Do you have an incurable sweet tooth craving? Then you are going to love these delightful baked apple fritters. Not only will they help to curb the craving, but you can feel good about it because these apple fritters are not deep fried in excess grease and oil.
So if you've got 30 minutes to master this classic dessert recipe, then continue reading as we share all of the best tips and tricks to create the best baked apple fritters around.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
Even if you aren't a big baker, you are going to love this baked apple fritter recipe. It makes this delicious and classic dessert accessible to even the greenest of home chefs.
Starting with how easy these baked apple fritters are to make. This recipe consists of little more than mixing and baking. That's it! No fancy techniques, equipment, or ingredients are required to create these perfect, golden-brown fritters.
Additionally, because they are baked apple fritters, there is no dealing with the mess from deep frying. Not to mention the added calories that are added by deep frying aren't a concern.
Plus, this baked apple fritter recipe is very adaptable. You can add or remove seasonings, make them vegan, or even swap the apples for a completely different filling altogether.
Ingredients
Apples:
Selecting the right apples is crucial for baked apple fritters, as it affects both flavor and texture. Opt for firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold their shape and offer a pleasant contrast to the sweet batter. Before baking, wash the apples thoroughly under running water, then pat them dry. Remove the core and seeds, and cut the apples into uniform ½-1" cubed, uniform pieces. While apples are the traditional choice for fritters, other fruits like pears, blueberries, or bananas can be used as tasty alternatives.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is a key ingredient in this delicious baked apple fritter recipe. However, you can experiment with other spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist.
Flour:
Before using flour in your recipe, sift it through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure it's fresh and free of lumps. While all-purpose flour is the standard choice for fritters, you can experiment with alternative flours like whole wheat or gluten-free blends if you want to make gluten-free baked apple fritters.
Sugar:
While white sugar is typically used to create these homemade baked apple fritters, you can also use brown sugar for a richer flavor profile and moist texture, or you can experiment with other sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup.
Butter:
When selecting butter for your recipe, opt for unsalted butter to control the sodium content and allow the flavors of the other ingredients to shine. Before using butter in the recipe, ensure it's at room temperature for easier incorporation into the batter.
To prep the butter for baking, cut it into small cubes or slices to facilitate even mixing with other ingredients. Alternatively, you can melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly before incorporating it into the batter for a smoother consistency. You can also experiment with alternative fats like coconut oil or vegetable shortening to meet the needs of any dietary preferences or restrictions.
Eggs:
While eggs are a common ingredient in most baked goods like these homemade baked apple fritters, you can experiment with egg substitutes like mashed banana or applesauce for a vegan or egg-free version of the recipe.
Milk:
When selecting milk for your recipe, choose a variety that suits your dietary preferences and flavor profile, such as whole milk, skim milk, buttermilk, or even yogurt. Alternatively, you can use non-dairy milk options like almond milk or coconut milk for lactose-free or vegan versions of the recipe.
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
Step One:
Combine apples and cinnamon in a bowl and stir to ensure the apples are evenly coated in the cinnamon. Set aside.
Step Two:
Add flour, baking powder, and salt to a bowl and stir to incorporate.
Step Three:
Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl.
Step Four:
Whisk eggs into the butter mixture one at a time until each is incorporated.
Step Five:
Slowly whisk the flour mixture into the butter, sugar, and eggs until combined, then whisk the milk into the mixture.
Step Six:
Once a batter has formed, gently fold your apples into it.
Step Seven:
Scoop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, keeping approximately 2" in between each spoonful.
Step Eight:
Bake for 20 minutes at 375F.
Step Nine:
Sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon, serve while warm, and enjoy!
Tips
- Allow the baked apple fritters to cool slightly before serving. This allows them to set and makes them easier to handle.
- Experiment with your apple fritter recipe by adding raisins, nutmeg, chocolate chips, walnuts, or a simple glaze to coat your fritters. To create a glaze, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar and ½ a teaspoon of vanilla extract with 2-3 tablespoons of milk. Add the milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the optimal consistency is reached.
What to Serve With Baked Apple Fritters
Baked apple fritters are delightful on their own, but pairing them with complementary accompaniments can elevate the taste experience. Serve them warm alongside a scoop of Skrewball whisky ice cream for a classic indulgence that balances the fritters' warm, spiced flavors with a creamy sweetness. For a lighter option, accompany the fritters with a dollop of coconut whipped cream. Additionally, you can serve these delicious baked apple fritters alongside a smorgasbord of complimentary brunch offerings like creme brulee donuts, and mochi donuts.
FAQs
Can I fry the apple fritters instead of baking them?
While baking can help reduce the amount of fat and grease typically present in apple fritters, they are traditionally fried. If you'd like to deep fry your cinnamon apple fritters instead, heat about 1 ½ inches of oil to 375F in a heavy skillet. Stop ¼ cup of batter into the hot oil, to cook for 2 minutes on each side. Remove your fried apple fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place on a cooling rack to allow any excess oil to drain.
How do I know when the fritters are fully baked?
These easy-baked apple fritters are ready to remove from the oven when they turn golden brown and are firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of a fritter—if it comes out clean, they're done.
How long can leftover baked apple fritters be kept fresh?
Your homemade baked apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can freeze baked apple fritters for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and store them for up to 1 month.
More Recipes For Baked Goods
Do you love to bake? If so, check out this collection of recipes for more baked goods to inspire you in the kitchen.
Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple peeled, cored, and chopped.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup butter softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- Combine apples and cinnamon in a bowl and stir to ensure the apples are evenly coated in the cinnamon. Set aside.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt to a bowl and stir to incorporate.
- Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl.
- Whisk eggs into the butter mixture one at a time until each is incorporated.
- Slowly whisk the flour mixture into the butter, sugar, and eggs until combined, then whisk the milk into the mixture.
- Once a batter has formed, gently fold your apples into it.
- Scoop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, keeping approximately 2" in between each spoonful.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 375F.
- Sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon, serve while warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Allow the baked apple fritters to cool slightly before serving. This allows them to set and makes them easier to handle.
- Experiment with your apple fritter recipe by adding raisins, nutmeg, chocolate chips, walnuts, or a simple glaze to coat your fritters. To create a glaze, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar and ½ a teaspoon of vanilla extract with 2-3 tablespoons of milk. Add the milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the optimal consistency is reached.
Loved the deep fried version!
Captioned "Baked Apple Fritters" but this recipe fries them. Don't want to fry anything! Is there a baked apple fritter?
Fixed 🙂
Sally,
The recipe says "preheat the oven bake 20 minutes."
I'd love to try this ... if you could please provide the instructions for baking, as in the title and description.
Fixed. Enjoy 🙂