Baked Apple Fritters: Your New Fall Favorite
As the weather cools and the apples are in season, there’s nothing quite like the smell of Baked Apple Fritters filling your kitchen. They’re simple to make, healthier than their fried counterparts, and will have you hooked from the very first bite. I promise, these will become your new weekend baking tradition, from fall to Christmas!
Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Fritters:
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes!
- Baked, not fried: Enjoy all the flavor without the guilt.
- Simple ingredients: No fancy pantry staples required.
- Perfect for extra apples: A great way to use up all those fall apples.
- Your kitchen will smell amazing: Better than any fall-scented candle!
What Makes These Fritters Special:
Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients; chances are, you already have most of them in your pantry. Here’s what makes these fritters irresistible:
- A mix of all-purpose and white whole wheat flour: For the perfect texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds that sweet, caramelized flavor.
- Warm spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for a cozy autumn vibe.
- Cold butter: Ensures the perfect flakiness in every bite.
- Fresh tart apples: The star of the show, bringing brightness and crunch.
How to Make Your Own Baked Apple Fritters:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, baking powder, and spices.
- Cut in the Butter: Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk, egg, and vanilla until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Fold in the Apples: Gently stir in the chopped apples.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto your baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 11-13 minutes, until golden on the bottoms.
- Glaze and Broil: After baking, glaze the fritters and broil them for a few minutes to achieve that golden, crunchy top!
Pro Tips from the Fritter Fairy Godmother:
- Use tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t flatten the batter on the baking sheet. Let them spread on their own as they bake.
- For a twist, swap out the vanilla in the glaze for maple extract.
- Let them cool a bit before diving in – trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Storing Your Fritters (If They Last Long Enough!):
- These are best eaten the same day for the freshest flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re still delicious for the next day!
Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Fritters:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped apple
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, brown sugar, baking powder, and spices.
- Cut the cold butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract together. Add this to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter (about 1/4 cup each) onto your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, until the bottoms are golden and the centers are set.
- Remove the fritters from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Turn your oven to broil.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Brush a thin layer of glaze over each fritter and broil for 2-4 minutes until the tops are golden.
- Brush with the remaining glaze, let it harden, and enjoy!
These Baked Apple Fritters are a must-make for the fall season. With their crispy exterior, soft apple-filled interior, and sweet glaze, they’re bound to become your new favorite treat!