Craving a sweet and satisfying treat? These baked apple fritters offer a perfect combination of fluffy texture, warm spices, and the natural sweetness of apples. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful snack, this recipe is both simple and delicious. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these mouthwatering fritters that are sure to impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup diced apples (preferably Granny Smith)
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 12 fritters. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 20-25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 fritter) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Protein: 2g
– Carbohydrates: 27g
– Fat: 3g
– Fiber: 1g
This nutritional value is calculated for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, applesauce, and egg until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in the diced apples gently to avoid breaking them.
6. Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters to shape the fritters.
7. Place the fritters on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
10. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious baked apple fritters!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier option. Additionally, replace sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup to reduce refined sugar intake.
Serving and Pairings
Baked apple fritters are delightful on their own but can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or served alongside a warm cup of cinnamon-spiced tea for a cozy treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. These fritters are not recommended for freezing, as they may lose their texture.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to tough fritters; mix just until combined.
- Not preheating the oven may cause uneven baking.
- Using too much flour will make fritters dry; measure accurately.
- Allowing the fritters to cool too long on the baking sheet can lead to sogginess.
- Skipping the powdered sugar can result in a less appealing presentation.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
- Use a variety of apples for a mix of sweet and tart flavors.
- Experiment with adding raisins or nuts for added texture.
- Serve with caramel sauce for a decadent treat.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or mashed bananas, though adjustments in cooking time may be necessary.
How can I make these fritters gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
What type of apples are best for baking?
Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness, but you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the batter just before baking to ensure the fritters remain fluffy and light.
How do I know when the fritters are done?
The fritters should be golden brown on the outside; a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Conclusion
Baked apple fritters offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. With a simple recipe and minimal ingredients, these fritters are not only easy to prepare but also a healthier alternative to traditional fried versions. Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of this classic dish, and share them with loved ones for a truly satisfying experience.
Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup diced apples
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, applesauce, and egg until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples gently to avoid breaking them.
- Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters to shape the fritters.
- Place the fritters on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Serve warm and enjoy!