These baked apple fritters are a delightful treat that combines tender, cinnamon-kissed apples with a lightly spiced batter. The result is a satisfyingly crispy exterior and moist interior that bursts with warmth and flavor, making them an irresistible dessert or snack for any occasion.

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I have found that baked apple fritters are one of my fav recipes for a quick breakfast or even as a light dessert treat. I start this recipe using 2 medium apples, peeled and diced, which not only add a burst of natural sweetness but also contribute a good amount of fiber and vitamin C.

I then mix in 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 tsp baking powder to give the fritters a fluffy texture, along with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon to balance the flavors. I add a large egg, lightly beaten, 1/2 cup milk and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter to create a smooth batter that bakes evenly.

The natural nutrients from the apples and the protein from the egg make this treat pretty balanced. After about 30 minutes in the oven you get a warm, crispy outside and soft inside treat thats perfect as a light, easy breakfast pastry.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it totally turns simple ingredients into something magical and comforting. I dig that it doesn’t take forever to make and I’ve got time to mess around with it on busy days. I like how the apple pieces mix with the cinnamon and sugar to give you that warm, homey flavor that just makes you feel good. Plus, I really appreciate that baking means I don’t feel so guilty compared to frying stuff up. Lastly, it’s cool that the recipe is easy to tweak if I wanna add my own spin, like an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.

Ingredients

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Apples: They give natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamins which help make the fritters tasty and a bit healthy.
All-purpose Flour: A main carbohydrate source that creates structure and body in every bite.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the fritters rise and reach a light, fluffy texture.
Egg: Provides protein and acts as a binder so ingredients mix properly together.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness, making the batter smooth and soft.
Cinnamon: Offers a warm spice that enhances the overall flavor and aroma of the dish.

Ingredient Quantities

2 medium apples, peeled and diced

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/2 cup milk

2 tbsp melted unsalted butter

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a big bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and cinnamon.

3. Add the diced apples to the flour mixture and stir them in so they get coated with the dry ingredients.

4. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg then mix in the milk and melted butter.

5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined – don’t over mix it.

6. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the lined baking sheet, giving each fritter room to expand.

7. Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes or until the fritters turn light golden on top.

8. Let the fritters cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them over.

9. If desired, dust your warm apple fritters with a little powdered sugar and serve while they’re fresh.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Additional bowl for wet ingredients
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Knife for dicing apples
8. Cutting board
9. Spoon or spatula for stirring and dropping batter
10. Cooling rack or plate for transferring fritters after baking

FAQ

Q: Can I use any type of apple for these fritters?

A: Yeah, you can use different kinds of apples but it's best to use ones that hold up well when baked, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Q: Do I have to peel the apples?

A: Not really, but peeling helps give the fritters a smoother texture. If you like a bit of crunch from the peel then go for it!

Q: Can I substitute the milk if I dont have any?

A: Sure, you can swap regular milk with almond or soy milk, just keep in mind the texture might change a little.

Q: How do I know when the fritters are done?

A: They should turn a light golden brown and feel firm on the edges. Keep an eye on them cuz ovens can vary.

Q: Is it okay to make these fritters ahead of time?

A: Yeah, you can bake them ahead and just pop them in the oven to reheat if needed, but they are best fresh and warm.

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have the right apples, you could use diced pears instead or even a mix of apples and pears. They work pretty good though the texture might be a bit different.
If you’re out of all-purpose flour, you can try whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or a gluten-free flour blend but you might need to adjust the liquid a tad.
If granulated sugar isn’t on hand, honey or coconut sugar can be used as a substitute. Just keep in mind that you may need to tweak the quantity a bit.
If you need to swap out milk, almond milk or soy milk are good alternatives that work well without messing up the recipe too much.
For melted unsalted butter, try using coconut oil or margarine if that’s what you have. They add a slightly different flavor but get the job done.

Pro Tips

• Make sure you dont overmix the batter – stir it just until everything is combined so your fritters dont come out tough later on.
• When you toss the diced apples in the dry mix, check that they are all evenly coated; this little trick helps keep them from sinking to the bottom while baking.
• Give each spoonful enough space on the baking sheet because they will spread out and you dont want them merging together.
• If you’re into mixing flavors, try using a different apple variety or even a blend; just remember that firmer apples work best so they keep their shape in the oven.