If you’re craving a cozy autumn treat that’s simple to whip up yet packs incredible flavor, let me introduce you to Baked Apple Fritters: An Easy and Delicious Recipe. This dish brings together tender, cinnamon-kissed apples and a tender batter that crisps beautifully on the outside while staying soft inside. The balance of sweet and spice makes these fritters a comforting snack or breakfast delight that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, the process is so approachable that even beginner bakers can confidently create this mouthwatering dish with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delightful Baked Apple Fritters: An Easy and Delicious Recipe, you only need a handful of classic ingredients that come together perfectly to create layers of flavor and a lovely texture. Each item plays a key role, from the tartness of apples to the spice that warms every bite.
- Apples (4 medium): Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples provide just the right balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (4 tablespoons total): Divided sugar enhances natural apple sweetness and sweetens the batter.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, comforting spice synonymous with apple desserts.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a subtle, nutty depth that complements cinnamon beautifully.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning while adding a touch of zing.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the base of the batter for structure and soft crumble.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons) and baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): These leavening agents ensure your fritters rise and stay fluffy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the batter and adds richness.
- Milk (1 cup): Keeps the batter moist and tender.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Infuses a rich flavor and adds tenderness to the finished fritters.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Provides a sweet floral note that rounds out the batter’s aroma.
- Vegetable or canola oil (3-4 cups): Needed for frying the fritters to golden perfection.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup), milk (2-3 tablespoons), and vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon) for the glaze: Optional but highly recommended for a sweet, luscious finishing touch.
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters: An Easy and Delicious Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Begin by peeling, coring, and dicing your choice of apples into comfortable, half-inch pieces. Toss them gently in a mix of granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice—this combination not only softens the apples but infuses them with warm, fragrant spices and a little zing from the lemon. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, additional sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring until just mixed—keeping a few lumps is great since overmixing can toughen fritters. Finally, fold in the spiced apples carefully, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them down too much.
Step 3: Fry the Fritters
Heat your vegetable or canola oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer for precision. Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying in small batches so they cook evenly and don’t stick together. Let each fritter fry for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Transfer them to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and keep that crispy exterior intact.
Step 4: Make the Glaze (Optional)
If you’re in the mood for something extra sweet, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the milk to reach a consistency that’s thick enough to coat, yet fluid enough to drizzle. Drizzle generously over warm fritters for a shiny, irresistible finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious homemade fritters while still warm to fully enjoy the contrast of the crispy crust and tender inside. Whether glazed or plain, these treats are sure to become a favorite for both breakfast and dessert.
How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters: An Easy and Delicious Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar can enhance the charming rustic appearance of your fritters. For a touch of elegance, add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a handful of fresh berries. Fresh mint leaves also add a pop of green and a refreshing aroma that pairs surprisingly well with the warm spices.
Side Dishes
These fritters shine as a stand-alone treat but also pair beautifully with creamy sides like vanilla yogurt or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon or a dollop of whipped cream infused with a hint of maple syrup for a sweet-salty sensation that elevates the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the fritters in a tower on a rustic wooden board, layering each with glaze and fresh fruit for a stunning centerpiece. Alternatively, serve them inside small individual baskets lined with parchment paper for a sweet snack basket that’s perfect for sharing at brunch or a cozy family gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These fritters are definitely best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to keep them from getting soggy. Store at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate for up to two days.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the fritters to cool completely and then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep their best quality for about one month. Freeze without glaze for optimal texture.
Reheating
Reheat fritters in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. Drizzle glaze after reheating for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
While fresh apples yield the best texture, you can use thawed frozen apples in a pinch. Be sure to drain any excess liquid to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
Is it possible to bake these fritters instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking at around 375°F (190°C) on a greased baking sheet for 12-15 minutes can produce a lighter version, though frying gives the classic crispy exterior many love.
What’s the best apple variety for this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the sweet batter, but Honeycrisp and Fuji work beautifully too for a sweeter, juicier bite.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to combine the batter and apples just before frying to maintain freshness and texture. However, you can prepare the spiced apple mix a few hours in advance and refrigerate it.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?
The ideal frying temperature is 350°F (175°C). Using a deep-fry thermometer helps, but if you don’t have one, you can drop a small bit of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready.
Final Thoughts
Baked Apple Fritters: An Easy and Delicious Recipe is such a delightful, approachable treat that brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen. Once you try making these, I’m sure they’ll become an instant favorite to share with family and friends. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the cozy, cinnamon-scented magic of these irresistible fritters!
Print
Baked Apple Fritters: An Easy and Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Apple Fritters are a delightful treat featuring tender apple pieces coated in a lightly spiced batter, fried to golden perfection, and optionally drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze. Easy to make and perfect for breakfast or dessert, they offer a warm, comforting flavor with a crisp exterior and soft, flavorful interior.
Ingredients
Apples and Spice Mix
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, cooled slightly
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frying Oil
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying (about 3-4 cups)
Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Gently toss the mixture until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and lemon juice, then set it aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the Batter Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure the leavening agents and sugar are evenly distributed.
- Make the Batter Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the large egg, milk, melted butter (slightly cooled), and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy; avoid overmixing to keep the fritters tender.
- Fold in the Apples: Carefully fold the spiced apple mixture into the batter, making sure the apple pieces are evenly distributed throughout without breaking them down.
- Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable or canola oil into a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, enough to submerge the fritters, approximately 3-4 cups. Heat the oil over medium heat to reach 350°F (175°C), using a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
- Fry the Fritters (Batch Frying): Once the oil reaches 350°F, carefully drop spoonfuls of the apple batter into the hot oil, frying 3-4 fritters at a time to avoid overcrowding. Maintain the oil temperature throughout frying.
- Cook Until Golden: Fry each fritter for about 2-3 minutes per side, using a slotted spoon or spider to gently flip them once they turn golden brown and are cooked through, ensuring even cooking.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked fritters using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil, which helps maintain their crispiness.
- Repeat Frying: Continue frying the remaining batter in batches, making sure the oil temperature stays consistent between batches to guarantee evenly cooked fritters.
- Prepare the Glaze (Optional): In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding additional milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze is thick enough to coat but still pourable for drizzling.
- Assemble and Serve: Drizzle the prepared glaze over warm fritters just before serving. Enjoy them fresh for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Use tart or slightly sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F is crucial for crispy, evenly fried fritters.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer; frying in batches ensures proper cooking and crispiness.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweet touch to the fritters.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer for accurate oil temperature measurement to prevent greasy or undercooked fritters.
