Apple Fritters Recipe Baked: Guilt-Free Deliciousness!

Craving the comforting taste of apple fritters but dreading the deep-frying process? You’re not alone! These baked apple fritters offer all the warm, spiced apple flavor you love, without the added grease and calories. This recipe delivers tender, golden-brown fritters that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. Get ready to enjoy a healthier, equally satisfying twist on a classic favorite!

Why This Recipe Works

This baked apple fritter recipe is designed to be both delicious and easy to follow. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• No Deep-Frying: Baking eliminates the need for excessive oil, making these fritters a healthier option.
• Crispy Exterior: A light brushing of melted butter and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking ensure a beautifully crisp and caramelized exterior.
• Tender Interior: The combination of applesauce and buttermilk in the batter creates a moist and tender interior that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite spices, nuts, or dried fruits to personalize these fritters to your liking.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples, so you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, applesauce, egg, melted butter (the 2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.
5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Shape the Fritters: Lightly flour your hands. Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter for each fritter and gently shape it into a round or irregular shape. Place the fritters onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
7. Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the fritters with the remaining melted butter (the 2 tablespoons).
8. Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the tops of the fritters.
9. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and Serve: Let the fritters cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to ensure your baked apple fritters turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough fritters. Mix until just combined.
• Use Cold Butter: Using cold butter (melted) helps to create a tender and flaky texture.
• Choose the Right Apples: Use apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. Granny Smith apples will also work, but they will be slightly more tart.
• Evenly Diced Apples: Ensure the apples are diced into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
• Parchment Paper is Key: Parchment paper prevents the fritters from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the fritters and adjust the baking time as needed.
• Don’t Skip the Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Brushing with butter and sprinkling with cinnamon sugar is crucial for achieving a crispy and caramelized exterior.
• Add Nuts or Raisins: For extra flavor and texture, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the batter.
• Make a Glaze: Drizzle the cooled fritters with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.

Storage Instructions

These baked apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them for a few seconds, but they may become slightly softer.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of flour?

A: While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can substitute with whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly denser and nuttier fritter. Avoid using regular whole wheat flour, as it can make the fritters too heavy.

Q: Can I use a different type of milk?

A: Buttermilk is ideal for its tangy flavor and ability to create a tender crumb. However, you can substitute with regular milk or almond milk. If using regular milk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.

Q: Can I make these fritters ahead of time?

A: These fritters are best enjoyed fresh. While you can store them for a day or two, they will lose some of their crispness. If you want to prepare ahead, you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking.

Q: Can I freeze these fritters?

A: Yes, you can freeze baked apple fritters. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating.

Q: What can I serve with apple fritters?

A: These fritters are delicious on their own or served with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. They also pair well with a cup of coffee or tea.

Conclusion

These baked apple fritters are a delightful and healthier way to enjoy a classic treat. With their crispy exterior, tender interior, and warm spiced apple flavor, they’re sure to become a new favorite. So, ditch the deep fryer and whip up a batch of these guilt-free goodies today! You won’t be disappointed.