Description
Delight in these warm, baked apple fritters with a sweet vanilla glaze, combining tender apples and cinnamon-spiced batter baked to a golden perfection. This easy-to-make recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional fried fritters by baking instead, making it perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Fritters
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until you achieve a smooth and well-blended mixture.
- Form Batter: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine without overmixing to keep the fritters tender.
- Add Apples & Spices: Fold in the diced apples, brown sugar, and additional cinnamon evenly into the batter, ensuring each fritter will have bursts of sweet apple and spice.
- Portion Batter: Using a spoon, drop portions of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 1/2 inches apart to allow space for baking expansion.
- Bake Fritters: Bake the fritters in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Prepare Glaze: While the fritters bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
- Cool Fritters: Remove the baked fritters from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to slightly set before glazing.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm fritters, allowing it to set briefly before serving for a sweet finish.
Notes
- Ensure the apples are diced evenly to help fritters bake uniformly.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep fritters light and fluffy.
- The glaze can be adjusted for thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as desired.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier contrast or sweeter varieties for a milder flavor.
- You can add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves for additional warm spices.
