Baked Apple Fritters: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Baked Apple Fritters: Forget everything you thought you knew about fritters! Imagine biting into a warm, cinnamon-spiced cloud, bursting with tender, sweet apples, all without the guilt of deep frying. That’s right, we’re taking this classic treat and giving it a healthy, delicious makeover.

Apple fritters have a long and storied history, with variations popping up in cultures around the globe. From simple farmhouse kitchens to bustling city bakeries, the humble apple fritter has always been a symbol of comfort and indulgence. While traditionally deep-fried, our Baked Apple Fritters offer a lighter, equally satisfying alternative.

What’s not to love? The combination of warm spices, soft apples, and a slightly crisp exterior is simply irresistible. Plus, baking instead of frying makes them a breeze to prepare and enjoy any time you crave a sweet treat. These fritters are perfect for a cozy breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or even a simple dessert. Get ready to experience the magic of apple fritters in a whole new way!

Ingredients:

• For the Apples:
• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well), peeled, cored, and diced into ½-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the Batter:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For Frying:
• Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying (about 4-6 cups)
• For the Glaze (Optional):
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Apples:

First things first, let’s get those apples ready! This step is crucial because it infuses the apples with flavor and helps them soften slightly before they hit the hot oil. Trust me, you don’t want crunchy, raw apples in your fritters.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
2. Gently toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugar. The lemon juice will prevent the apples from browning too quickly.
3. Set the bowl aside and let the apples sit for at least 15 minutes, or even up to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the apples to release some of their juices, which will contribute to a moister fritter.

Making the Batter:

Now, let’s whip up the batter! The key to a good fritter batter is to keep it light and airy. Overmixing will result in tough fritters, and nobody wants that. We’re aiming for a batter that’s thick enough to coat the apples but thin enough to fry up golden brown and crispy.

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar. Make sure there are no lumps in the dry ingredients.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The buttermilk adds a lovely tang and helps to create a tender fritter.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine.
4. Add the spiced apples (including any accumulated juices) to the batter and gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed.

Frying the Fritters:

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for – frying time! This is where the magic happens. Make sure you have everything set up and ready to go before you start heating the oil. Safety first!

1. Pour vegetable oil or canola oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. You’ll need enough oil to reach a depth of about 2-3 inches.
2. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of batter into it. If the batter sizzles and turns golden brown in about 1-2 minutes, the oil is ready.
3. Carefully drop spoonfuls of the apple batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. I usually fry about 3-4 fritters at a time, depending on the size of my pot.
4. Fry the fritters for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or spider to flip them over halfway through.
5. Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Repeat the frying process with the remaining batter, making sure to maintain the oil temperature. If the oil gets too hot, reduce the heat slightly. If it gets too cool, wait for it to heat up again before adding more fritters.

Making the Glaze (Optional):

While the fritters are still warm (but not too hot!), you can drizzle them with a simple glaze. This step is totally optional, but it adds a touch of sweetness and makes them even more irresistible.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the fritters but thin enough to drizzle easily.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters. You can use a spoon, a fork, or a piping bag for a more decorative look.
3. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Serving and Storing:

These apple fritters are best served warm, fresh from the fryer. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. You can enjoy them plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

If you have any leftover fritters (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, they will lose some of their crispness over time. To reheat them, you can pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or microwave them briefly. Just be aware that microwaving will make them a bit softer.

Tips for Perfect Fritters:

• Don’t overcrowd the pot: Frying too many fritters at once will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy fritters.
• Maintain the oil temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure the oil stays at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough fritters.
• Use fresh oil: Old or used oil can impart a bad flavor to the fritters.
• Drain the fritters well: Place the fried fritters on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the apple mixture for a warmer, more complex flavor.
• Add nuts: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Use different apples: Experiment with different varieties of apples to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Make it boozy: Add a tablespoon of rum or apple brandy to the batter for a little extra kick.
• Chocolate drizzle: Instead of the glaze, drizzle the fritters with melted chocolate for a decadent treat.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Baked Apple Fritters are truly a game-changer. Forget standing over a hot fryer – this recipe delivers all the comforting, cinnamon-spiced goodness of traditional fritters without the extra oil and mess. I know, I know, sometimes you just crave that deep-fried indulgence, but trust me, once you taste these baked beauties, you’ll be hooked. The soft, tender apple chunks nestled in a light and airy batter, all topped with that sweet, glistening glaze…it’s pure bliss! But why are these a must-try? Well, beyond the obvious health benefits of baking instead of frying, these fritters are incredibly easy to make. Seriously, even if you’re a beginner baker, you can totally nail this recipe. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the instructions are straightforward. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while they’re baking is absolutely divine – a warm, inviting scent that will make everyone feel right at home. Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations, because the possibilities are endless! For a classic touch, serve these fritters warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melting over the warm fritters is a match made in heaven. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle them with a homemade caramel sauce. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts would also add a delightful crunch. Looking for a breakfast treat? These fritters are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. You can even crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a more substantial and flavorful start to your day. And for a truly decadent dessert, try pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. Granny Smith apples will give you a slightly tart flavor, while Honeycrisp apples will add extra sweetness. You could even add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter for a burst of fruity goodness. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the spice blend. Another variation I love is adding a touch of lemon zest to the batter. The bright, citrusy flavor complements the apples beautifully and adds a refreshing twist. You could also substitute the milk in the recipe with apple cider for an even more intense apple flavor. These Baked Apple Fritters are incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make them your own. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process! I truly believe that this recipe will become a new favorite in your household. It’s the perfect treat for a cozy weekend brunch, a quick and easy dessert, or a special occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible fritters. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor and texture? Share your photos and comments in the section below. Let’s spread the fritter love! Happy baking! I can’t wait to see what you create with this Baked Apple Fritters recipe! Print