This recipe offers a lighter, baked version of the classic apple fritter, providing a delicious and comforting treat with less oil than their deep-fried counterparts. Apple fritters are essentially pieces of apple that are coated in a batter and then cooked until golden brown and often dusted with powdered sugar or glazed. This baked rendition aims to achieve a similar tender apple interior and slightly crispy exterior through oven baking. The batter is typically a simple mixture of flour, sugar, baking powder, milk or buttermilk, eggs, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which complement the apple flavor beautifully. Chopped or sliced apples are folded into the batter, ensuring each fritter contains a good amount of fruit. Instead of being submerged in hot oil, these fritters are placed on a baking sheet and baked until they are puffed and golden, often with slightly crisp edges. To enhance the browning and sometimes add a touch of richness, the tops might be brushed with melted butter or an egg wash before baking. Once baked, the fritters are often dusted generously with powdered sugar, creating a sweet and visually appealing finish. Some variations might include a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or apple cider, drizzled over the warm fritters. Baked apple fritters offer a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version without sacrificing much of the comforting flavor and texture. They are perfect for a fall breakfast, a sweet snack, or a light dessert, showcasing the warm and inviting flavors of apple and spice in a delightful pastry form. The image shows a baking sheet lined with baked apple fritters. The fritters have an irregular, somewhat lacy appearance with visible pieces of apple. They are golden brown in color and are generously dusted with white powdered sugar. The baking sheet has a dark, slightly worn look, and the background shows a marble countertop and a glimpse of a white cabinet or door.
The texture of Baked Apple Fritters is expected to be tender and slightly soft on the inside, with the cooked apple pieces being moist and yielding. The edges and any exposed batter might have a slightly crisp or chewy texture, especially if baked at a higher temperature or for a longer time.
The flavor profile is dominated by the sweet and slightly tart taste of cooked apples, enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The batter provides a mild, slightly sweet, and comforting base, and the powdered sugar topping adds a burst of simple sweetness.
Baked Apple Fritters offer a lighter and healthier way to enjoy the classic flavors of apple fritters, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a light dessert.
The preparation involves making a simple batter, folding in chopped apples, placing dollops of the batter on a baking sheet, and then baking until golden brown, followed by a dusting of powdered sugar or a glaze.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apple (about 1-2 medium apples, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional, for brushing)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (or glaze, see below)
For a Simple Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or apple cider
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
- Small bowl (for melted butter or egg wash)
- Pastry brush (if using butter or egg wash)
- Small bowl (for glaze, if using)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk or buttermilk, lightly beaten egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Fold in the Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
- Spoon Batter onto Baking Sheet: Drop spoonfuls of the apple batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each fritter (about 1-2 inches). The fritters will spread slightly during baking, and their shape will be somewhat irregular, which is characteristic of fritters.
- Brush with Butter (Optional): If desired, brush the tops of the fritters with the melted butter. This can help them brown more evenly and add a touch of richness. Alternatively, you can use an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water or milk) for a similar effect.
- Bake the Fritters: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and appear cooked through. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the fritters.
- Prepare Glaze (Optional): While the fritters are baking or cooling slightly, you can prepare a simple glaze if desired. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or apple cider (start with 2 tablespoons and add more until you reach a smooth, drizzable consistency), and vanilla extract.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar or Glaze: Once the baked apple fritters are slightly cooled, you can dust them generously with powdered sugar. Alternatively, drizzle the prepared glaze over the warm fritters.
- Serve: Serve the baked apple fritters warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or can be enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy these lighter and delicious Baked Apple Fritters! They capture the essence of the classic treat in a healthier, oven-baked form.