Craving something sweet, warm, and perfect for fall? These Apple Fritter Bites are the answer! They combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon, apples, and a sweet apple cider glaze in a bite-sized treat that’s easy to make and even easier to eat. Ideal for a quick snack or a light dessert, these fritter bites are baked instead of fried, making them a slightly healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. With a caramelized glaze that gives a delightful crunch, these little bites are a hit for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Apple Fritter Bites:
- 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 apples)
For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or apple juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside. - Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Then, whisk in the egg, vanilla extract, and unsweetened applesauce until smooth. - Add Dry to Wet:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. - Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the finely diced apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. - Scoop the Batter:
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the batter and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. - Bake the Fritter Bites:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, until they begin to turn golden brown. - Broil to Caramelize the Glaze:
Remove the bites from the oven and switch the oven to the broiler setting on high. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze. - Prepare the Apple Cider Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and apple cider (or juice) until smooth and thin enough to drizzle. - Glaze and Broil:
Brush a portion of the glaze over the warm fritter bites. Place the bites under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, rotating the baking sheet frequently. Broil until the glaze starts to bubble and caramelize, being careful not to burn. - Add More Glaze:
Remove from the oven and brush the remaining glaze over the fritter bites. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to allow the glaze to set. - Serve:
Once the glaze has hardened slightly, your Apple Fritter Bites are ready to serve. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Cooking Tips
- Use Fresh Apples: Opt for Honeycrisp or Gala apples for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Dice them finely to ensure even distribution in every bite.
- Make-Ahead: These fritter bites can be baked in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to two days. Simply reheat them in the oven before serving.
- Custom Glaze: If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of apple cider slightly or add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Nutritional Benefits
These Apple Fritter Bites are a great way to enjoy the flavors of fall without deep frying, which reduces the overall fat content. Apples are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this dessert both tasty and slightly nutritious. The use of applesauce also helps reduce the need for additional fats in the batter, making it a lighter treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bite-Sized Fun: Perfect for snacking or dessert, these little fritters are easy to grab and eat on the go.
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, you can enjoy these treats without the extra grease.
- Fall Flavors: The combination of cinnamon and apples gives a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for autumn.
- Family-Friendly: The sweetness and small size make them a hit with kids, and they’re easy to make with little ones in the kitchen.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe contains no meat or animal products aside from eggs and butter.
- Nut-Free: There are no nuts in this recipe, making it safe for those with nut allergies.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make these bites gluten-free.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of unsweetened applesauce and finely diced fresh apples ensures these bites stay moist without needing too much butter or oil. The broiling step allows the glaze to caramelize and creates a slightly crispy exterior, while the inside remains soft and tender. The apple cider glaze not only adds a sweet touch but also enhances the apple flavor throughout the fritters.
Conclusion
These Apple Fritter Bites are the perfect fall dessert or snack, offering a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors. They’re simple to make, lightened up by being baked, and perfectly glazed for an irresistible treat. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a mid-week snack, these fritters are sure to be a hit! Try them this season and bring a little warmth and sweetness into your kitchen.
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Apple Fritter Bites
- Total Time: 45mins
Description
Craving something sweet, warm, and perfect for fall? These Apple Fritter Bites are the answer! They combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon, apples, and a sweet apple cider glaze in a bite-sized treat that’s easy to make and even easier to eat. Ideal for a quick snack or a light dessert, these fritter bites are baked instead of fried, making them a slightly healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. With a caramelized glaze that gives a delightful crunch, these little bites are a hit for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Apple Fritter Bites:
- 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 apples)
For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or apple juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside. - Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Then, whisk in the egg, vanilla extract, and unsweetened applesauce until smooth. - Add Dry to Wet:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. - Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the finely diced apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. - Scoop the Batter:
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the batter and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. - Bake the Fritter Bites:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, until they begin to turn golden brown. - Broil to Caramelize the Glaze:
Remove the bites from the oven and switch the oven to the broiler setting on high. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze. - Prepare the Apple Cider Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and apple cider (or juice) until smooth and thin enough to drizzle. - Glaze and Broil:
Brush a portion of the glaze over the warm fritter bites. Place the bites under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, rotating the baking sheet frequently. Broil until the glaze starts to bubble and caramelize, being careful not to burn. - Add More Glaze:
Remove from the oven and brush the remaining glaze over the fritter bites. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to allow the glaze to set. - Serve:
Once the glaze has hardened slightly, your Apple Fritter Bites are ready to serve. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30