Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! I absolutely adore these Baked Apple Fritters, and you’re going to love them too! There’s something so delightful about biting into a warm, fluffy fritter filled with sweet, tender apples and just the right amount of spice.
You know, every Sunday morning, my family would gather around the kitchen table, and my mom would whip up these fritters from an old family recipe. The smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the air would send my siblings and me into a frenzy of excitement. These fritters became a cherished tradition in our household. So, I decided to lighten things up a bit (no frying required) while keeping that scrumptious flavor we all love.
Now, let’s dive into the flavorful world of Baked Apple Fritters!
What’s in Baked Apple Fritters?
Apples: The star of the show! I prefer using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but feel free to mix varieties like Honeycrisp for added sweetness. Make sure you chop them into small pieces to get that lovely apple bite in every fritter.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the base for our fritters. It’s the glue that holds everything together!
Brown Sugar: I love using brown sugar for that rich, deep sweetness it brings to the fritters along with a hint of molasses flavor.
Cinnamon: This warm spice is a must! It adds that cozy, baking-fresh aroma that makes everyone want to gather in the kitchen.
Baking Powder: A little leavening agent helps our fritters rise and get that perfect fluffy interior.
Milk: You can use regular milk or a dairy-free alternative. It brings moisture to the batter, making the fritters soft and tender.
Egg: A binding agent that helps hold our batter together.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash of this adds an extra layer of flavor to our fritters.
Powdered Sugar: This is for the glaze! A sweet finish that makes these fritters extra special. Plus, who doesn’t love a good drizzle?
Is Baked Apple Fritters Good for You?
Now, while I wouldn’t call these fritters “health food,” they do have some redeeming qualities.
Apples: These wonderful fruits are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The pectin in apples is fantastic for gut health! So, there’s a health halo over the sweetness, at least a little.
Brown Sugar: It has a bit of molasses, which means you’re getting some minerals too—small win!
Of course, with any baked good, moderation is key! Pair these fritters with some Greek yogurt for a protein boost and make it a well-rounded breakfast (or snack, I won’t judge!).
Ingredients
– 2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
This recipe yields about 12 fritters.
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup—yay!
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; lumpy is good here!
4. Drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These babies will puff up a bit!
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. While the fritters are baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and a tablespoon of water or milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more liquid or sugar as needed.
7. Once the fritters are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
8. Serve warm, and watch them disappear in a flash!
Fritter Fun Alternatives
– If you want to up your game, try adding a handful of walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
– Looking for a flavor twist? Incorporate some nutmeg or ginger into the spice mix for a seasonal touch.
– Instead of glazing, you can sprinkle powdered sugar directly on top for a lighter option.
I’m so excited for you to try these Baked Apple Fritters! Honestly, they might just become your new Sunday morning tradition, just like they did in my home. Don’t forget to invite friends or family to share because these fritters simply taste better when shared! Once you give them a try, let me know how they turned out – I’d love to hear your thoughts! Happy baking!
