Savor the delightful taste of Baked Apple Fritters, crafted with a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flours, enriched with brown sugar, spices, and chopped apples, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. These fritters offer a perfect, healthier alternative to fried desserts, ideal for cozy fall mornings.
Ever since my grandmother introduced me to the art of baking, Sundays have smelled like cinnamon and apples in our house. These Baked Apple Fritters are more than just a recipe; they’re a tribute to those cherished mornings spent with her, mixing dough and sharing stories. When she handed me her old, stained recipe card for traditional apple fritters, I knew I had to adapt it to fit my somewhat healthier lifestyle. Transforming them into a baked version was a game-changer. Now, every time that sweet, spiced aroma fills my kitchen, it feels like she’s right there with me, guiding my hands and my heart.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Fritters
The allure of these Baked Apple Fritters lies in their delightful contrast of textures and the ease with which they can be made. Unlike their fried counterparts, these fritters are baked, offering a healthier option without sacrificing taste. The combination of white whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour provides a balance of wholesomeness and soft texture, while the spices add a warmth that’s perfect for fall. Moreover, the use of a broiler for the final touch not only enhances the crunchiness of their exterior but also speeds up the caramelization process, ensuring each bite is as satisfying as it is quick and convenient to create.
To achieve that caramelized, crunchy outer texture and soft, fluffy inside, we lightly glaze the fritters when they’re almost done baking and then stick them under the broiler for a couple of minutes to finish off the bake time.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pinch salt
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
1/2 cup whole milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped Honeycrisp apple
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Whisk together all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Whisk milk, egg, and vanilla extract together in a cup. Stir into flour mixture just until combined; stir in chopped apple. Use a scoop or spoon to drop 1/4-cup mounds onto prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until a skewer inserted near the center of fritter comes out clean, 11 to 12 minutes. Remove to a wire rack.
Preheat the oven’s broiler. Whisk together confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Brush a thin layer of glaze over fritters, and place under broiler.
Broil fritters until glaze is bubbly, about 2 minutes.