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.
Ingredients Notes
Each ingredient in our Baked Apple Fritters recipe contributes to creating a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion:
- All-purpose and White Whole Wheat Flour: This duo makes the fritters light yet satisfyingly hearty.
- Brown Sugar and Spices: Brown sugar brings a deep, caramel sweetness which pairs beautifully with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, giving these fritters their classic autumnal flavor.
- Butter: Cold butter cut into the flour mixture helps achieve a flaky, tender texture in the fritters.
- Milk, Egg, and Vanilla Extract: These wet ingredients bind the dough while adding richness and flavor, making the fritters moist and delicious.
- Apples: Chopped apples folded into the batter not only add a sweet, tart freshness but also delightful chunks for texture.
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How To Make These Baked Apple Fritters
Crafting these Baked Apple Fritters is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with the aromas of autumn. Let’s break down the steps:
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking sheet. This ensures that everything’s ready to go once your batter is mixed.
- Mixing Dry Ingredients: Combine your flours, sugar, and spices. Cutting in the butter correctly is key; it should look like coarse crumbs, which is crucial for the texture.
- Combining Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together your milk, egg, and vanilla. This mixture will be added to your dry ingredients, along with the chopped apples, to create a dough that’s just mixed—overmixing can make the fritters tough.
- Shaping and Baking: Drop the dough onto your baking sheet and bake until the bottoms are golden. The right timing makes sure they’re perfectly cooked inside and out.
- Glazing and Broiling: Applying a thin layer of glaze before broiling helps achieve that irresistible crunchy top. Watching them closely under the broiler is essential; they can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt in a flash.
- Final Glazing: Adding a second layer of glaze while they’re still warm ensures it sets with a shiny, crisp coating.
Storage Options
To keep your Baked Apple Fritters tasting their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature if planning to eat them within 24 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 days. These fritters are best enjoyed the day they are made, as the glaze can soften over time and the texture changes.
Variations and Substitutions
Whether due to dietary restrictions or simply to mix things up, there are several ways you can adapt this Baked Apple Fritters recipe:
- Flour Choices: For a gluten-free version, replace both types of flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
- Sugar Alternatives: Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar-free substitute if watching sugar intake.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. Pumpkin spice can be a great all-in-one substitute for the individual spices listed.
- Fruit Variations: While apples are traditional, pears or even a mix of apple and cranberries can offer a delicious twist.
These tweaks allow you to keep the recipe fresh and exciting, catering to different tastes and dietary needs while maintaining the easy and enjoyable baking experience!
Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons butter cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk preferably with high fat content
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped apples
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk with a high percentage of fat for best results
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking; ensure the mat is suitable for use under a broiler.
- Dry Ingredients Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Integrate the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or two forks, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Wet Ingredients Mixture: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Forming the Fritter Dough: Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Fold in the chopped apples gently.
- Shaping the Fritters: Using a 1/4 cup measure, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. For smaller fritters, a heaping tablespoon may be used instead.
- Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 11-13 minutes, or until the bottoms of the fritters are golden brown and the centers are set. If preparing smaller fritters, begin checking for doneness at around 8 minutes.
- Broiling: After baking, remove the fritters from the oven and increase the temperature to broil.
- Preparing the Glaze: While the oven adjusts, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
- Applying the Glaze: Brush a thin layer of the glaze over each fritter, then place them under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the glaze begins to bubble.
- Final Glazing: Remove the fritters from the oven and place on a wire rack. Apply a second coating of glaze while the fritters are still warm.
- Serving: Allow the glaze to set before serving the fritters, ideally when they are still warm for best flavor and texture.
- Storage Recommendation: These fritters are optimally enjoyed on the day of baking but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours for short-term enjoyment.
