Apple Fritter Bites

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Baked these apple fritter bites cause I wanted something sweet but didn't wanna mess with frying. Chopped up fresh apples really small and mixed them right in the dough. They came out like little apple donut holes! The glaze on top made them extra special. My kids helped roll them in cinnamon sugar. Made the house smell like a bakery. Great for breakfast or snacking. Way easier than regular fritters but just as yummy.```
Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 18:06:35 GMT
A plate of golden-brown doughnut holes drizzled with a shiny glaze. Pin it
A plate of golden-brown doughnut holes drizzled with a shiny glaze. | lastminrecipes.com

These Apple Fritter Bites Are Better Than Donuts

I discovered these apple fritter bites when I was craving something sweet but wanted to skip the deep fryer. These little bites of heaven are perfectly fluffy inside packed with fresh apples and topped with the most amazing caramelized glaze. They've become my favorite fall treat to share with friends and family or just enjoy with my morning coffee.

Why These Apple Fritter Bites Always Disappear Fast

I love that these apple fritter bites are baked instead of fried but still taste absolutely incredible. The apple flavor just pops and that glaze takes them over the top. Best part? They're ready in under an hour perfect for when those sweet cravings hit.

What You'll Need

  • Apples: Honeycrisp are my favorite but any firm baking apple works great.
  • Applesauce: Grab the unsweetened kind for pure apple flavor.
  • Flour: Regular all purpose flour works perfectly here.
  • Baking powder: This makes them nice and fluffy.
  • Cinnamon: Adds that warm cozy spice we all love.
  • Butter: I use unsalted so I can control the salt.
  • Sugar: Both regular and powdered for the perfect sweetness.
  • Apple cider: Makes the most amazing glaze.
A close-up plate of apple fritters drizzled with icing. Pin it
A close-up plate of apple fritters drizzled with icing. | lastminrecipes.com

Let's Make Some Magic

Mix It Up
Combine your dry ingredients in one bowl wet in another then bring them together with your diced apples don't overmix.
Time to Bake
Drop spoonfuls onto your baking sheet and let them get golden in the oven.
That Amazing Glaze
Whisk your sugar and cider together until smooth then brush it all over those warm fritters.
The Final Touch
Pop them under the broiler for that gorgeous caramelized top then add one more coat of glaze.

My Baking Secrets

Chop your apples nice and small they'll distribute better in each bite. Don't work the batter too much or they won't be as fluffy. Keep a close eye when they're under the broiler they can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Fresh baking powder makes all the difference in how well they rise.

Save Some For Later

These apple fritter bites stay good for a couple days on the counter or pop them in the fridge for about a week. Want them warm? Just heat them up in the oven for a few minutes or give them a quick zap in the microwave. They taste amazing either way.

A tray of golden brown apple fritters drizzled with a white glaze. Pin it
A tray of golden brown apple fritters drizzled with a white glaze. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why bake instead of fry these fritters?

Baking makes them healthier and easier to prepare while still achieving a delicious caramelized finish.

→ Can I use different types of apples?

While Honeycrisp is recommended, any firm baking apple will work well in this recipe.

→ How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Watch carefully during broiling and rotate the pan every minute. Remove as soon as the glaze starts to caramelize.

→ Can I make these ahead?

Yes, they keep for 2 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge. Reheat briefly before serving.

→ Why use unsweetened applesauce?

It adds moisture and apple flavor without making the fritters too sweet, since they'll be topped with glaze.

Apple Fritter Bites

Sweet apple-filled bites with a caramelized apple glaze. These baked treats are easier and healthier than traditional fried fritters.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (30 bites)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1½ cups all-purpose flour.
02 2 teaspoons baking powder.
03 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
04 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
05 1/4 cup unsalted butter.
06 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
07 1 large egg.
08 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
09 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce.
10 1½ cups Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced.
11 2 cups powdered sugar.
12 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons apple cider or juice.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 400°F and grease baking sheet.

Step 02

Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 03

Whisk melted butter and sugar in large bowl.

Step 04

Add egg, vanilla, and applesauce to butter mixture.

Step 05

Stir in flour mixture until combined.

Step 06

Fold in diced apples.

Step 07

Drop 1 tablespoon portions onto baking sheet.

Step 08

Bake 10 minutes.

Step 09

Turn on broiler.

Step 10

Mix glaze ingredients until thin.

Step 11

Brush fritters with glaze.

Step 12

Broil 2-4 minutes, rotating pan frequently.

Step 13

Add remaining glaze.

Step 14

Let set 15 minutes.

Notes

  1. Keeps 2 days at room temp.
  2. Stores 1 week in fridge.
  3. Reheat at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Makes about 30 bites.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Pastry brush.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).
  • Wheat (flour).
  • Eggs.

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