Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

These Baked Apple Fritters capture all the comforting flavors of traditional apple fritters without the need for frying. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and filled with tender apple pieces, these soft, cake-like treats bake up golden and delicious, making them a healthier choice for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Baked Apple Fritters

Ingredients:

For the Batter:

• All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend) — 1 cup
• Granulated sugar (adjust to taste) — ½ cup
• Baking powder — 1 teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon — ½ teaspoon
• Ground nutmeg — ¼ teaspoon
• Salt — a pinch
• Large egg — 1
• Milk (whole or almond) — ½ cup
• Melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free) — 2 tablespoons
• Vanilla extract — 1 teaspoon

For the Apples:

• Medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced — 2
• Lemon juice — a splash (optional, to keep apples from browning)

For Topping:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Honey or maple syrup (for drizzling)
• Cinnamon-sugar mix (optional, for extra sweetness)

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Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg lightly. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Fold Ingredients Together: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep fritters tender. Fold in the diced apples, optionally tossing them with lemon juice first to prevent browning.
5. Portion Fritters: Using a tablespoon or small scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared sheet, spacing them apart. Flatten slightly with a spoon for even baking.
6. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until fritters are golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Let fritters cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey or maple syrup. For extra sweetness and crunch, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over warm fritters.

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Helpful Tips:

• Choose Firm Apples: Apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well during baking and offer a nice tart contrast to the sweetness.
• Leave Space: Don’t crowd the fritters on the baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation and crisp edges.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar amount in the batter to suit your taste—less sweet or even savory versions work too.
• Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg, set for 5 minutes). Use plant-based milk and butter substitutes to keep it dairy-free.