritters from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. You can also lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray or butter, but parchment paper is my go-to for easy cleanup. A silicone baking mat also works well.

Shaping the Fritters

There are a few ways you can shape your fritters. You can use two spoons to drop mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. This is the easiest method, but it might result in slightly uneven fritters. For more uniform fritters, use an ice cream scoop or a cookie scoop. This will ensure they are all the same size and bake evenly. If you want to get fancy, you can use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip to create perfectly round fritters. Leave some space between each fritter (about 2 inches) to allow them to spread as they bake.

Baking Time and Temperature

Bake the fritters for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary. If your fritters are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with foil to prevent them from burning. The fritters will be soft when they first come out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool. Looking for other breakfast ideas? Check out our easy Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage recipe.

Making the Glaze and Finishing Touches

The glaze is the crowning glory of these baked apple fritters, adding a touch of sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor. For more information on the health benefits of cinnamon, click here.

Preparing the Glaze

While the fritters are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Gradually add the milk, a tablespoon at a time, whisking until smooth and creamy. You want the glaze to be thick enough to coat the fritters but not so thick that it clumps. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, a drop at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Glazing and Serving

Once the fritters have cooled slightly, but are still warm, dip them in the glaze, ensuring they are fully coated. Place the glazed fritters on a wire rack to allow any excess glaze to drip off. These fritters are best served warm. They’re delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. They also pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. Enjoy!

FAQ

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about apple fritters and baking:

Can you cook fritters in the oven?

Yes, absolutely! Baking fritters is a great alternative to frying, resulting in a lighter, less greasy treat. This recipe is specifically designed for baking, making it a healthier and easier option. You get all the delicious fritter flavor without the mess of frying.

What temperature to bake apple fritters?

The ideal temperature to bake apple fritters is between 375°F (190°C) and 400°F (200°C). This temperature range allows the fritters to cook through evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust while staying moist and tender inside.

Why are my fritters not crispy?

Several factors can lead to less-than-crispy fritters. Overmixing the batter develops gluten, resulting in a tougher, less crispy texture. Overcrowding the baking sheet prevents proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and less crispiness. Finally, a lower baking temperature might not be sufficient to achieve that desired crispy exterior.

How long do baked apples take in the oven?

While this recipe focuses on baked apple fritters, which take about 15-20 minutes, a whole baked apple generally takes longer. Depending on the size and variety of the apple, baking a whole apple can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes in a 375°F (170°C) oven.

Storing and Reheating

Here’s how to store and reheat your delicious baked apple fritters so you can enjoy them later:

Storage

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the fritters for longer-term storage. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. Frozen fritters can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat refrigerated fritters, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fritters on a baking sheet and warm them for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, but be careful not to overheat them, as they can become dry. A toaster oven works well too; reheat them at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm. For frozen fritters, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using your preferred method.

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