These Baked Apple Fritters are a delightful treat that combine warm spices and fresh apples to create a comforting breakfast option. Perfect for chilly autumn mornings, these fritters are easy to make and are sure to impress your family and friends. With their caramelized exterior and fluffy interior, they offer a cozy, sweet start to any day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up these baked apple fritters in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings.
- Healthier Option: Unlike traditional fried fritters, these are baked, reducing the fat content while still delivering delicious flavor.
- Versatile Serving: Enjoy them as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples creates a warm and inviting taste that everyone will love.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These fritters are sure to be a hit at gatherings, making them great for brunches or holiday celebrations.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started making your baked apple fritters, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Silicone baking mat (optional)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking the fritters to ensure they cook evenly.
- Silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier, helping maintain the shape of your fritters.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients effectively without mess.
Ingredients
These Baked Apple Fritters require just a handful of simple ingredients and 30 minutes from start to warm and ready to eat! With a caramelized, crunchy outside and soft, fluffy inside, these baked apple fritters are the perfect way to start a fall morning!
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 Cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 Cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 1/2 Cup milk (the higher the fat content, the richer the flavor)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Key Ingredient
- 1 Cup chopped apple
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 Cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk (a higher percentage of fat works best)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat. If you do not have one, you can bake directly on the sheet but expect slightly more cleanup.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
2. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
2. Add this mixture to the flour mixture; stir until just combined.
3. Gently fold in chopped apple.
Step 4: Shape the Fritters
Drop by 1/4 cupful onto the prepared baking sheet. For smaller fritters, use heaping tablespoons instead.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake for 11-13 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown and centers are set. For smaller fritters check doneness at 8 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to wire rack; turn oven to broil.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While waiting:
1. In a bowl whisk together confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Brush a thin layer of glaze over each fritter.
3. Place under broiler for 2-4 minutes until tops turn golden brown and glaze bubbles.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven:
1. Brush remaining glaze over warm fritters.
2. Allow glaze to harden before serving.
Best enjoyed same day!
How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters
Baked Apple Fritters are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, these fritters are versatile and delicious. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With Maple Syrup
- Drizzle warm maple syrup over the fritters for a sweet and sticky finish.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- Serve with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for a light and airy contrast.
Topped with Ice Cream
- For an indulgent dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the fritters.
Dusted with Powdered Sugar
- A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and extra sweetness.
Alongside Fresh Fruit
- Pair with sliced strawberries or blueberries for a fresh, fruity complement.
Served with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these fritters with a warm cup of coffee or tea for the perfect morning pairing.
How to Perfect Baked Apple Fritters
To achieve the best Baked Apple Fritters, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your fritters turn out perfectly every time.
Use cold butter – Cold butter helps create a flaky texture when cutting into the dry ingredients.
Chop apples evenly – Make sure your apple pieces are uniform in size to ensure even cooking throughout.
Don’t overmix – Gently stir the batter when adding the wet ingredients to maintain fluffy fritters.
Adjust baking time – Keep an eye on your fritters as baking times may vary depending on your oven’s calibration.
Broil for the perfect glaze – Broiling gives the tops a beautiful golden color and enhances flavor through caramelization.
Serve warm – Baked Apple Fritters taste best when served immediately after glazing while still warm.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Apple Fritters
Baked Apple Fritters can shine even brighter when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider serving alongside them.
Greek Yogurt – A creamy and tangy addition that balances the sweetness of the fritters.
Crispy Bacon – The saltiness of crispy bacon contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the fritters.
Cinnamon Oatmeal – A warm bowl of cinnamon oatmeal adds heartiness and makes for a comforting meal.
Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad provides brightness and complements the flavors of baked apple fritters nicely.
Breakfast Sausages – Savory breakfast sausages can round out your meal, adding protein and flavor variety.
Smoothie Bowl – A chilled smoothie bowl topped with granola can offer a cool contrast to warm fritters.
Hash Browns – Crispy hash browns add texture and make for a satisfying breakfast spread.
Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can elevate your brunch experience alongside sweet treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Apple Fritters, it’s easy to overlook some steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for to ensure your fritters turn out perfectly.
- Skipping Ingredient Measurements: It’s crucial to measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little can affect the texture and taste.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. A hot oven helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
- Overmixing the Batter: Gently combine your ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough fritters instead of soft and fluffy ones.
- Ignoring Apple Variety: Use a good apple variety for baking, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They provide the right balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Forgetting Glaze Timing: Apply the glaze while the fritters are warm. This allows it to soak in better and enhances flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Baked Apple Fritters in an airtight container.
- They last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Baked Apple Fritters
- Place fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them initially.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Apple Fritters
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat for 10-20 seconds; be careful not to overcook them.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Baked Apple Fritters that you might find helpful.
Can I use different types of flour for Baked Apple Fritters?
Yes, you can substitute flours such as almond flour or oat flour, but this may change the texture slightly.
What apples are best for Baked Apple Fritters?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work well due to their balance of sweetness and tartness, enhancing the flavor of the fritters.
How can I customize my Baked Apple Fritters?
Feel free to mix in nuts, raisins, or even spices like ginger for added flavor. You can also change the glaze by adding spices or citrus zest.
Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Apple Fritters offer delicious comfort and warmth perfect for any fall morning. With simple ingredients and quick prep time, they’re not only easy but also versatile. Feel free to customize with your favorite fruits or spices!
Baked Apple Fritters
Baked Apple Fritters are a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall. These treats combine tender, fluffy dough with fresh apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Baked instead of fried, they offer a healthier twist on a classic favorite, making them perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack any time of day. With their caramelized exterior and soft interior, these fritters are not only easy to make but also sure to impress family and friends. Drizzle them with a simple glaze or serve them warm with maple syrup for an indulgent touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 Cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 Cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 1/2 Cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Cup chopped apple
- 1 Cup confectioner's sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flours, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until golden brown.
- While cooling slightly, prepare the glaze by mixing confectioner's sugar with milk and vanilla. Brush over warm fritters.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter (45g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
