Sweet Apple Fritter

Featured in Sweet Treats Everyone Will Love.

Enjoy a healthier twist on fritters with these baked apple bites. Made with applesauce and fresh chunks of apple, then brushed with a caramelized glaze for extra flavor.

Emily Watson
Updated on Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:06:30 GMT
Glazed golden-brown doughnut holes stacked high in a bowl, glowing under the light. Pin it
Glazed golden-brown doughnut holes stacked high in a bowl, glowing under the light. | thefamilycooks.com

Tasty Baked Apple Fritters

You've gotta sample these wonderful Apple Fritter Bites. They're airy, soft and loaded with those warm fall tastes we can't get enough of. The best part? They're oven-baked instead of deep-fried so you can munch away without feeling bad. They're great for breakfast, a quick snack, or after dinner.

What Makes These So Good

These tiny morsels are absolutely brilliant. All that delicious apple fritter flavor in small, pop-in-your-mouth chunks. And because they come from the oven, you get those amazing tastes without the heaviness of oil-soaked dough. That apple cider topping really makes them special.

Basic Ingredients You'll Need

  • Foundation: All-purpose flour creates the right texture.
  • Fluffiness: Good baking powder makes them light.
  • Flavor Enhancer: Kosher salt brings out all the tastes.
  • Warm Notes: Cinnamon adds that autumn magic.
  • Softness Factor: Unsalted butter creates tenderness.
  • Sweetness: Granulated sugar for bites, confectioners' for topping.
  • Structure: An egg keeps everything together.
  • Depth: Vanilla adds richness to the mix.
  • Moisture Magic: Applesauce keeps them juicy inside.
  • Real Fruit: Chopped apples give authentic flavor.
  • Finishing Touch: Apple cider creates an amazing topping.
A close-up of sweet, glazed apple fritters arranged on a plate. Pin it
A close-up of sweet, glazed apple fritters arranged on a plate. | thefamilycooks.com

Crafting Your Apple Bites

Prep First
Warm your oven to 400°F and give your baking tray a spray.
Combine Dry Stuff
Stir all your dry items together in a bowl.
Create Your Mix
Warm the butter, blend with sugar, toss in egg, vanilla and applesauce, then gently add dry items and finally the apples.
Into The Oven
Put small mounds onto your sheet and cook for 10 minutes.
Add The Topping
Stir up your topping mixture, coat the bites, brown them quickly, add more coating and cool down.

Tricks For Success

Make sure your baking powder isn't old. Dice your apples into tiny pieces so they'll spread out nicely. Don't stir too much or they'll get tough. Watch them carefully under the heat since they can darken really fast.

Storage Ideas

These yummy bites will stay nice for 2 days out in the open or up to a week when chilled. Want to enjoy them hot? Stick them in a 350°F oven for a couple minutes or heat them briefly in the microwave.

Best Serving Suggestions

These work great at autumn gatherings, morning meals, or just as a treat. Pair them with coffee, warm apple juice, or hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort snack. They look fantastic on serving trays too, especially during fall apple harvest.

A plate of golden, crispy fried snacks drizzled with sweet syrup. Pin it
A plate of golden, crispy fried snacks drizzled with sweet syrup. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why isn’t this fried?

It’s a simpler, cleaner, and healthier approach. Broiling the glaze still brings a crispy finish.

→ Can I swap apple types?

Firm options like Honeycrisp work best. Softer types might turn too mushy when cooked.

→ Why’s the glaze so runny?

Thin glaze caramelizes better and seeps into the fritter for extra flavor.

→ How can I stop it from burning?

Stay close while broiling and rotate the pan every minute to prevent over-browning.

→ Is this okay to prep early?

Absolutely. Store for 2 days on the counter or up to a week in the fridge. Heat before serving if needed.

Apple Fritter Bites

Tender baked apple bites pack the same goodness as traditional fritters, minus the frying. They’re glazed with a caramel apple topping.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (30 bites)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
02 2 teaspoons cinnamon
03 1 large egg
04 1/4 cup granulated sugar
05 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
06 1 1/2 cups Honeycrisp apples, diced and peeled
07 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
08 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons apple cider or juice
09 2 teaspoons baking powder
10 1/4 cup unsalted butter
11 2 cups powdered sugar
12 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 Spray for cooking

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 400°F so it gets hot.

Step 02

Coat your baking sheet with cooking spray.

Step 03

Mix together cinnamon, baking powder, flour, and salt.

Step 04

Melt the butter and combine it with the sugar, applesauce, egg, and vanilla.

Step 05

Mix the wet ingredients into the dry stuff, then gently add the chopped apples.

Step 06

Scoop tablespoon-sized heaps onto the baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes.

Step 07

Stir the apple cider and powdered sugar until smooth and thin.

Step 08

Turn on the broiler, brush the baked fritters with the glaze, broil 2-4 minutes while rotating the pan every minute. Add another layer of glaze and let them sit for 15 minutes to set.

Notes

  1. Store at room temperature for 2 days or keep in the fridge for up to a week.
  2. Keep an eye on the fritters when broiling to avoid burning.
  3. Use apples that are crisp for better bite.
  4. Warm up leftovers in the microwave or oven.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Brush for glazing
  • A few mixing bowls
  • Whisk for mixing

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from the butter.
  • Has wheat due to the flour.
  • Eggs are included.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 68
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
  • Protein: 2 g