Description
If you’re craving a delightful treat that’s both comforting and satisfying, look no further than these Baked Apple Fritters. With a perfect balance of tender apples and a sweet, spiced batter, these fritters are baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious apple cider glaze. Unlike traditional deep-fried fritters, this baked version is lighter but still packs all the flavor and satisfaction you desire. Ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even a sweet dessert, these fritters are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 6-ounce container vanilla yogurt
- 1 cup peeled and chopped apple (about 1 large apple)
- ½ cup peeled and shredded apple (about 1 small apple)
- 2 cups powdered sugar, divided
- ⅓ cup apple cider
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. - Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture will provide the base flavor for your fritters. - Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step ensures a tender texture in your fritters. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, vanilla extract, and vanilla yogurt. This mixture adds moisture and a hint of sweetness to your batter. - Combine Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chopped and shredded apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. - Shape and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for the fritters to expand while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool and Glaze
Allow the baked fritters to cool on a wire rack. While they are cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with the apple cider in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled fritters. - Set the Glaze
Let the glaze set until it hardens, which takes about 15 minutes. This step ensures that the glaze doesn’t run off and adds a beautiful finish to your fritters.
Notes
Serving Tips
- Warm or Room Temperature
Baked apple fritters are delightful both warm and at room temperature. For the best experience, serve them slightly warmed, as this enhances the flavors and makes the glaze slightly gooey. - Pairing Options
These fritters pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. They also complement a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. - Garnishes
Consider adding a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the fritters before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. - Presentation
Arrange the fritters on a platter or cake stand to make them look more enticing. Drizzle the glaze over them just before serving to avoid any mess or drips on the serving dish.
Storage Tips
- Cooling
Allow the fritters to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the fritters from becoming soggy. - Short-Term Storage
Store the fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer them to stay a bit crispier, you might want to leave the lid slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. - Long-Term Storage
For longer storage, place the fritters in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap each fritter individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. - Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen fritters in the oven to restore their texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the fritters on a baking sheet, and warm them for 5-10 minutes. For frozen fritters, you may need to extend the reheating time slightly. - Glaze Preservation
If you’ve stored fritters with glaze, the glaze might become less glossy over time. To refresh the glaze, you can drizzle a bit of extra glaze or warm the fritters slightly to soften the existing glaze before serving.
