Description

These apple fritter bites are a delightful twist on the classic apple fritter, offering all the flavors of fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and sweet glaze in a convenient, bite-sized form. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, these fritter bites are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them irresistible to both kids and adults. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re serving them fresh out of the oven or as a next-day treat, these fritter bites are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Scale

Nonstick cooking spray
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 1/2 cups finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples about 2 medium

Apple Cider Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or juice

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until combined. Then whisk in the egg, vanilla, and applesauce until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
Scoop out 1 tbsp portions of batter and drop them a few inches apart onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and turn on broiler to high.
Make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and apple cider/juice until thin and pourable.
Brush some of the glaze over the warm fritter bites, letting it drip down the sides. Broil for 2-4 minutes, rotating the pan frequently, until the glaze starts to caramelize and bubble up.
Remove from oven and brush the remaining glaze evenly over the tops of the fritters.
Let sit for 15 minutes to allow the glaze to set before serving.

Notes

Fruit Substitutions: While Honeycrisp or Gala apples are recommended for their sweetness and texture, you can substitute them with other fruits like pears or peaches for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the moisture content of the fruits you choose.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes a binding agent like xanthan gum.
Storage Tips: For best results, store the fritter bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain their crispness.