Delicious Apple Fritter Bites

This bite-sized twist on classic apple fritters delivers all the flavor of the beloved bakery treat without the mess of deep frying. These tender, apple-studded morsels with their caramelized glaze capture the essence of fall in every bite.

I first made these for a Sunday brunch when my in-laws visited and they disappeared faster than any pastry I've ever served. The combination of tender dough warm spices and fresh apples has made these our go-to treat for fall gatherings.

• All-purpose flour: Creates the tender base for these fritters
• Baking powder: Gives the perfect rise without being too cake-like
• Ground cinnamon: Adds that classic warm spice flavor essential in apple treats
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture
• Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the apples
• Large egg: Acts as a binder for the dough
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile
• Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and intensifies the apple flavor
• Honeycrisp or Gala apples: Offer the perfect balance of sweetness and structure
• Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the glossy caramelized glaze
• Apple cider: Reinforces the apple flavor in the glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and thoroughly grease a baking sheet with nonstick spray ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.

Mix the dry ingredients:

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour baking powder salt and cinnamon until evenly distributed to ensure consistent flavor in each bite.

Create the wet mixture:

In a large bowl whisk the melted butter and sugar until fully incorporated about 30 seconds. Add the egg vanilla and applesauce whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform in texture.

Combine wet and dry ingredients:

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients using a gentle folding motion with a spatula. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks remain to avoid developing too much gluten which would make tough fritters.

Add the apples:

Gently fold in the diced apples with just a few strokes distributing them evenly throughout the batter while maintaining the tender texture of the dough.

Form the fritters:

Using a tablespoon measure scoop portions of batter and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Initial bake:

Bake for exactly 10 minutes until the fritters are just set but not yet golden. They should feel slightly firm to the touch but still tender.

Prepare the glaze:

While the fritters bake whisk together the powdered sugar and apple cider until you achieve a thin pourable consistency that will coat the back of a spoon.

First glazing:

Remove fritters from the oven and switch to the broiler setting. Working quickly brush each fritter with a light coating of glaze ensuring all sides are covered.

Caramelize the glaze:

Place the glazed fritters under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes watching constantly and rotating the pan every 30 seconds to prevent burning. The glaze should bubble and begin to caramelize creating that distinctive fritter finish.

Final glazing:

Remove from the broiler and generously brush the remaining glaze over each fritter while still hot ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor.

Set the glaze:

Allow the fritters to rest on the baking sheet for a full 15 minutes so the glaze can properly set creating that characteristic crackly exterior.

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment when the glaze hits the hot broiler and transforms into that crackly caramelized coating. It reminds me of Saturday mornings at my grandmother's house where she'd make apple treats with fruit from her backyard trees. That first bite with the contrast between the tender interior and sweet crackly exterior takes me right back to her kitchen.

Storage Tips

These apple fritter bites will keep at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The glaze will soften slightly over time but the flavor remains delicious. For longer storage refrigerate for up to 4 days and warm briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore some of the texture. These also freeze surprisingly well. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.

Apple Selection Matters

The type of apple you choose significantly impacts the final texture and flavor. Honeycrisp and Gala are recommended for their balance of sweetness and structure but Granny Smith can provide a more tart contrast to the sweet glaze. Pink Lady or Braeburn apples also work beautifully. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious which become mushy during baking. For the best texture dice the apples into very small uniform pieces about ¼ inch in size which allows them to cook through perfectly while maintaining their shape.

Serving Suggestions

Transform these fritter bites into a showstopping dessert by arranging them on a platter and serving with a side of vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream with a hint of cinnamon. For breakfast serve alongside a strong coffee or spiced apple cider. They also make an excellent addition to a brunch buffet alongside savory dishes like egg casseroles or breakfast meats to balance the menu. For a truly indulgent treat drizzle with warm caramel sauce just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can substitute Honeycrisp or Gala apples with other varieties such as Fuji or Granny Smith, depending on your taste preference. Sweet apples result in a milder flavor, while tart apples add a sharp contrast.

→ How do I store leftover apple fritter bites?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week and reheat before serving to restore their texture.

→ Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them in advance. Bake the bites and store them unglazed in an airtight container. When ready to serve, warm them slightly and glaze them fresh to maintain their texture and flavor.

→ Can I fry these instead of baking?

While this recipe is designed for baking, you can adapt it for frying. Form small balls of dough and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Drain and glaze them. Note that frying may yield a crispier texture.

→ What can I use as a glaze substitute?

If apple cider or juice is unavailable, you can use milk, heavy cream, or even water mixed with powdered sugar to create a simple glaze. Add a splash of vanilla extract for added flavor.