1. Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes! While Honeycrisp or Gala apples are recommended for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can also use Fuji, Pink Lady, or even Granny Smith for a tangier bite. Just make sure to dice them finely.

2. What can I substitute for applesauce?

If you don’t have applesauce, you can use mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, or even sour cream. These swaps will slightly change the flavor but still keep the fritters moist.

3. Do I have to use a broiler for the glaze to work?

Not necessarily. The broiler helps caramelize and set the glaze for that crackly finish, but you can skip this step and just brush the glaze on. Let it sit to firm up.

4. How should I store these fritter bites?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat in a low oven to revive texture.

Baked Apple Fritter Bites

Name: Baked Apple Fritter Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze); 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or juice (for glaze); Nonstick cooking spray

Description

These baked apple fritter bites are a cozy, easy-to-make fall treat made with real apple chunks, applesauce, and a tangy apple cider glaze—perfect for beginner bakers.

Ingredients

Scale

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)
2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
1/3 cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or juice (for glaze)
Nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until combined. Add the egg, vanilla, and applesauce and mix until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the diced apples.
Scoop 1 tbsp portions of batter onto the baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and switch broiler to high.
For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and apple cider until thin and pourable. Brush warm fritters with glaze.
Broil for 2–4 minutes, rotating the pan to evenly caramelize the glaze.
Remove from oven, brush with more glaze, and let sit for 15 minutes to allow the glaze to set before serving.

Notes

Dice apples finely for even distribution and quick baking.
Do not overmix the batter to keep fritters light and tender.
Watch carefully under the broiler to avoid burning the glaze.
You can substitute applesauce with mashed banana or yogurt.
Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for 2–5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fritter bite
Calories: 110
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 55mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg