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Apple Fritter Bites

These healthier baked apple fritter bites give you all the flavor of traditional fritters without the deep frying. Made with fresh apples and applesauce for maximum apple flavor, then topped with a caramelized apple glaze that takes them over the top.

Paolina baker
Updated on Monday 25 November 2024
A bowl of golden-brown, glazed doughnut holes piled up with a shiny glaze on top.
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A bowl of golden-brown, glazed doughnut holes piled up with a shiny glaze on top. Pin it
A bowl of golden-brown, glazed doughnut holes piled up with a shiny glaze on top. | Quickierecipe.com

Better Baked Apple Fritters

Y'all need to try these amazing Apple Fritter Bites. They're light fluffy and packed with all those cozy fall flavors we love. What makes them extra special? They're baked not fried so you can enjoy them without any guilt. Perfect any time of day whether it's breakfast snack time or dessert.

Why These Treats Win

These little bites are pure genius. All the yummy apple fritter taste in perfect bite sized pieces. And since they're baked you get that amazing flavor without the heavy feeling of fried dough. That apple cider glaze just takes them over the top.

Simple Ingredients Needed

  • The Base: Regular flour gives these perfect structure.
  • Rise Up: Fresh baking powder keeps them fluffy.
  • Perfect Balance: Kosher salt makes everything pop.
  • Cozy Spice: Plenty of cinnamon for that fall feeling.
  • Rich Touch: Unsalted butter makes them tender.
  • Sweet Stuff: Regular sugar in the bites powdered for glaze.
  • Binding: One egg holds everything together.
  • Extra Flavor: Vanilla makes everything better.
  • Secret Weapon: Applesauce keeps them super moist.
  • Fresh Fruit: Diced apples for that perfect bite.
  • Glaze Magic: Apple cider makes it special.
A close-up of sweet, glazed apple fritters arranged on a plate. Pin it
A close-up of sweet, glazed apple fritters arranged on a plate. | Quickierecipe.com

Making Your Fritter Bites

Get Ready
Heat that oven to 400°F spray your baking sheet.
Mix It Up
Whisk those dry ingredients together in one bowl.
Make The Batter
Melt butter mix with sugar add egg vanilla and applesauce fold in dry ingredients then those apples.
Time To Bake
Drop spoonfuls onto your pan bake for 10 minutes.
Glaze Time
Mix up that glaze brush it on broil quickly add more glaze let them cool.

Tips For Perfect Results

Check your baking powder to make sure it's fresh. Cut those apples nice and small they'll distribute better. Don't overmix your batter we want them tender. Keep an eye on them under the broiler they can brown fast.

Keep Them Fresh

These little treats stay good for 2 days on the counter or a week in the fridge. Want them warm? Pop them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes or give them a quick zap in the microwave.

Perfect Ways To Serve

These are perfect for fall parties breakfast time or just because. Serve them with coffee hot cider or cocoa for the coziest treat ever. They look so pretty on party platters too especially during apple season.

A plate of golden, crispy fried snacks drizzled with sweet syrup. Pin it
A plate of golden, crispy fried snacks drizzled with sweet syrup. | Quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why bake instead of fry?

Baking creates a healthier treat that's less messy to make. The broiled glaze still gives you that crispy, caramelized exterior.

Can I use different apple varieties?

While Honeycrisp is recommended, any firm baking apple works well. Avoid softer apples that might get mushy.

Why is the glaze so thin?

A thin glaze allows for better caramelization under the broiler and helps it soak into the fritters slightly.

How do I prevent burning under the broiler?

Watch carefully and rotate the pan every minute. The glaze can go from caramelized to burnt quickly.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes, they keep for 2 days at room temperature or a week refrigerated. Reheat briefly before serving.

Apple Fritter Bites

These baked apple fritter bites capture all the flavor of traditional fritters without frying. Topped with a caramelized apple glaze.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (30 bites)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
02 2 teaspoons baking powder.
03 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
04 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
05 1/4 cup unsalted butter.
06 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
07 1 large egg.
08 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
09 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce.
10 1 1/2 cups Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced.
11 Cooking spray.
12 2 cups powdered sugar.
13 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons apple cider or juice.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Spray baking sheet.

Step 03

Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together.

Step 04

Melt the butter, then mix it with sugar, egg, vanilla, and applesauce.

Step 05

Combine wet and dry mixtures and fold in diced apples.

Step 06

Drop 1 tablespoon mounds on prepared sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

Step 07

Mix powdered sugar and cider. Ensure the mixture is thin.

Step 08

Turn on broiler, brush fritters with glaze, broil for 2-4 minutes, rotating pan every minute, then add remaining glaze and let set for 15 minutes.

Notes

  1. Keep 2 days at room temperature or 1 week refrigerated.
  2. Watch carefully while broiling to prevent burning.
  3. Use firm apples for best texture.
  4. Can reheat in oven or microwave.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Pastry brush.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).
  • Wheat (flour).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 68
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 14g
  • Protein: 2g