Description

Delight in these warm, homemade baked apple fritters, combining tender chunks of apple with a fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Lightly sweetened, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, these fritters offer a healthier twist on the classic fried treat without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Ingredients

Scale

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 cut into pieces
1/2 Cup milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Cup chopped apple

For the Glaze:

1 Cup confectioner’s sugar
2 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until well combined.
Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs; this helps create a tender texture in the fritters.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the flour and butter mixture and stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make fritters dense.
Add Apples: Gently fold the chopped apple pieces into the batter, distributing them evenly.
Form Fritters: Using a 1/4 cup measure, drop scoops of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow for slight spreading while baking.
Bake Fritters: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 11-13 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and the centers are set.
Prepare Broiler and Glaze: Remove the fritters from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Turn on the oven broiler. In a small bowl, whisk together confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to create the glaze.
Broil with Glaze: Using a pastry brush, apply a thin layer of glaze over the tops of the fritters. Place them under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until the glaze turns golden and slightly caramelized.
Final Glaze and Serve: Remove from the oven and brush the remaining glaze over the warm fritters. Allow the glaze to harden slightly before serving for the perfect sweet finish.

Notes

Ensure butter is very cold for the best crumbly texture in the batter.
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
Watch the fritters closely during broiling to prevent burning of the glaze.
These fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked apple fritters, apple dessert, healthy apple fritters, cinnamon spiced fritters, homemade fritters, baked donuts