Baked apple fritters offer a healthier alternative to their traditionally fried counterparts. These treats are packed with the flavors of fresh apples, cinnamon, and vanilla, making them a perfect snack or dessert, especially during apple season. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 2 cups finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they are light and fluffy. Add the unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir just until the ingredients are combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Add Apples:
- Fold in the finely chopped apples, ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a fritter comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the fritters from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, dust the fritters with powdered sugar before serving for added sweetness and a traditional touch.
Tips:
- Apple Variety: Choose apple varieties that hold up well when baked, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for the best texture and flavor.
- Texture Tip: For more texture in the fritters, you can add a handful of chopped nuts or raisins to the batter.
- Serving Suggestion: These apple fritters are delicious on their own or served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Conclusion:
Baked apple fritters are a delightful treat that brings the essence of autumn into your kitchen. They’re easy to make, filled with nutritious ingredients, and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt of deep-frying. Enjoy these warm, spiced fritters any time for a cozy, comforting snack.