These Baked Apple Fritters are a healthier twist on the traditional deep-fried version, offering all the warmth and sweetness of apples with a golden, crispy exterior. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, they’re infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, making them an ideal treat for fall or anytime you crave comfort food. Lightly sweetened and baked to perfection, these fritters bring together tender apples, a hint of spice, and a soft, fluffy texture. Drizzle them with a sugary glaze or enjoy them as is for a truly irresistible dessert.
Ingredients:
For the fritters:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely diced
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk (whole milk or almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for the batter)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to toss the apples)
For the glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (or water)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Prepare the Apples:
Peel and dice the apples into small chunks. Toss them with the lemon juice to prevent browning, then set them aside. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. - Prepare Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the egg and whisk in the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and sugar until smooth and combined. - Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. The batter should be thick but spoonable. If it’s too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk to loosen it. - Add the Apples:
Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. - Scoop the Batter:
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each fritter slightly with the back of the spoon for an even shape. - Bake the Fritters:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the fritters are golden brown and firm to the touch. You may need to flip them halfway through for even baking. - Prepare the Glaze (optional):
While the fritters are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed. - Glaze the Fritters:
Once the fritters are baked, let them cool for a few minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the top or dip them into the glaze for an extra layer of sweetness. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm and enjoy these deliciously crispy yet tender baked apple fritters with a cup of tea or coffee.