Apple Fritter Bites – Indulge yourself in the world of bite treats, with these Apple Fritter Bites, where the warm flavors of autumn are captured in every bite. Made with the combination of Honeycrisp apples and cinnamon these fritter bites offer a hassle-free dessert that brings you the comforting taste of apple fritters minus the deep frying process.
The first time we made these Apple Fritter Bites in our kitchen it was a chilly evening and we were craving something sweet and comforting as a finale. With a bowl of Honeycrisp apples sitting on the counter, we decided to get creative with some baking. As the sweet aroma filled the air, my husband, who could never resist an apple dessert and my little one, their eyes gleaming with excitement eagerly lined up for that first delicious bite. The result? An instant family favorite that has become our go-to treat for evenings since.
What makes these Apple Fritter Bites truly special?
These Apple Fritter Bites are bound to please a crowd as they offer apple fritter goodness but without any added sugars, in the applesauce. Instead, they rely on the sweetness of fruit combined with an irresistible glaze. Moreover, they are ideal, for individuals who love the concept of bite-sized apple fritters but prefer a less-greasy option.
What You Need To Make This Apple Fritter Bites Recipe?
All-Purpose Flour: This pantry staple is the canvas for our fritter bites, offering a structure that’s sturdy yet tender, ready to cradle the bursts of apple and spice.
Baking Powder: Our little leavening friend here ensures each bite puffs up like a pillow, light and airy.
Kosher Salt: A pinch of this crystalline essence sharpens the edges of our sweet symphony, highlighting the apple and cinnamon notes.
Cinnamon: More than just a spice, cinnamon weaves a warm, aromatic quilt throughout the bites, infusing each with the essence of autumn.
Unsalted Butter: The unsalted variety allows us to control the saltiness, while its creamy richness marries the flavors in each fritter.
Granulated Sugar: It sweetens the deal, balancing the tartness of the applesauce and cider with just the right touch of sweetness.
Egg: Our binding agent, gives the fritter structure and richness, so every nibble is satisfying.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla is like the final note in a lullaby, soothing and enhancing the apple-filled melody.
No-Sugar-Added Applesauce: Here lies the secret to moistness, without added sweetness, allowing the natural sugars to sing.
Honeycrisp Apples: The star of the show, these apples are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, their firmness lending a delightful crunch amidst the soft fritter.
Powdered Sugar: This fine dust creates a sweet glaze that sets to a melt-in-your-mouth consistency, a snowcap atop our fritter mountain.
Apple Cider: This is not just liquid, but the essence of a crisp autumn orchard, reducing the powdered sugar to a shiny, apple-infused lacquer that crowns each bite.
Steps To Make Apple Fritter Bites:
Step 1: Let’s begin our fritter journey by waking up your oven to a cozy 400 F (200 C) and preparing a baking sheet with a little spritz of nonstick love.
Step 2: Take a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon – let those fragrances mingle like old friends. In another bowl, let the melted butter twirl with the sugar, and then whisk in the egg until it’s all happily blended. Stir in the whispers of vanilla and applesauce, and finally, introduce the flour mixture. Fold in the diced apples like you’re tucking them into a snug blanket.
Step 3: Scoop generous tablespoons of batter onto your baking sheet, giving each little mound its space to spread and puff. Slide them into the oven for a 10-minute bake, then let them bask under the broiler for a few, watching them don that perfect caramel glow – but keep your eyes peeled, no one likes a burn!
Step 4: Now, for the glaze – it’s simple. Whisk the powdered sugar with the apple cider until it’s as smooth as a glassy lake. Brush this sweet concoction over each fritter, let it cascade down the sides, and then pop them back into the oven for that final kiss of heat.
Step 5: Once they’re golden and gleaming, let them cool until the glaze sets into a sweet, crackly shell. And there you have it, a batch of Apple Fritter Bites that are small in size but huge in heart.
Tip:
To create an Apple Fritter Bite let’s try a little apple magic. The trick? Sauté your chopped Honeycrisp apples, in a bit of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon, before adding them to the batter. This process caramelizes the sugars. Enhances their taste infusing your bites with a richer and more captivating apple essence. By taking this step you unlock a combination of flavors that transforms your fritter bites into not just ordinary baked treats but delightful tender morsels reminiscent of heavenly apple pie perfectly capturing the essence of fall in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Sure! You can definitely try using a type of apple for this recipe if you prefer. While the recipe suggests Honeycrisp apples, for their taste and firm texture feel free to use your kind. Just make sure it has a balance of sweetness and tartness.
How can I tell when the fritters are done under the broiler?
To determine if the fritters are done under the broiler keep an eye on them. You want to see a golden brown color on top. Remember to rotate the pan every minute for caramelization and to avoid any burning.
Can I make these Apple Fritter Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! Although these Apple Fritter Bites are best enjoyed fresh you can prepare them ahead of time by baking them a day in advance. Just make sure to add the glaze before serving to maintain their moistness and delightful flavor.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Apple Fritter Bites
Ingredients
For the Apple Fritter Bites:
- Nonstick cooking spray for greasing
- 1 ½ c all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ c unsalted butter melted
- ¼ c granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ c no-sugar-added applesauce
- 1 ½ c peeled and finely diced Honeycrisp apples about 2 medium apples
For the Glaze:
- 2 c powdered sugar
- ⅓ c plus 2 tablespoon apple cider or apple juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly coat a baking sheet, with nonstick cooking spray.
- For the dry ingredients mix together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a medium-sized bowl using a whisk.
- In a bowl whisk together melted butter (¼ cup) and granulated sugar (¼ cup) for the wet ingredients.
- Add an egg to the mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Mix in vanilla extract (½ teaspoon). Applesauce (½ cup).
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until they are just combined.
- Stir in diced Honeycrisp apples (1 ½ cups).
- Drop tablespoonfuls of batter onto the baking sheet spacing them an inch apart.
- Bake for 10 minutes until they are set and have a golden color.
- While the fritters are baking, whisk together sugar (2 cups), with apple cider or juice (⅓ cup plus 2 tablespoons) to create a glaze that can be poured easily.
- Once baked remove the fritters from the oven. Switch it to broil mode. Apply the glaze to each fritter. Then put them back in the oven.
- Broil, for 2 to 4 minutes being attentive until the glaze starts to bubble and caramelize a bit. If needed rotate the baking sheet for even broiling.
- Take out the fritters. Give them one coat of glaze.
- Allow them to sit for 15 minutes until the glaze sets and becomes slightly firm.
- Now it's time to savor your Apple Fritter Bites! They are all ready to be served and enjoyed!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!