When it comes to cozy weekend mornings, there’s something special about whipping up a batch of homemade baked apple fritters. These warm, tender bites remind me of the fall weekends spent in the kitchen with my family. I love how the smell of cinnamon and apples fills the house, bringing everyone together around the table. Whether it’s a chilly autumn day or just a regular morning, these fritters never fail to put smiles on our faces.
As a mom, I’m always looking for recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to make. This one is great because it’s baked instead of fried, making it a slightly healthier option that I feel good about serving to my family. Plus, the kids love getting involved—whether it’s chopping apples or mixing the batter, it’s always a fun way to spend some time together. It’s simple enough to make with everyday ingredients, but the flavor makes it feel like a special treat.
I usually make these on Sunday mornings, and we enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They’re perfect for when you want to make something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. And trust me, they disappear fast! I hope you find them as delightful and easy to make as we do in our home.
Preparing Baked Apple Fritters
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Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup brown sugar
- 3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 Cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 Cup milk (full-fat is preferable for richer flavor)
- 6 Tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Cup chopped apple
- 1 Cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk (preferably high-fat)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat. If you’re not using a mat, you can bake directly on the sheet, but be prepared for a tougher clean-up.
In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Add the cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract together. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Carefully fold in the chopped apple.
Drop spoonfuls of batter (about 1/4 Cup each) onto the prepared baking sheet. For smaller fritters, use a heaping tablespoon. Bake for 11-13 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and the centers are cooked through. For smaller fritters, start checking at 8 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and set the oven to broil.
To make the glaze, whisk the confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Brush a light layer of glaze over the fritters. Place them under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, just until the tops are golden and the glaze starts to bubble.
Remove from the oven, brush the remaining glaze over the fritters while they’re still warm, and let them sit until the glaze sets. Enjoy these fritters fresh for the best taste!
Storing Suggestion
These baked apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes to bring back some of their original texture and warmth.
Cooking Tips
If you prefer a softer texture, you can substitute some or all of the white whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to boost the spice flavor, giving the fritters a more robust taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these baked apple fritters warm, with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. You can also serve them with whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, regular white sugar will work, but the fritters might lack a bit of the depth of flavor. You can also use a plant-based butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, and almond milk can replace regular milk for a lighter option.
Seasonal Variations
For a fall-inspired variation, try using chopped pears instead of apples and add a dash of nutmeg. In the summer, you could replace the apples with chopped peaches or even berries for a fresh and fruity twist.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy, gluten, and eggs. To make it more allergy-friendly, you can substitute the milk with a dairy-free option such as almond or oat milk, and replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine. Gluten-free flour blends can be used as a substitute for the all-purpose and white whole wheat flour.
FAQ
Can I make the fritters ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply spoon the batter onto the baking sheet and follow the baking instructions. The fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be made ahead to save time.
Can I freeze the fritters?
While these fritters are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature and reheat in a low oven.
What kind of apples should I use?
Granny Smith apples work wonderfully in this recipe because they are tart and firm, holding their shape well during baking. However, you can use any variety of apples you prefer, including Honeycrisp or Gala for a sweeter flavor.
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile, and you can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the baking time depending on the moisture content of the fruit.
Do I have to broil the fritters?
The broiling step gives the fritters a beautiful golden-brown glaze and a bit of crispness on top. While it’s not necessary, it enhances the texture and flavor, so I highly recommend it!
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make the fritters a bit healthier, you can reduce the sugar slightly or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You could also try using a whole grain flour blend to add more fiber to the recipe.
Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup brown sugar
- 3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 Cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 Cup milk full-fat is preferable for richer flavor
- 6 Tablespoons cold butter cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Cup chopped apple
- 1 Cup confectioner's sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk preferably high-fat
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet with a silicone mat. If your mat isn’t broiler-safe, bake directly on the sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this into the flour mixture and stir until just mixed. Gently fold in the chopped apple.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter (about 1/4 Cup each) onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and the centers are cooked through.
- Move the fritters to a wire rack and set the oven to broil. Whisk together the confectioner's sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth for the glaze.
- Brush a thin layer of the glaze over the fritters. Place them under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the glaze starts to bubble.
- Carefully transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack and brush the remaining glaze over the warm fritters. Let the glaze set before serving.
