Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the fritters, providing structure. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness. Brown sugar can be used for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the fritters rise and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Gives warmth and spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- 2 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients together. If you need an egg substitute, try 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce.
- 1/2 cup whole milk – Adds moisture. You can use almond, oat, or soy milk as a dairy-free option.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet aroma.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness. Coconut oil can be used as an alternative.
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best for their tart-sweet flavor and firm texture.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – The base of the glaze, creating a sweet finish.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk – Adjusts the consistency of the glaze. Use any milk alternative if needed.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a hint of extra flavor.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, helping to create a consistent batter.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth.
4. Make the Batter
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the fritters dense instead of light and fluffy. Fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Shape and Bake
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They don’t need to be perfectly shaped—irregular edges give them that classic fritter look.
Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Make the Glaze
While the fritters cool slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
7. Glaze and Serve
Drizzle or brush the glaze over the warm fritters. Allow it to set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- How to Tell if the Fritters Are Done:
- Insert a toothpick into the center of a fritter. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, they’re ready.
- The fritters should be lightly golden on top.
- Preventing Dry Fritters:
- Avoid overmixing the batter—stir just until combined.
- Don’t overbake. Keep an eye on them around the 14-minute mark.
- Choosing the Right Apples:
- Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweet glaze.
- Honeycrisp apples offer a balance of sweetness and crispness.
- Fuji or Gala apples can be used for a naturally sweeter fritter.
- Adding a Crunchy Element:
- If you like some extra texture, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
- Glaze Alternatives:
- If you prefer a different topping, try a dusting of cinnamon sugar instead of glaze.
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can also add natural sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes