Baked Apple Fritters are a delightful treat that perfectly blend the sweetness of apples with a light, fluffy texture. As someone who has always cherished the comforting flavors of fall, I find that these fritters evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of crisp autumn days spent picking apples. Originating from traditional recipes that date back centuries, fritters have been a beloved snack in various cultures, often enjoyed during harvest festivals and family gatherings.
What I love most about Baked Apple Fritters is their incredible versatility. They can be served warm for breakfast, as a delightful afternoon snack, or even as a dessert. The combination of tender apple pieces, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness makes each bite a heavenly experience. Plus, the fact that they are baked rather than fried means you can indulge without the guilt! Join me as we explore this scrumptious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine.
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples (I prefer Granny Smith for their tartness)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- Optional: additional cinnamon for sprinkling
Preparing the Apples
First things first, let’s get our apples ready. I love the crunch and flavor of fresh apples in my fritters.
- Start by washing the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or wax.
- Peel the apples using a vegetable peeler. This step is optional, but I find that peeling gives a smoother texture.
- Core the apples and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for about 1/2-inch cubes so they cook evenly.
- Set the chopped apples aside in a bowl. If you want to prevent browning, you can toss them with a little lemon juice.
Preparing the Batter
Now that our apples are prepped, let’s move on to making the batter. This is where the magic happens!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Once combined, gently fold in the chopped apples. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Preparing to Bake
Now that we have our batter ready, it’s time to prepare for baking. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect fritter texture.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the fritters will bake evenly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the fritters from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop generous amounts of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each fritter, as they will spread slightly while baking.
- If you like, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top of each fritter for added flavor.
Baking the Fritters
It’s time to bake these delicious fritters! The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll be counting down the minutes.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the fritters from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the fritters to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
Making the Glaze
While the fritters are cooling, let’s whip up a simple glaze to drizzle on top. This is what takes them from good to absolutely irresistible!
- In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk. Stir until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can mix in a dash
Conclusion:
In summary, these baked apple fritters are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a deliciously sweet treat without the guilt of frying. The combination of tender apples, warm spices, and a light, fluffy texture makes these fritters a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch table. Plus, they are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike. For serving suggestions, I love to drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on them right after they come out of the oven for a delightful crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding in some chopped nuts or dried cranberries for a unique twist, or even swap out the apples for pears or peaches when they’re in season. I encourage you to give this baked apple fritters recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a delightful snack throughout the day, I promise they will be a hit! Don’t forget to let me know how yours turn out, and feel free to share your own variations. Happy baking! Print
Baked Apple Fritters: A Deliciously Healthy Twist on a Classic Treat
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters
Description
Delight in these warm, cinnamon-spiced apple fritters, baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat!
Ingredients
- apples
- cinnamon
- vanilla extract
- glaze
- chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Once the fritters are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each fritter. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for more control.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute the apples with other fruits like pears or peaches for a different flavor.
- These fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a crunchier texture, you can add chopped nuts to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
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