These warm baked apple fritters are like little hugs for your taste buds! Made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and a sweet glaze, they are soft, fluffy, and super yummy.
They’re simple to make, and your kitchen will smell heavenly! I love them with a cup of coffee—perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Who can resist that warmth? 🍏❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Choose sweet apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for great flavor. You can switch them with pears for a twist, or even applesauce for a different texture. Just reduce the sugar slightly if using applesauce!
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the fritters. If you need a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had success with almond flour too, but it can change the texture a bit, so keep that in mind.
Milk: You can use any milk you prefer—dairy, almond, oat, or soy work perfectly well. I often opt for almond milk for a nutty hint, but use what you have at home!
Granulated Sugar: If you want to cut back on sugar, natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can be used, just remember to adjust the liquid ingredients. You could also try coconut sugar as a substitute for a more caramel-like taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Fritters Are Fluffy?
Achieving that light, fluffy texture in apple fritters is all about mixing properly and not overworking the batter. Here’s how:
- Combine dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together. This helps to activate the baking powder without overmixing.
- When folding in apples, do it gently. Overmixing can lead to tough fritters, so stop as soon as everything is just combined.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated! This ensures the fritters rise properly while baking.
Following these steps will keep your fritters airy and delicious, perfectly balanced with soft apples inside!
Warm Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced small)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the Glaze and Topping:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream (for glaze)
- Additional cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon) for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15-18 minutes to bake. You’ll want to account for a few minutes to cool before serving, making it a quick treat that can be ready in less than 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the fritters bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Make sure they are all nicely combined to give your fritters a great flavor!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix them well until everything is blended together. This is where your fritters get their moisture!
4. Bring it All Together:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if it’s a bit lumpy! Now, fold in the diced apples, spreading them throughout the batter.
5. Portion the Batter:
Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will puff up as they bake!
6. Bake the Fritters:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into one; it should come out clean.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
While your fritters are baking, mix the powdered sugar with enough milk or cream to make a smooth drizzle for the glaze. You want it just thick enough to coat the fritters without being too runny.
8. Cool and Glaze:
Once baked, remove the fritters from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Now, drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters and sprinkle them generously with cinnamon sugar for that extra sweetness!
9. Serve It Up:
Serve your warm baked apple fritters immediately for the best taste! Enjoy them fresh, perhaps with a cup of coffee or a nice cup of tea!
These fritters will be soft on the inside with tender apple chunks and a lightly sweetened outer layer—perfect for a cozy treat!
Can I Use Other Fruits Besides Apples?
Absolutely! You can experiment with pears, peaches, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, but they may lose some of their crispness.
Can I Make These Fritters Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just give it a gentle mix before baking, as it may thicken.
What If I Don’t Have Baking Powder?
If you’re out of baking powder, you can make a substitute by mixing 1/4 tsp baking soda with 1/2 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice for each teaspoon of baking powder needed. Just mix it in with the wet ingredients!
