Baked Apple Fritter Bites offer all the warm, spiced comfort of classic apple fritters in a delightfully poppable, baked form that’s perfect for sharing. These tender, cake-like morsels are bursting with fresh apple flavor, thanks to a double dose of both unsweetened applesauce and finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples. The batter comes together quickly and bakes into golden puffs that are then transformed by a unique two-step glazing process: first, a thin apple cider glaze is brushed on and broiled until bubbly and caramelized, creating a crisp, shiny shell; then, a second layer of glaze is added for an extra burst of sweetness. This clever technique mimics the sugary crackle of a fried fritter while keeping these treats wonderfully light and approachable. They’re an irresistible addition to any brunch table or cozy breakfast, filling your kitchen with the inviting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples.
What makes these fritter bites truly special is their perfect balance of texture and flavor. The interior remains incredibly moist and fluffy from the applesauce, while each bite delivers little bursts of soft, warm apple. The broiling step is the secret to achieving that professional-looking, glossy finish with a subtle caramelized depth you wouldn’t expect from a baked good. Allowing them to rest after the final glaze application lets the sweetness settle into a perfectly set coating that’s neither too hard nor too sticky. These fritters are best enjoyed the day they’re made, ideally still slightly warm, when the contrast between the crisp, sugary exterior and the soft, spiced interior is at its most delightful. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that proves you don’t need a deep fryer to create an unforgettable apple fritter experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Baked Not Fried: Enjoy all the flavor of traditional fritters with a lighter texture and less mess
• Double Apple Goodness: Packed with both applesauce and fresh diced apples for maximum flavor
• Caramelized Glaze: The broiling technique creates a professional, crackly topping that mimics fried fritters
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup
Ingredients:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 ½ cups Honeycrisp or Gala apples, finely diced (about 2 medium apples)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons apple cider or apple juice
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large baking sheet with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
• In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until combined. Add egg, vanilla, and applesauce, whisking until smooth.
Step 4: Create Batter
• Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold in diced apples.
Step 5: Form and Bake
• Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of batter onto prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
Step 6: Prepare Glaze
• While fritters bake, whisk powdered sugar and apple cider until smooth and pourable.
Step 7: First Glaze and Broil
• Remove fritters from oven and turn broiler to high.
• Brush warm fritters with half the glaze. Broil for 2-4 minutes, rotating pan frequently, until glaze bubbles and caramelizes.
Step 8: Final Glaze and Rest
• Remove from oven and immediately brush with remaining glaze.
• Let fritters rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow glaze to set.
Tips:
• Watch Closely Under Broiler: The glaze can burn quickly – stay nearby and rotate pan frequently
• Use Fresh, Crisp Apples: Firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala hold their shape best during baking
• Don’t Overmix: Stir batter until just combined for tender fritters
• Serve Warm: Enjoy within a few hours of baking for best texture
Storage Options:
• Room Temperature: Store in single layer in airtight container for up to 2 days
• Reheating: Refresh in toaster oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to crisp glaze
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed baked fritters, then glaze and broil when ready to serve
Baked Apple Fritter Bites deliver all the cozy satisfaction of traditional fritters in a fun, shareable format that’s perfect for breakfast treats, brunch gatherings, or afternoon snacks. The clever broiled glaze creates a professional-looking finish that will have everyone asking for your secret!
