Description
These Apple Fritter Bites offer a delightful twist on the traditional apple fritter. By baking these treats instead of frying, you get all the delicious flavors of classic apple fritters—sweet, cinnamon-infused, and apple-packed—but with fewer calories and less mess.
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp kosher salt
2 tsp cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup no-sugar added applesauce
1 ½ cups peeled and finely diced Honeycrisp apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup plus 2 TBSP apple cider or apple juice
Instructions
Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla extract, then stir in applesauce.
Combine and Fold: Mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined. Fold in chopped apples.
Bake: Scoop 1 tablespoon of batter for each fritter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes. Turn the oven to broil.
Glaze and Broil: Mix powdered sugar with apple cider to create a smooth glaze. Brush glaze over each fritter and broil for 2-4 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Rotate the baking sheet as needed for even caramelization.
Final Glaze and Cool: Remove fritters from the oven. Brush with the remaining glaze and let set on the baking sheet until the glaze hardens, about 15 minutes.
Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar over the fritters just before serving for added sweetness.
Notes
- Apple Variety: The choice of apple can greatly influence the texture and flavor of the fritters. For a balance of sweet and tart, Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples are recommended. Mixing apple varieties can enhance the flavor complexity.
- Texture and Consistency: For best results, the apples should be finely diced to ensure they blend well into the batter and cook evenly. Overmixing the batter can lead to tough fritters, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Baking Tips: Preheating your oven is essential to ensure the fritters cook evenly. The recommended baking temperature is 400°F (200°C), which crisply bakes the outside while keeping the inside soft.
- Glazing Technique: Applying the glaze while the fritters are still warm helps it to set properly, creating a sweet, shiny finish. If desired, the broiling step can be omitted for a less crisp topping.
- Serving and Storage: Apple Fritter Bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven to refresh their texture before serving.
- Dietary Adaptations: This recipe can be easily modified for gluten-free and sugar-free diets with appropriate substitutions for flour and sugar. An egg-free version can be made using flaxseed meal as described in the substitutions section.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 190 kcal per fritter
