Imagine the smell of warm cinnamon, fresh apples, and caramelized glaze wafting through your kitchen. Apple fritter bites are bite-sized indulgences that combine the flavors of autumn with the comfort of homemade baked goods. They’re easy to make, delightfully delicious, and perfect for a snack, dessert, or even breakfast. With their crisp glaze and tender, apple-filled interior, these fritter bites are bound to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Apple Fritter Bites
Apple fritter bites offer everything you love about classic apple fritters, but in a smaller, more manageable form. They’re perfect for parties, quick snacks, or sharing with loved ones. Baking instead of frying makes them lighter and easier to prepare without compromising on flavor or texture. Plus, the apple cider glaze adds a burst of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the warm spices in every bite.
Ingredients for Apple Fritter Bites
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these irresistible bites:
For the Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 ½ cups finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples (about 2 medium)
For the Apple Cider Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons apple cider or juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Grease a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the fritters don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Set aside this mixture for later.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until fully combined.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and applesauce to the bowl. Whisk until smooth.
4. Combine and Fold in Apples
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix, as this can make the batter dense.
- Gently fold in the finely diced apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Scoop and Shape
- Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the batter and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Leave a few inches between each fritter bite to allow room for spreading.
6. Bake the Fritter Bites
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and turn on the broiler to high.
7. Make the Apple Cider Glaze
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and apple cider until the glaze is smooth, thin, and pourable.
8. Apply the First Glaze Layer
- Brush some of the apple cider glaze over the warm fritter bites, letting it drip down the sides.
- Place the fritters under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, rotating the pan frequently, until the glaze starts to caramelize and bubble.
9. Final Glaze Application
- Remove the fritters from the oven and brush the remaining glaze evenly over the tops.
- Let the fritters sit for 15 minutes to allow the glaze to set before serving.
Tips for Perfect Apple Fritter Bites
- Dice Apples Finely: This ensures even cooking and prevents large chunks from breaking apart the batter.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in dense fritter bites, so stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Watch the Broiler: The glaze can burn quickly, so keep a close eye while broiling. Rotate the pan to ensure even caramelization.
- Serve Warm: Apple fritter bites taste best when enjoyed warm with the glaze freshly set.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount (Per Fritter Bite) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 |
Total Fat | 3g |
Carbohydrates | 23g |
Protein | 1g |
Sugar | 14g |
Fiber | 1g |
FAQs About Apple Fritter Bites
1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! While Honeycrisp and Gala are ideal, you can use Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Fuji for extra sweetness.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Apple fritter bites are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for a crisp exterior.
3. Can I freeze the fritter bites?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked fritters without glaze. When ready to eat, thaw, reheat in the oven, and add the glaze.
4. Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, apple juice works well if you don’t have cider on hand, though cider adds a more robust flavor.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store glazed fritter bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to four days.
Why You Should Try Apple Fritter Bites
Apple fritter bites are a delightful combination of warm spices, fresh apples, and a sweet glaze. They’re perfect for cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a comforting treat. Baking these fritters instead of frying them makes them healthier and easier to prepare, so you can enjoy them guilt-free.
Ready to Bake? Gather your ingredients and try this easy apple fritter bites recipe today. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear once you serve them!
PrintApple Fritter Bites – A Quick Dessert Idea
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 24 fritter bites
Description
Delight your taste buds with these easy-to-make apple fritter bites! Featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced batter studded with fresh apples and topped with a caramelized apple cider glaze, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any time of the day. Enjoy the comforting flavors of autumn in every delicious bite!
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 ½ cups finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples (about 2 medium)
For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons apple cider or apple juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until fully combined.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and applesauce. Whisk until smooth.
- Combine and Add Apples:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Scoop and Bake:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each fritter bite.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and turn on the broiler to high.
- Prepare the Apple Cider Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and apple cider until smooth and pourable.
- Apply the First Glaze Layer:
- Brush some of the glaze over the warm fritter bites, letting it drip down the sides.
- Place the bites under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, rotating the pan frequently, until the glaze begins to bubble and caramelize.
- Final Glaze Application:
- Remove from the oven and brush the remaining glaze evenly over the tops.
- Allow the fritter bites to sit for 15 minutes for the glaze to set.
Notes
- Apples: Dice the apples finely to ensure even distribution and baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in dense fritter bites. Stir until just combined.
- Watch the Broiler: The glaze can burn quickly under the broiler, so keep an eye on it and rotate the pan for even caramelization.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American