Apple Fritter Bites
You guys, I have such an amazing fall treat to share with you today – these Apple Fritter Bites are legitimately life-changing. We’re talking light-as-air, doughnut-like fritters that are loaded with real apple flavor and topped with the most heavenly apple cider glaze. They’re baked instead of fried too, so you can feel a little bit better about going back for seconds…or thirds!
I first tried these little bites of heaven when my friend Courtney, the genius behind Baker Mama, shared her new cookbook Brilliant Bites with me. As soon as I read the title of this recipe, I knew I had to make them ASAP. I mean, could you dream up a more perfect fall snack?! Warm, doughy apple fritters in poppable form with a crisp cider glaze? Yes please!
Let me just say, these deliver on all the apple fritter deliciousness you could ever want. They’re supremely moist and loaded with tender chunks of fresh apple. The glaze is tart, sweet, and gives you that signature crackly crust that’s downright irresistible. And the best part? Since they’re baked, not fried, you can feel good about munching on a few…or the whole batch if you’re like me!
Why You Gotta Make These Apple Fritter Bites ASAP
They’re easier to make than you’d think – no fussing with hot oil or deep frying!
The batter comes together in just one bowl for easy prep and clean-up.
Using applesauce in the batter gives them such a delightful apple flavor and keeps them super moist.
The apple cider glaze is tart, crisp, and adds so much amazing flavor.
You get to enjoy all the warmth and nostalgia of apple fritters, but in adorable, poppable form.
These are a total crowd pleaser for kids and adults alike!
Baking Tips and Tricks
Be sure to dice your apples very finely so you get plenty of apple pieces in each and every bite.
Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients – a few lumps are fine.
For the glaze, you want it nice and thin so it can drip down the sides. Add more cider if needed.
Keep an eye on them under the broiler and rotate the pan so the glaze caramelizes evenly.
Let the glazed bites sit for 15 minutes so the glaze can set up and get that signature crackly texture.
Let’s Bake Up Some Apple Fritter Bliss!
I just know you’re going to fall head over heels for these irresistible Apple Fritter Bites. They’re the perfect way to celebrate fall flavors while satisfying your doughnut and fritter cravings!
Whip up a batch for your next brunch, tailgate, or cozy weekend morning at home. I can’t wait for you to experience these pillowy bites of apple-glazed heaven. Just try to resist eating the whole tray – I dare you!
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 1/2 cups finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples about 2 medium
Apple Cider Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or juice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until combined. Then whisk in the egg, vanilla, and applesauce until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
Scoop out 1 tbsp portions of batter and drop them a few inches apart onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and turn on broiler to high.
Make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and apple cider/juice until thin and pourable.
Brush some of the glaze over the warm fritter bites, letting it drip down the sides. Broil for 2-4 minutes, rotating the pan frequently, until the glaze starts to caramelize and bubble up.
Remove from oven and brush the remaining glaze evenly over the tops of the fritters.
Let sit for 15 minutes to allow the glaze to set before serving.
