Introduction

Baked apple fritters are a delightful twist on a classic treat, offering a tender, cinnamon-spiced bite without the need for frying. These fritters are easy to prepare and topped with a sweet lemon glaze that perfectly complements the tart apples.

The image shows six round fried pastries arranged in two rows on a white plate with a slightly raised edge, placed on a white marbled surface. Each pastry is golden brown with a rough and crispy texture, topped with white icing drizzled irregularly over the top, creating thin, glossy lines that contrast with the crunchy surface. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing the pastries in the foreground with a warm natural light coming from the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 medium firm apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1-2 teaspoons water (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Toss them with a little cinnamon and sugar to infuse extra flavor and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar until fully combined for even flavor distribution.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth and ready to be mixed with the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the diced apples carefully to keep the batter light and tender without overmixing.
Step 5: Spoon dollops of batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow puffing. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden and fully cooked through.
Step 6: While baking, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice and a little water until achieving a smooth drizzle consistency perfect for glazing.
Step 7: After fritters have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. Serve warm for the best taste experience and delightful texture.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweet glaze, or try sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for a milder flavor.
For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the fritters light and fluffy.

Storage

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days, reheating gently in a warm oven or microwave before serving. The glaze may firm up in the fridge, so you can add a little extra drizzle if needed when reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of six round cinnamon rolls arranged in two rows on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface, each roll has a golden-brown crust with a slightly rough and crispy texture, and they are topped with a thick, white icing drizzled unevenly over the surface, creating a glossy, smooth contrast to the textured rolls beneath, the background is softly blurred, emphasizing the warm tone and details of the rolls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Frozen apples can be used if fresh apples are not available, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture thoroughly to avoid a soggy batter.

Can these fritters be made gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Keep the other ingredients the same and watch the baking time closely as gluten-free flours can vary.