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Baked Apple Fritters: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Golden brown and crispy apple fritters, bursting with spiced apples and drizzled with a sweet glaze (optional). A perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 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
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying (about 4-6 cups)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently until evenly coated. Let sit for 15-30 minutes.
  2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Add the spiced apples (including any accumulated juices) to the batter and gently fold them in until evenly distributed.
  5. Fry the Fritters: Pour vegetable oil or canola oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Carefully drop spoonfuls of the apple batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
  7. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip halfway through.
  8. Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  9. Repeat the frying process with the remaining batter, maintaining the oil temperature.
  10. Make the Glaze (Optional): 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.
  11. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters.
  12. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
  13. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying.
  • Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C).
  • Don’t overmix the batter.
  • Use fresh oil for the best flavor.
  • Drain the fritters well on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
  • 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.