Warm Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze
These warm, baked apple fritters with glaze are a deliciously comforting treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
The sweet and spicy aroma of cinnamon and apples fills the air as they bake, and the soft, fluffy texture makes each bite irresistible.
With the addition of a simple glaze on top, these fritters offer the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Ideal for cooler days or gatherings, this recipe will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 large eggs
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups peeled, chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent the fritters from sticking during baking.
This simple step ensures they bake evenly and come out perfectly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
ensuring the cinnamon is evenly distributed. This will help the fritters maintain that delicious cinnamon flavor in every bite.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Once your wet ingredients are ready.
pour them into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as that can result in dense fritters.
Next, fold in the chopped apples and melted butter. The apples will provide a burst of flavor and moisture.
while the butter adds richness to the batter. Gently mix until the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of the batter onto your prepared baking sheet.
Space the fritters about 2 inches apart to allow them room to expand slightly as they bake.
You can smooth the tops with the back of the spoon to give them a more uniform shape if desired.
Bake the fritters in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
You can check their doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a fritter—it should come out clean when they’re done.
While the fritters are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you achieve a smooth and pourable consistency.
Once the fritters have finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes.
Then, drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters, allowing it to melt slightly and soak in. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Make
Begin by preparing the wet ingredients, ensuring that your eggs, milk, applesauce, and vanilla extract are mixed well. This will provide a smooth base for your batter.
Next, focus on the dry ingredients, making sure to mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together thoroughly before combining them with the wet ingredients.
The key to a light and fluffy texture in your fritters lies in the mixing process. Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
you’ll want to gently fold in the apples and melted butter. This ensures that the apples stay intact, giving you pockets of sweet fruit in each fritter.
When spooning the batter onto the baking sheet, don’t worry if the fritters are slightly irregular in shape.
Their rustic appearance is part of their charm, and the uneven edges often lead to more crisp, caramelized bits that add to the flavor.
Another important step is checking for doneness. Since these fritters are baked rather than fried, it’s easy to overcook them.
Keep a close eye on the color of the fritters—they should turn golden brown on the edges and be firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into one to check if it comes out clean, signaling they’re ready.
Once you remove them from the oven, resist the urge to dive in immediately. Let the fritters cool for a few minutes before glazing them, as this helps the glaze adhere better and prevents it from soaking into the fritters too quickly.
The glaze itself is simple to prepare. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the fritters to add an extra layer of sweetness. The glaze hardens slightly as it cools, giving the fritters a nice shine and an irresistible finish.
Serve the fritters warm, and enjoy the comforting, cinnamon-infused flavor with each bite.
These baked apple fritters are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Variations
For a twist on the classic recipe, try using different types of apples. While Granny Smith apples offer a tart contrast to the sweet batter, Honeycrisp apples bring a juicy, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
Experimenting with apple varieties can give you a whole new flavor profile for your fritters.
If you’re looking to make these fritters a bit more indulgent, consider adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter.
The crunchy texture and earthy flavor of the nuts will complement the soft apples and the warm spices in the fritters.
To add an extra burst of flavor, try mixing in some dried cranberries or raisins with the apples.
These dried fruits will add sweetness and texture, making the fritters even more decadent.
For a more savory twist, try replacing some of the sugar with a little bit of grated cheese.
Sharp cheddar or parmesan could offer a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the apples and the glaze, making these fritters a perfect option for a savory breakfast.
If you’re looking to make these fritters gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder to help give the fritters structure and a light texture.
For a spiced-up version, you could add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the batter.
These spices will give the fritters a more complex flavor profile and make them feel even more cozy and festive.
Finally, consider making mini fritters for a fun twist. Scoop smaller amounts of batter onto the baking sheet to create bite-sized fritters, perfect for serving at parties or as a sweet snack.
Tips
For the best texture, make sure your apples are finely chopped into small pieces. Larger chunks can cause the fritters to fall apart, while smaller pieces help the fritters hold together and cook evenly.
Use a cookie scoop to portion out the batter. This will help ensure that each fritter is the same size, which will allow them to bake evenly and finish at the same time.
To make the fritters even lighter, you can sift the dry ingredients before mixing them. This will help to remove any lumps and ensure that everything is evenly incorporated.
If you prefer a crispier texture, consider broiling the fritters for a minute or two at the end of baking. This will create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
Don’t skip the cooling time after the fritters come out of the oven. Giving them a few minutes to rest helps the structure set, making them easier to handle and glaze.
For an extra glossy finish on your fritters, make sure to heat the glaze slightly before drizzling it over the warm fritters. This will help the glaze spread evenly and create a beautiful shine.
Finally, if you want to make these fritters ahead of time, you can store them in an airtight container for a couple of days.
Simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before glazing to bring back their warm, fresh-baked taste.
Conclusion
These warm, baked apple fritters with glaze are an irresistible treat that combines the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness.
Whether you’re making them for a cozy morning or a special occasion, they’re sure to please everyone at the table.
With their easy preparation, you can enjoy homemade apple fritters anytime you’re craving something sweet and satisfying.
The best part is that they’re baked, not fried, making them a slightly healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.