Description

Delight in these light and fluffy Baked Apple Fritters with a sweet lemon glaze, perfect for a cozy breakfast or a comforting dessert. Using crisp Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples combined with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these baked treats offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried fritters without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Fritters

2 medium firm apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1–2 teaspoons water (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Toss them lightly with a pinch of cinnamon and a sprinkle of granulated sugar to enhance their natural sweetness and flavor, then set aside.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and granulated sugar until well combined. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the large egg thoroughly, then add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until the liquid mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
Stir Everything Together: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and developing gluten. Carefully fold in the diced apples, maintaining a light batter texture for tender fritters.
Bake the Fritters: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon dollops of batter onto the sheet, spacing them evenly to allow puffing. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the fritters are golden brown and cooked through, checking with a toothpick if needed.
Make the Glaze: While the fritters bake, combine powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of water in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and thin enough to drizzle. Add more water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
Glaze and Serve: Allow the baked fritters to cool slightly on a rack, then drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the top. Serve warm to enjoy the delightful combination of tender apple bites and sweet, tangy glaze.

Notes

Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tartness.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the fritters light and tender.
The glaze can be adjusted for sweetness or thickness by changing the amount of powdered sugar or lemon juice.
For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk.
These fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a toaster oven for crispiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fritter
Calories: 150
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 2.5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: apple fritters, baked apple fritters, healthy apple fritters, apple dessert, cinnamon fritters, breakfast fritters, baked snacks