Introduction
When the weather turns chilly and you crave something warm and comforting, nothing beats the delightful aroma and taste of freshly baked apple fritters. These sweet treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert. The combination of crispy fried dough, tender apples, and a hint of cinnamon makes apple fritters a favorite among many. In this recipe, we will guide you through creating your own batch of warm and cozy baked apple fritters that will surely become a household favorite.
Using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, you can whip up a batch of these delicious fritters in no time. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on making these irresistible baked apple fritters.
Throughout the steps, we will highlight tips and variations to help you customize your apple fritters to your liking. Whether you prefer them more cinnamon-y, extra crispy, or filled with a gooey apple center, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive into the world of warm and cozy baked apple fritters!
Before we jump into the recipe, here’s a list of the key ingredients you will need to make these delicious apple fritters:
Ingredients
To make the baked apple fritters, you will need the following ingredients:
Dough:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 2/3 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Apple Filling:
– 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Additional ground cinnamon for dusting
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s move on to the steps to make these delectable baked apple fritters.
Steps
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect baked apple fritters:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture is slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Once the apple filling has cooled, gently fold it into the rested dough until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Fritters
Scoop about 1/4 cup of the dough and apple mixture and form it into a ball. Flatten slightly to form a disc shape. Place the shaped fritters onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each fritter.
Bake the fritters in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Coat the Fritters
While the fritters are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, melt the butter.
Once the fritters are done baking, brush them with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
For an extra touch of cinnamon flavor, dust the fritters with additional ground cinnamon before serving.
Variations
There are endless ways to customize your baked apple fritters to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Glazed Fritters:
For a sweeter finish, drizzle the baked fritters with a simple powdered sugar glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
2. Nutty Crunch:
Add a crunchy texture by incorporating chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the apple filling mixture.
3. Apple Pie Fritters:
Sprinkle the apple filling with a dash of apple pie spice for a taste reminiscent of a classic apple pie.
4. Caramel Drizzle:
Enhance the sweetness by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the baked fritters before serving.
Feel free to experiment with different spices, fruits, or toppings to create your own unique version of baked apple fritters.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your baked apple fritters turn out perfectly every time:
1. Use Cold Butter:
When preparing the dough, make sure to use cold butter to achieve a flaky texture in the fritters.
2. Don’t Overmix:
Be careful not to overmix the dough to prevent tough fritters. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
3. Adjust Sweetness:
If you prefer sweeter fritters, increase the amount of sugar in the apple filling or coating to suit your taste.
4. Serve Warm:
Baked apple fritters are best enjoyed warm. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving if needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, baked apple fritters are a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as a sweet ending to a meal, these fritters are sure to satisfy your cravings for something cozy and delicious.
By following this easy recipe and exploring different variations, you can create a personalized batch of apple fritters that cater to your taste preferences. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey to baking the perfect batch of warm and cozy apple fritters.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough for the apple fritters ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake them. Just make sure to let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking the fritters.
Q: How should I store leftover fritters?
A: To store any leftover baked apple fritters, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the fritters for longer storage and reheat them in the oven when ready to enjoy.
Q: Can I use different types of apples for the filling?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala to find the flavor profile you love most in your apple fritters.
Q: What is the best way to reheat baked apple fritters?
A: For the best results, reheat baked apple fritters in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. This will help retain their crispy exterior and soft interior.
Warm & Cozy Baked Apple Fritters
Delight in the warm and comforting flavors of freshly baked apple fritters. These sweet treats feature a crispy dough filled with tender apples and cinnamon, creating a perfect breakfast, brunch, or dessert option.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/3 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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2/3 cup milk
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2 large eggs
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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Additional ground cinnamon for dusting
Directions
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, combine milk, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a saucepan, cook diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until tender. Let it cool, then fold into the rested dough.
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Scoop dough and apple mixture, shape into balls, flatten into discs, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
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Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Melt butter in another bowl. Brush baked fritters with butter, coat with sugar mixture, and dust with additional cinnamon before serving.
