Apple Fritter Bites

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These baked Apple Fritter Bites are the ultimate fall treat! Light, doughnut-like fritters filled with chunks of tender apples and finished with a tart-sweet apple cider glaze. They are perfect for brunch or a cozy snack and have all the warmth and comfort of a traditional fritter but in a lighter, baked form.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing for a weekend treat, or just craving a delicious snack, these apple fritter bites are easy to make and utterly addictive. The apple cider glaze adds a layer of sweetness and crunch, making them irresistible to everyone who tries them!

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

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 apples)

Apple Cider Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or juice

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a baking sheet with nonstick spray.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 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 the broiler to high.
To make the glaze, whisk together 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.
Remove from the oven and brush the remaining glaze over the tops. Let the fritter bites sit for 15 minutes to allow the glaze to set before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 12 bites

Key Ingredients

Apples: The recipe uses finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples. These apple varieties are perfect for baking because they hold their shape well and have a natural sweetness that complements the fritter batter.
Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is used in the batter to add moisture and enhance the apple flavor without making the bites too sweet.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon brings warmth and a hint of spice, perfectly balancing the sweetness from the apples and glaze.

Apple Cider Glaze: Made with apple cider and powdered sugar, the glaze adds a tart and sweet finish to the fritters.

Why Choose Baked Over Fried?

While traditional apple fritters are fried, this recipe opts for baking, which has several advantages:

Healthier: Baking reduces the amount of oil used, making the fritters lighter and lower in fat.

Less Mess: No need to deal with hot oil or deep frying, making the kitchen cleanup easier.
Even Cooking: Baking ensures an even, golden brown exterior with a soft, doughy interior.

Versatile Serving Suggestions

These apple fritter bites are perfect for a variety of occasions:

Brunch: Serve as part of a brunch spread with other pastries, fruit, and hot beverages.
Snacks: A great option for mid-morning or afternoon snacks, especially for kids.
Desserts: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.

Customization Ideas

Add Nuts: You could add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
Spices: Feel free to add other warm spices like nutmeg or allspice to enhance the flavor.
Glaze Variations: Try using maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or caramel in place of the apple cider glaze for a fun twist.

History of Apple Fritters

Apple fritters have been a beloved treat for centuries, with origins tracing back to European cuisine. Traditional fritters are pieces of fruit dipped in a sweet batter and then fried to perfection. The apple version became popular in the United States, where apples are abundant, especially in the fall. These baked versions give a modern, healthier twist to the classic fried fritter.

Detailed Ingredient Breakdown

Apples: Honeycrisp and Gala apples are favored for their crispness and balance of sweetness and tartness. You can also try Granny Smith apples if you prefer a more tart bite, or Fuji apples for extra sweetness.
Unsweetened Applesauce: This is not just for flavor but also works as a natural binder and adds moisture to the fritters. If you don’t have applesauce, you can use yogurt or mashed bananas as substitutes, though it may slightly alter the flavor.

Cinnamon: A classic pairing with apples, cinnamon adds warmth to the fritters. You can increase or decrease the amount based on your preference. Other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger can be added for an even spicier kick.
Butter: The use of melted unsalted butter gives a rich flavor to the batter. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can replace it with coconut oil or vegan butter.

Baking vs. Frying: The Pros and Cons

Though baking is a healthier alternative, some might still crave that crispiness that comes from frying. Here’s how each method compares:

Baked Apple Fritter Bites:
- Healthier: Lower in fat since no frying oil is needed.
- Less Greasy: You get a cleaner bite without any excess oil.
- Longer Shelf Life: Baked fritters can last longer at room temperature without becoming soggy.
- Perfect for Big Batches: Easier to make for larger crowds without the hassle of managing hot oil.
Fried Apple Fritters:
- Crispier Texture: Frying gives fritters that signature crunchy exterior that’s hard to replicate in baked versions.
- Rich Flavor: The oil adds richness and flavor that some people prefer.

Pro Baking Tips for Success

Cut the Apples Finely: Make sure to dice the apples into small pieces. This ensures every bite has a good distribution of apple chunks without overwhelming the batter.

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense fritters. Stir the dry ingredients just enough to combine them with the wet ingredients. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
Keep an Eye on the Broiler: When caramelizing the glaze under the broiler, keep a close watch. Broiling happens fast, and you don’t want to burn the glaze. Rotating the pan helps ensure even browning.

Apple Cider Glaze: The Star of the Show

The glaze is what takes these Apple Fritter Bites from good to great! The tartness of the apple cider balances out the sweetness of the powdered sugar, making the perfect contrast to the warm fritter.

Variations for the Glaze:

Maple Glaze: Swap out the apple cider for maple syrup for a rich, autumnal flavor.
Spiced Glaze: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a spiced version.

Citrus Twist: A bit of lemon or orange juice can add a zesty flavor if you’re not a fan of apple cider.

Additional Serving Ideas

With Breakfast: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a delightful sweet-savory breakfast combination.
As a Dessert: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Dipping Sauces: Serve with salted caramel, chocolate sauce, or even a rich, warm vanilla custard for a restaurant-quality experience.

Storage and Reheating

These Apple Fritter Bites can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. If you want to enjoy them warm again:

Oven Method: Reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Microwave Method: Heat in 10-15 second bursts in the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it or the glaze might melt too much.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

Freezing: These fritters freeze well! Allow them to cool completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Make Ahead: You can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just be sure to stir it gently before scooping onto the baking sheet.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to make these Apple Fritter Bites even healthier:

Substitute Whole Wheat Flour: Use half whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and added fiber.
Reduce Sugar: You can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the batter or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan alternative to make the recipe dairy-free.

Fun Twists on Apple Fritter Bites

Cranberry Apple Fritter Bites: Add dried cranberries or fresh cranberries to the batter for a tart, festive twist perfect for the holidays.
Pumpkin Spice Apple Fritters: Add pumpkin puree to the batter and replace the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal variation.

Pecan Crumble Topping: Sprinkle a mixture of chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon over the bites before baking for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Apple Fritter Bites are a delightful autumn snack with doughnut-like texture, filled with real apple chunks, and topped with a sweet, crackly apple cider glaze. They are typically baked, which makes them a healthier option than traditional fried fritters. The recipe is simple to follow, making it great for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a fast, delicious fall treat.