Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze are like cozy hugs in dessert form! They combine sweet apples, warm spices, and a soft, fluffy texture, all topped with a shiny glaze that makes them irresistible.
These fritters are baked, so you can enjoy them without the guilt of frying! I love serving them warm, fresh out of the oven. Trust me, you won’t want to share! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the fritters and gives them structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a blend of gluten-free flour can work well. Just ensure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum.
Apples: Granny Smith is great for a tart contrast in flavor, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. You can also use any good baking apple like Fuji or Braeburn. If you want a different flavor, pears can be a wonderful substitute!
Buttermilk: It adds richness and tenderness. If you don’t have any, you can make your own by mixing regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This gives a similar tangy flavor!
Granulated sugar: This makes the fritters sweet. For a lighter touch, you can replace some with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
How Do You Make Sure the Fritters Stay Soft and Cake-Like?
The key to soft and fluffy fritters lies in the mixing process. Be gentle! Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense fritters.
- Mix dry ingredients separately from wet before combining.
- Incorporate apples gently to avoid breaking them down too much.
- Use a few spoonfuls of batter on the baking sheet for better rise and texture.
Also, remember to bake them at the right temperature. The high heat helps create a nice rise, and the glaze adds the final touch of sweetness. Enjoy your baking!
Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze
Ingredients:
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (optional, for a richer batter)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to bake. With a total of about 25 minutes, you’ll be enjoying warm apple fritters in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will create a fluffy base for your fritters!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until it’s nice and smooth. This mixture brings all the moisture and flavor!
4. Bring It Together:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Remember, it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. Overmixing can make your fritters tough.
5. Add the Apples:
Carefully fold in the diced apples so they’re evenly mixed throughout the batter. Your fritters will have delicious bits of fruit in every bite!
6. Scoop onto Baking Sheet:
Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of batter onto your prepared baking sheet. Keep them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Bake the Fritters:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Make the Glaze:
While the fritters are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth and glossy. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency.
9. Cool and Glaze:
Once the fritters are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. Then, drizzle the warm fritters generously with the glaze.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
These fritters are best enjoyed warm! You can serve them with extra apple slices on the side or dust them with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra treat. Enjoy your delicious homemade baked apple fritters!
This recipe yields light, cakey apple fritters that are perfectly sweet, complemented by a shiny vanilla glaze. Baking instead of frying makes them a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. Dive in and enjoy! 🍏✨
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can use any good baking apple like Fuji or Braeburn. Feel free to mix different varieties for added flavor!
Can I Make These Fritters Without Buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using to achieve that tangy flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or toaster oven for the best texture!
Can I Freeze Baked Apple Fritters?
Yes, you can freeze these fritters! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each fritter tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for about 2 months. You can reheat them directly from the freezer!
