Easy Baked Apple Fritter Bites Recipe (20 Mins, No Fry)

Easy Baked Apple Fritter Bites deliver fluffy, cinnamon-spiced bites packed with fresh apples and a shiny glaze. These poppable treats bake up light and tender in just 20 minutes, perfect for fall mornings or cozy snacks. Skip the frying mess for a healthier twist that tastes just as indulgent.

Why These Apple Fritter Bites Shine

Baked instead of fried, these bites cut calories while keeping all the cozy apple-cinnamon flavor. Each one bursts with diced apples for real fruit goodness, and the glaze adds a sweet, crackly finish. Families love them as a quick breakfast or after-school treat, and they come together with basic pantry staples.

• One-bowl batter means minimal cleanup.
• Ready in under 30 minutes total.
• Customizable with your favorite apples or glaze twists.
• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead ease.

Ingredients

For the Bites (makes 24-30):

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (reduce to 1/4 teaspoon if using table salt)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely diced apples (about 2 medium, Honeycrisp recommended)

For the Apple Cider Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup apple cider (or apple juice)

Equipment: Baking sheet, pastry brush, mixing bowls.​

Best Apples for Apple Fritter Bites

Fresh apples make these bites irresistible. Honeycrisp offers sweet-tangy balance with perfect baking texture. Try Granny Smith for tart contrast, Gala for extra sweetness, or McIntosh for classic flavor. Dice finely for even distribution in every bite.

Apple Variety	Flavor Profile	Best For
Honeycrisp	Sweet-tangy	All-purpose baking​
Granny Smith	Tart-crisp	Balanced sweetness
Gala	Mildly sweet	Kid-friendly treats
McIntosh	Juicy-classic	Nostalgic fritters​

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. These steps yield golden bites with caramelized glaze.

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until combined.
2. Combine wet base: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar. Add egg, vanilla, and applesauce; mix well.
3. Form batter: Stir dry mixture into wet until just combined (a few lumps are fine). Gently fold in diced apples.
4. Scoop and bake: Drop 1-tablespoon mounds onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake 10 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
5. Prep glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and apple cider until smooth and runny.
6. Glaze and broil: Brush warm bites with half the glaze, letting it drip. Broil on high 2-4 minutes, rotating pan for even browning (watch closely to avoid burning). Brush with remaining glaze; cool 15 minutes to set.​

Fried Variation for Classic Lovers

Prefer crispy edges? Heat 1-2 inches vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Drop batter by teaspoons; fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels, then glaze while warm. Safety tip: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.

Method	Prep Time	Texture
Baked	20 min	Soft, fluffy​
Fried	25 min	Crispy exterior

Glaze Variations

• Classic Apple Cider: Tart and seasonal.
• Vanilla Milk: Swap cider for 3-4 tablespoons milk plus 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
• Cinnamon Boost: Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon to any glaze.

Storage and Reheating

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 1 week. Freeze unglazed bites up to 3 months in a freezer bag; thaw, glaze, and reheat. Warm in 350°F oven 5-10 minutes or microwave 10-15 seconds for fresh-baked taste.​

Serving Ideas

Pile on snack boards with cheese and nuts. Pair with coffee for brunch, or top with ice cream for dessert. Kids enjoy them plain; adults love a caramel dip.

• Fall brunch: Alongside pancakes and bacon.
• Game day: Poppable finger food.
• Holiday gifts: Package in tins with ribbon.​

Nutrition Facts (Per Bite, Approx.)

Approximate values based on 28 bites: 80 calories, 2g fat, 14g carbs, 1g protein. Use no-sugar applesauce and less glaze for lighter options. Full calculator available in printable recipe card.​

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my batter is too thick? Add 1-2 tablespoons milk or extra applesauce for moisture.

Can I make these gluten-free? Swap with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; results stay fluffy.​

How do I know they’re done baking? Centers should spring back; break one open—no raw dough.

Why broil the glaze? It caramelizes for shiny, crackly tops like donut shop fritters.

Air fryer option? 375°F for 8-10 minutes, no broil needed.

These Apple Fritter Bites bring joy to every bite. Print the recipe, pin for later, and share your tweaks in the comments!​

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