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Baked Apple Fritters

Baked Apple Fritters
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Baked Apple Fritters offer a comforting and fresh autumn-inspired treat that captures tender, fruity interiors with a slightly crisp exterior. These easy-to-make, wholesome pastries bypass frying for a healthier baked alternative, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Enjoy the balanced sweetness of tart apples with warm cinnamon and an optional sweet glaze for a delightful experience any time.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

  • 2 cups tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 large egg (or flaxseed meal/applesauce for vegan substitute)
  • 1/3 cup milk (or plant-based milk for vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Glaze

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or apple cider

Optional Variations

  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or ground cloves (for spiced twist)
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for nutty crunch)
  • Additional diced pears or berries (for fruit blend)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning and keep them fresh while you prepare the batter.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined and fragrant.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg (or vegan substitute), then add the milk and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth batter.
  4. Bring it All Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing. Carefully fold in the diced apples (and optional nuts or fruit if using).
  5. Shape and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing fritters apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Add a Glaze (Optional): While fritters cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar with milk or apple cider until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters to add sweetness and shine.

Notes

  • Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain light and fluffy fritters.
  • Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  • Start checking fritters at 15 minutes in the oven to avoid overbaking.
  • Customize the glaze by adjusting sweetness or using maple syrup for a unique flavor.
  • For a vegan version, replace egg with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use plant-based milk.
  • Gluten-free flour blends can be used to accommodate gluten allergies without compromising texture.
  • Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze cooled fritters individually on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag; they keep up to 3 months.
  • Reheat frozen or refrigerated fritters in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 7–10 minutes to regain crispness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/baked-apple-fritters/