Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Toss the apples: In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with the lemon juice, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the apples and toss again until evenly coated.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick.
- Fold in the apples: Gently fold the apple mixture into the dough until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Fritters
- Shape the fritters: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop mounds of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. You can shape them into rough, flat rounds with your hands or a spoon, but don’t worry about making them perfect—fritters should have a rustic appearance.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the fritters cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Glaze the Fritters
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Glaze the fritters: Once the fritters are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can dip the fritters directly into the glaze for a thicker coating or use a spoon to drizzle it on.
- Let the glaze set: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Apple variety: Use a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work well.
- Make them more decadent: Add a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the batter for extra crunch.
- Flavor variations: For a fall-inspired twist, add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter.
- Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be frozen and reheated in the oven to refresh the texture.
Conclusion
Baked Apple Fritters are a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall without the guilt of frying. These fritters are easy to make, with a tender crumb and a burst of sweet, spiced apple in every bite. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea, these fritters are sure to become a favorite treat.
Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful Baked Apple Fritters!