Cinnamon Glazed Apple Fritter

These bite-sized cinnamon glazed apple fritters transform fresh apples and pantry staples into bakery-worthy treats without the hassle of deep frying. Perfect for fall gatherings or weekend breakfasts, they deliver all the flavors of traditional apple fritters in a convenient, portion-controlled form.

I first created these mini fritters when looking for a way to use the abundance of apples from our annual orchard trip. What started as an experiment has become our Sunday morning tradition during apple season, with my children eagerly helping to dip each bite into the glossy glaze.

• All purpose flour forms the foundation of our fritters creating the perfect tender crumb
• Baking powder provides the lift making these bites light and fluffy
• Kosher salt balances the sweetness always use it in baking for better flavor
• Ground cinnamon adds warmth and classic apple fritter flavor look for Vietnamese cinnamon for extra punch
• Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture use high quality for best results
• Granulated sugar provides just enough sweetness without overwhelming the apple flavor
• Large egg binds everything together
• Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors use pure not imitation
• Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and intensifies the apple flavor
• Honeycrisp or Gala apples provide texture and fresh apple flavor choose firm apples with good sweetness
• Powdered sugar creates a smooth glaze sift if lumpy
• Apple cider or juice concentrates the apple flavor in the glaze use cider for more depth

How To Make Cinnamon Glazed Apple Fritters

Prepare the oven

Preheat your oven to 175°C and prepare a mini muffin tin by coating it lightly with nonstick spray. Ensure even coverage to prevent sticking without making the exterior greasy.

Mix dry ingredients

Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl with a whisk. This step distributes the leavening and spice evenly, ensuring consistent flavor and rise throughout your fritters.

Create wet mixture

Whisk melted butter and sugar together until smooth and slightly lightened in color, about 30 seconds. Add egg, vanilla, and applesauce, whisking until the mixture appears uniform with a silky consistency.

Combine mixtures

Pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients and stir with a spatula using gentle folding motions. Stop when flour streaks nearly disappear to avoid developing too much gluten which would make tough fritters.

Add apples

Fold diced apples into the batter with a few careful strokes. The apple pieces should be evenly distributed throughout but avoid overmixing which would result in dense fritters.

Fill muffin cups

Spoon batter into prepared mini muffin cups filling each about three quarters full. This allows room for rising without overflow and ensures even cooking throughout.

Bake to perfection

Place in preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges and a toothpick inserted in the center that comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Prepare glaze

While fritters bake, whisk powdered sugar and apple cider together until completely smooth. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon while still running off in a thick ribbon.

Glaze while warm

Dip each slightly cooled but still warm fritter bite into the glaze, allowing excess to drip back into bowl. The warmth helps the glaze penetrate slightly for better flavor absorption.

Allow glaze to set

Place glazed fritters on a wire rack positioned over parchment paper to catch drips. Let stand for about 10 minutes until the glaze forms a slight crust while remaining shiny.

The diced apples are truly the star of these fritters. I discovered that cutting them into tiny uniform pieces about a quarter inch in size gives the perfect apple distribution in each bite. My grandmother always said the mark of a good apple fritter is getting apple in every bite, and this method guarantees that experience.

Make Ahead Options

These apple fritter bites can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For the freshest taste, wait to glaze them until shortly before serving. You can also freeze the unglazed fritters for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature and warm in a 150°C oven for 5 minutes before glazing. The batter can also be mixed and refrigerated overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before baking.

Flavor Variations

The basic apple fritter recipe welcomes creative adaptations to suit your taste preferences. Try adding a half teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a more complex spice profile. For texture contrast, incorporate a quarter cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. During summer months, substitute peaches or pears for apples and adjust the glaze with a splash of lemon juice for brightness. My personal favorite variation uses half Granny Smith and half Honeycrisp apples for a perfect sweet tart balance that elevates the entire treat.

Serving Suggestions

These apple fritter bites shine as part of a breakfast or brunch spread alongside savory egg dishes and fresh fruit. For a dessert presentation, serve warm fritters with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also make a delightful addition to afternoon tea or coffee. To elevate the presentation for guests, stack the glazed bites on a tiered serving plate and dust with the slightest sprinkle of additional cinnamon just before bringing to the table.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of apples for these fritters?

Yes! While the recipe recommends Honeycrisp or Gala for their sweet-tart flavor and firm texture, you can substitute with Granny Smith for more tartness, or Pink Lady, Braeburn, or Fuji apples. Each variety will bring a slightly different flavor profile, but any baking apple works well.

→ How should I store these apple fritters?

Store the glazed fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. The glaze may soften slightly in storage. You can also freeze unglazed fritters for up to 3 months and add the glaze after thawing and warming.

→ Can I make these fritters ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The baked fritters can be made a day ahead and glazed just before serving for the best texture and appearance.

→ What can I substitute for apple cider in the glaze?

If you don't have apple cider, you can use apple juice as mentioned in the recipe. Other alternatives include orange juice for a citrus twist, milk with a splash of vanilla extract, or even a combination of water and maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

→ Can I make these fritters without a mini muffin tin?

While a mini muffin tin creates the perfect bite-sized shape, you can adapt this recipe for a regular muffin tin (increase baking time by 5-7 minutes) or pour the batter into a greased 8x8 baking pan to make apple fritter cake squares (bake for 25-30 minutes). You could also drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet for a more rustic shape.

→ Are these fritters fried or baked?

These are baked fritters rather than traditional fried ones. Baking provides a healthier alternative with less mess while still delivering delicious flavor. If you prefer the classic fried version, you could drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown.