If you’re craving the warm, comforting flavors of apple fritters but want a lighter, oven-baked option, these Baked Apple Fritters are perfect for you!
Packed with diced fresh apples, cinnamon, and topped with a sweet apple cider glaze, these fritters are a fantastic treat for any time of day.
With no frying involved, they’re easy to make and healthier than the traditional version, without sacrificing any flavor.
Baked Apple Fritters
A baked treat bursting with apple flavor and topped with a sweet, caramelized glaze – perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 ½ cups finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or juice
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the fritters from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly combined. Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Combine the wet ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk the melted ¼ cup unsalted butter with ¼ cup granulated sugar until well combined. Next, add in 1 large egg, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ cup unsweetened applesauce. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
4. Incorporate dry ingredients and apples
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this could result in tough fritters. Once the batter is formed, gently fold in 1 ½ cups of finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples. The batter will be thick and chunky with the apple pieces.
5. Shape the fritters
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of the batter and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave a few inches of space between each fritter, as they will expand slightly during baking.
6. Bake the fritters
Place the fritters in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and turn your oven’s broiler on high.
7. Prepare the apple cider glaze
While the fritters are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar and ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons apple cider (or juice) until the mixture is smooth and pourable. The glaze should have a slightly runny consistency to allow for easy coating.
8. Apply the glaze and broil
Once the fritters have finished their initial baking, lightly brush each one with the prepared glaze, allowing it to drip down the sides. Return the fritters to the oven under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, rotating the baking sheet frequently to ensure even browning. The glaze should begin to bubble and caramelize on top of the fritters. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
9. Final glaze and cooling
After the fritters have been broiled to perfection, remove them from the oven and brush the remaining glaze evenly over the tops. Let the fritters sit for about 15 minutes to allow the glaze to fully set before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use other types of apples such as Granny Smith or Fuji if you prefer a slightly more tart flavor in your fritters.
2. Can I substitute the applesauce?
Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture to these fritters, but you can replace it with mashed bananas or Greek yogurt for a different flavor and texture.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these baked fritters can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For the best texture, reheat them slightly before serving.
4. Can I make a different glaze?
Certainly! If you don’t have apple cider, try making a vanilla glaze using milk and vanilla extract, or use maple syrup for a richer flavor.
