Name: Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp finely grated fresh nutmeg; 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold, cubed; 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, finely chopped; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 cups (228 g) confectioners’ sugar; 1/4 cup (or more) milk; Pinch of kosher salt

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour

3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon finely grated fresh nutmeg

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cubed

2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, finely chopped

2 large eggs

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups (228 g) confectioners’ sugar

1/4 cup (or more) milk

Pinch of kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: Arrange racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.

Step 2: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until pea-sized pieces form, tossing occasionally to keep the butter coated in flour.

Step 3: Stir in the chopped apples to coat them evenly with the flour and butter mixture.

Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a lumpy, sticky dough forms.

Step 5: Using a 1/4-cup measuring cup or large cookie scoop, drop batter onto two parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing the fritters about 3 inches apart (approximately 7 fritters per sheet).

Step 6: Bake the fritters, swapping the baking sheets from top to bottom halfway through, until the tops are lightly golden and edges feel firm, about 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer fritters to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: To prepare the glaze, stir the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and pinch of salt in a medium bowl until smooth and slightly runny. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach a thin consistency suitable for dipping.

Step 8: While the fritters are still warm, dip the tops into the glaze, then return them to the wire rack. Let the glaze set and harden, about 10 minutes, before serving.

Tips & Variations

For an extra burst of flavor, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweet and tangy in your fritters.

If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the confectioners’ sugar to 1 1/2 cups and add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji, but keep in mind that sweeter apples will make the fritters sweeter. Granny Smith apples add a nice tart contrast.

Do I have to bake the fritters or can I fry them?

This recipe is designed for baking, which yields a lighter and less greasy fritter. Frying is a traditional method but requires a different batter consistency and more oil; for this recipe, baking is best.