Description
Apple Fritter Bites are a delightful baked treat bursting with apple flavor, featuring tender bites of cinnamon-spiced dough studded with diced Honeycrisp apples. Finished with a glossy apple cider glaze that caramelizes under the broiler for a sweet, fruity crunch, these bite-sized fritters are perfect for sharing and enjoying any time of day.
Ingredients
Fritters
- Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup no-sugar-added applesauce
- 1 ½ cups peeled and finely diced Honeycrisp apples (about 2 medium apples)
Apple Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup plus 2 TBSP apple cider or apple juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and cinnamon until fully combined to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar together until smooth. Add the egg and continue whisking until incorporated, then stir in vanilla extract and applesauce for moisture and sweetness.
- Make Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the finely diced apples carefully, preserving their texture within the batter.
- Form and Bake Fritters: Using a tablespoon, scoop batter into mounds spaced a few inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes until the fritters are set and lightly golden.
- Prepare Glaze: While baking, whisk powdered sugar with apple cider (or juice) in a small bowl until a thin glaze forms.
- Glaze and Broil: Remove fritters from the oven and set the broiler to high. Brush a generous amount of glaze over each fritter allowing it to drip down the sides. Return the fritters to the oven and broil for 2-4 minutes to caramelize the glaze, rotating the pan every minute for even browning. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Final Glazing and Cooling: Brush the remaining glaze evenly over the hot fritters and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes, allowing the glaze to harden slightly before serving.
Notes
- These apple fritter bites can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds for best texture.
- Use Honeycrisp or a similarly sweet-tart apple for the best flavor and texture contrast.
- Keep a close eye when broiling, as the glaze can quickly burn.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
