Baked Apple Fritters

When it comes to indulging your sweet tooth, baked apple fritters offer a delightful twist that’s easy on the waistline. You might find yourself curious about how these treats can be both satisfying and healthier, especially when made with ingredients like cinnamon applesauce and tart green apples. As you explore the origins and variations of this recipe, you might uncover some surprising ways to tailor it to your dietary preferences and occasions. So, what makes these fritters a standout choice for both breakfast and dessert?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious treat that won’t derail your healthy eating goals, you’ll love these baked apple fritters.

They’re a healthier choice, with fewer calories and less fat than fried versions, while still retaining nutrients like fiber and vitamin C from apples. Plus, they’re suitable for gluten-free and vegan diets.

The quick preparation time of about 30 minutes makes it easy to satisfy your sweet cravings, and using a cookie scoop guarantees even sizes for uniform baking. You can even adjust the sugar content to fit your needs.

With their crispy glaze and balanced flavors from mixing different apple types, these fritters offer a guilt-free indulgence that supports your health. Enjoy this heart-friendly option! Additionally, the use of whole ingredients in this recipe helps reduce additives and preservatives, making your treat even healthier.

History

While apple fritters may seem like a modern treat, their history stretches back to ancient cultures. The Romans enjoyed a deep-fried pastry called “scriblita,” which laid the groundwork for future fritters.

During the Middle Ages, these tasty snacks gained popularity across Europe, often made with flour, eggs, and milk, mixed with apples and spices. In medieval England, you’d find recipes that combined chopped apples with batter, frying them into delightful dollops.

Dutch settlers brought their version, known as “oliekoeken,” to America. At George Washington’s Mount Vernon, apple fritters were a staple, enjoyed by many, demonstrating their early American culinary traditions.

Their sweet, spiced flavors have endured, making apple fritters a cherished part of culinary traditions around the world.

Recipe

Baked Apple Fritters

Baked apple fritters are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of sweet apples and warm spices, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Unlike traditional fried fritters, this baked version offers a lighter option without sacrificing taste or texture. With the addition of cinnamon applesauce and green apple cubes, these fritters are moist and packed with flavor. The sweet glaze adds a beautiful finish, making them irresistible to anyone who tries them. Creating these fritters is simple and requires basic ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. With just a few steps, you can whip up a batch of delicious baked apple fritters that will impress your family and friends. These fritters are also egg-free, oil-free, dairy-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or cooled and glazed, these fritters are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup cinnamon applesauce
• 1/2 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup green apple cubes (preferably Granny Smith)
• 1 cup icing sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons almond milk (for glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the cinnamon applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix. The dough should be just combined.
5. Fold in the green apple cubes until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Optional: Allow the dough to rest for about 10 minutes to help it hold its shape better during baking.
7. Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-18 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and cooked through.
9. For a crispy finish, briefly broil the fritters for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to verify they don’t burn.
10. While the fritters cool, prepare the glaze by mixing the icing sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
11. Brush the cooled fritters with the glaze for added sweetness and gloss, and serve.

For best results, make certain to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to dense fritters.

Feel free to experiment with different types of apples or add nuts and raisins for added texture and flavor. Enjoy your homemade baked apple fritters with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat!

Final Thoughts

Baked apple fritters aren’t only a delicious treat but also a versatile addition to your baking repertoire. To achieve the best texture, keep your fritters small, and remember to chill the dough for a crisp exterior. Choose tart apples like Granny Smith to enhance the flavors. Additionally, using white whole wheat or all-purpose flour can help you achieve the optimal texture for your fritters.

Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough fritters. When baking, look for a golden brown color without any gooey dough inside. For extra crispiness, brush them with glaze before broiling.

Serve your fritters warm or cooled, and consider pairing them with hearty meals or fall snack boards. With these tips, you’ll create delightful fritters that everyone will enjoy year-round!

FAQ

Curious about making the perfect baked apple fritters? Start by preheating your oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

For the batter, mix all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and spices. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla, then combine with the dry ingredients. The combination of white whole wheat and all-purpose flour creates a soft yet hearty texture that enhances the fritters.

Don’t forget to peel and dice your apples, tossing them in lemon juice to prevent browning. Bake the fritters for 11-14 minutes until golden brown.

For a tasty glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then brush it on before broiling for a crispy finish.

Store leftovers in an airtight container, and reheat if needed. Enjoy your delicious fritters as a snack or breakfast treat!

Baked Apple Fritters

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Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup cinnamon applesauce
• 1/2 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup green apple cubes preferably Granny Smith
• 1 cup icing sugar for glaze
• 2 tablespoons almond milk for glaze
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for glaze

Instructions

 

• Directions:
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the cinnamon applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix. The dough should be just combined.
• Fold in the green apple cubes until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
• Optional: Allow the dough to rest for about 10 minutes to help it hold its shape better during baking.
• Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 11-18 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and cooked through.
• For a crispy finish, briefly broil the fritters for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to verify they don't burn.
• While the fritters cool, prepare the glaze by mixing the icing sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Brush the cooled fritters with the glaze for added sweetness and gloss, and serve.
• For best results, make certain to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to dense fritters.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of apples or add nuts and raisins for added texture and flavor. Enjoy your homemade baked apple fritters with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat!