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Baked Apple Fritters

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe 🍏🍩

Introduction:

Nothing says comfort like warm apple fritters, but this baked version offers a lighter, less greasy option while maintaining all the delicious flavor. Packed with cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a sweet glaze, these baked apple fritters are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples brings a nice balance of tartness and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spices in the batter.


Ingredients:

For the Fritters:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This combination gives the fritters a warm, spiced flavor that complements the apples beautifully.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until fully combined. The melted butter adds richness and moisture to the fritters.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:

  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep the fritters light and tender. The batter will be thick, which is normal.

5. Fold in Apples:

  • Gently fold in the chopped apples and brown sugar until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The brown sugar helps to create a slightly caramelized flavor when baked.
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6. Form the Fritters:

  • Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Aim for small mounds about 2 inches apart. Flatten each mound slightly with the back of the spoon to ensure even baking.

7. Bake the Fritters:

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Make the Glaze:

  • While the fritters are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk amount if necessary for the desired consistency.

9. Glaze the Fritters:

  • Once the fritters have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the tops using a spoon. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving for the perfect finish.

Tips:

  • Apple Varieties: Granny Smith apples provide a nice tart flavor, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. You can also mix both for a balanced taste.
  • Storage: Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
  • Freezing: To freeze, place cooled fritters on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to an airtight container. Reheat in the oven before glazing.

Conclusion:

Baked apple fritters are a healthier take on the classic fried treat, offering the same cozy flavors with less fat and effort. The combination of tender apples, warm spices, and a sweet glaze makes these fritters irresistible. Serve them warm for a delicious fall-inspired snack or dessert!