These Baked Apple Fritters are a lighter, healthier twist on the classic deep-fried treat. Packed with warm cinnamon-spiced apples and baked to golden perfection, they’re soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and drizzled with a sweet glaze for that irresistible finishing touch. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these fritters satisfy your cravings without the guilt of frying. Let’s bake up this wholesome delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lighter & Healthier: Baking instead of frying cuts down on oil and calories while still delivering incredible flavor.
- Easy to Make: No special equipment needed—just mix, spoon, and bake!
- Perfect Fall Treat: Loaded with fresh apples and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s autumn in every bite.
- Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or a sprinkle of coarse sugar for extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Fritters:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute: 1/2 cup milk + 1 tsp lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with a pinch of cinnamon and sugar to prevent browning and enhance their sweetness.
2. Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick and lumpy—that’s okay!
- Gently fold in the cinnamon-coated apples (and nuts, if using) until evenly distributed.
3. Shape the Fritters
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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