Apple Fritter Bites Recipe

Introduction

Apple fritter bites are a delightful snack that combines tender cake-like dough with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples. These bite-sized treats are glazed with a caramelized apple cider glaze, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.

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)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with granulated sugar until combined. Then add in the egg, vanilla extract, and applesauce, whisking until smooth.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Fold in the diced apples gently.
5. Step 5: Scoop 1 tablespoon portions of batter and drop them a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Bake for 10 minutes. Once done, remove from oven and turn the broiler to high.
7. Step 7: Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and apple cider or juice until thin and pourable.
8. Step 8: Brush some glaze over the warm fritter bites, letting it drip down the sides. Place under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, rotating the pan frequently, until the glaze caramelizes and bubbles.
9. Step 9: Remove the fritters from the oven and brush the remaining glaze evenly over the tops.
10. Step 10: Allow the fritter bites to sit for 15 minutes to let the glaze set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier flavor or sweeter varieties such as Gala for a softer sweetness.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the glaze before broiling.
• If apple cider isn’t available, substitute with apple juice or even a mild pear juice for a different twist.

Storage

Store leftover apple fritter bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep the glaze crisp, avoid refrigeration. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes to refresh before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular applesauce or does it need to be unsweetened?

Unsweetened applesauce is best to control the overall sweetness, but you can use regular applesauce if you prefer a sweeter batter—just reduce the added sugar slightly.

Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and dice the apples a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Assemble and bake just before serving to keep the fritter bites fresh and moist.

Apple Fritter Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 145 reviews

These Apple Fritter Bites are delightful, bite-sized treats bursting with sweet, tender apples and warm cinnamon spices, crowned with a glossy apple cider glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or an indulgent snack, they combine the classic flavors of apple fritters in an easy-to-bake, oven-broiled mini version.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: About 24 fritter bites 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

Main Add-ins

• 1 1/2 cups finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples (about 2 medium)

Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or juice

Additional

• Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and unsweetened applesauce, mixing until the batter is smooth and uniform.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl and stir gently just until combined, taking care not to overmix. Then fold in the diced apples carefully to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
5. Portion Batter: Using a tablespoon, scoop out small portions of batter and drop them a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow space for expansion during baking.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes until the fritter bites are puffed and lightly golden.
7. Prepare Glaze: While the fritters bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and apple cider or juice in a bowl until the mixture is thin and pourable, forming the glaze.
8. Glaze and Broil: Remove fritters from the oven and switch the oven to broil on high. Brush the warm fritter bites generously with some of the glaze, letting it drip down the sides. Broil for 2 to 4 minutes, rotating the pan frequently to ensure even caramelization, until the glaze bubbles up and becomes caramelized.
9. Final Glaze Application: Remove from the oven and brush the remaining glaze evenly over the tops of the fritters for a glossy finish.
10. Set and Serve: Let the fritters sit for about 15 minutes to allow the glaze to set completely before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best texture and sweetness balance.
• Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the fritters tender and light.
• If you prefer a thicker or thinner glaze, adjust the amount of apple cider accordingly.
• Broiling the glaze caramelizes the sugar, adding a delightful crispness and enhancing flavor – don’t skip this step.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to soften the glaze.

Keywords: apple fritter bites, baked apple fritters, cinnamon apple snacks, glazed apple treats, easy baked desserts