Baked Apple Fritter Bites

As the crisp air of autumn settles in, there’s something truly special about the seasonal flavors that come to life in our kitchens. One of the ultimate fall delights? Apple fritters. These sweet, spiced treats are a classic way to enjoy the comforting flavors of fresh apples, warm spices, and that perfect hint of sweetness. But traditional apple fritters, while delicious, are typically fried, making them a bit of an indulgence.

That’s where these Baked Apple Fritter Bites come in—a lighter, oven-baked twist on the classic. Imagine soft bites of dough filled with chunks of tender apples, all topped with a sweet, slightly tangy apple cider glaze. The best part? You get all the deliciousness of a fritter without the extra oil from frying, making them a guilt-free snack to enjoy throughout the season.

I first stumbled upon this recipe while flipping through a cookbook called Brilliant Morsels, written by the talented Baker Mama. A friend gifted me the book, knowing my love for all things apple-related, and as soon as I spotted this recipe, I knew it was a must-try. The thought of light, fluffy apple fritters—made even better with a quick bake in the oven—had me hooked from the start. And the results didn’t disappoint.

Ingredients:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), finely chopped

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons + ¼ cup apple cider or apple juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Prepare Wet Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar until combined. Add in the egg, vanilla, and applesauce, stirring until smooth.
4. Combine: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then gently fold in the chopped apples.
5. Bake: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Bake for 10 minutes.
6. Broil for Crispiness: After baking, turn on the broiler and broil the fritters for 2-4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.

1. Make the Glaze: Whisk the powdered sugar with apple cider (or juice) until smooth and pourable.
2. Glaze the Fritters: While the fritters are still hot, brush them with the glaze, letting it drip down the sides. Broil for an additional 2-4 minutes until the glaze starts to caramelize.
3. Final Glaze: After removing from the oven, brush with any remaining glaze. Let the fritters sit for about 15 minutes to allow the glaze to set.

Pro Tips and Variations for Baked Apple Fritter Bites

Pro Tips:

• Apples: Use sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best flavor balance.
• Don’t overmix: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together to keep the fritters light and fluffy.
• Broil carefully: Keep a close eye while broiling to prevent the glaze from burning.

Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
• Maple Glaze: Swap apple cider for maple syrup in the glaze for a different fall twist.
• Add Nuts: Fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture