Complete Recipe: Baked Apple Fritters with Caramelized Glaze
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Bite-sized baked apple fritters featuring crispy exteriors, tender interiors, and a gorgeous caramelized glaze. The recipe everyone requests year-round!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 15 minutes setting time)
Yield: About 20 fritters
Course: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Apple Fritters:
Nonstick cooking spray for greasing
1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup no-sugar added applesauce
1½ cups Honeycrisp apples, peeled and finely diced (about 2 medium apples)
For the Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup plus 2 tablespoons apple cider or apple juice
Preparation Method
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1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray baking sheet generously with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and applesauce until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add flour mixture to wet ingredients and stir just until well combined. Fold in finely diced apples.
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5. Bake the Fritters
Scoop 1 tablespoon of batter into mounds spaced a few inches apart on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes.
6. Make the Glaze
In small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and apple cider until completely smooth.
7. Glaze and Broil
Remove fritters from oven. Brush generous amount of glaze over each fritter, letting it drip down sides. Switch oven to broil on high. Broil for 2-4 minutes, rotating baking sheet every minute, until glaze caramelizes and turns golden.
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8. Finish Glazing
Brush remaining glaze evenly over broiled fritters. Let set on baking sheet until glaze hardens, about 15 minutes.
Recipe Notes and Variations
Apple preparation: Dice apples into ¼-inch pieces for best distribution
Glaze consistency: Should be thick but pourable; adjust with liquid or sugar as needed
Broiler safety: Watch constantly during broiling to prevent burning
Batch baking: If making large quantities, work in batches for best results
Flavor boost: Add lemon zest to batter for bright citrus notes
Make-ahead option: Bake and freeze unglazed; glaze when ready to serve
Storage Guidelines
Room temperature: Airtight container up to 2 days
Refrigeration: Airtight container up to 5 days
Freezing unglazed: Single layer, then bag; up to 2 months
Freezing glazed: Not recommended as glaze may become sticky
Reheating: 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave 10-15 seconds
Best enjoyed: Day of baking while glaze is crisp
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Arrange on tiered serving stand for brunch
Dust with additional powdered sugar for elegance
Serve with whipped cream and apple slices
Create apple fritter bar with various toppings
Pack in clear cellophane bags with ribbon for gifts
Serve warm with vanilla glaze drizzle
Pair with hot apple cider or coffee
Present on fall-themed platter with cinnamon sticks
Ingredient Substitutions
All-purpose flour: Whole wheat pastry flour for heartier texture
Butter: Coconut oil or vegetable oil works
Granulated sugar: Light brown sugar adds molasses notes
Applesauce: Greek yogurt or mashed banana
Apple cider: Apple juice, orange juice, or milk
Honeycrisp apples: Any firm, sweet-tart apple variety
Powdered sugar: Make your own by blending granulated sugar
Did you make these beloved apple fritters? Share your results and let others know why they’re so irresistible!
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