Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp kosher salt

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 1/2 cups finely diced apples (Honeycrisp or Gala)

For the glaze: 2 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or apple juice

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and grease a nonstick baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and applesauce, then whisk together until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently fold in the finely diced apples to avoid breaking them up.

Step 5: Using a tablespoon or small scoop, portion the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.

Step 6: Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the fritter bites turn golden brown. Then, switch on the broiler and broil for an additional 2-4 minutes to caramelize the tops, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 7: While the bites bake, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with apple cider or juice until smooth. Once the fritter bites are warm, brush the glaze over the tops before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith if you prefer a tangier bite or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for a milder flavor.

For extra texture, add a handful of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the batter.

If you don’t have apple cider, substitute with apple juice or a mixture of juice and a splash of lemon for brightness.

To make these gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.

Brush the fritters with melted butter before glazing for an even richer taste.

Storage

Store leftover apple fritter bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or microwave to soften before serving. The glaze may need to be reapplied after reheating for best flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh apples to avoid excess moisture, which can make the batter too wet. If using frozen apples, thaw and drain them well, then pat dry before adding to the batter.

Can these be made vegan?

You can make this recipe vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative, using a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and ensuring the glaze is made with a liquid like apple juice without honey.