Apple Fritter Bites

Featured in: Desserts

If you want something like traditional fritters but a bit lighter, these baked bites answer the call. Lots of apple taste thanks to fresh apples and applesauce, then doused in thick caramel apple glaze for a big finish.

Twistytaste.com
Updated on Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:26:15 GMT
A bowl stacked with shiny, brown, glazed mini doughnuts. Pin it
A bowl stacked with shiny, brown, glazed mini doughnuts. | twistytaste.com

Irresistible Baked Apple Fritters

You’ve got to check out these super tasty Apple Fritter Bites. They’re all soft and airy with loads of fall coziness in every bite. The real kicker? They’re baked instead of being dunked in oil. So have one (or three)—they’re not heavy at all. Seriously good any time, whether you want something sweet in the morning, as a pick-me-up, or after dinner.

Why You’ll Love These

Each bite comes with that classic apple fritter flavor, just in smaller, happier chunks. Since you don’t fry ‘em, there’s no greasy feeling—just pure apple goodness. And when you add the apple cider glaze, it’s a whole new level of awesome.

What Goes In

  • Glaze Magic: Apple cider adds a perfect zing.
  • Fresh Fruit: Chopped apples bring juicy bites.
  • Secret Weapon: Applesauce keeps everything soft.
  • Extra Flavor: Vanilla is that sneaky boost.
  • Binding: One egg holds the crew together.
  • Sweet Stuff: You’ll need sugar for the batter and powdered stuff for the glaze.
  • Rich Touch: Unsalted butter gives richness.
  • Cozy Spice: A bunch of cinnamon for those autumn vibes.
  • Perfect Balance: Kosher salt sharpens the flavors.
  • Rise Up: Baking powder makes sure they puff up.
  • The Base: Regular flour keeps things together.
A close-up of sweet, glazed apple fritters arranged on a plate. Pin it
A close-up of sweet, glazed apple fritters arranged on a plate. | twistytaste.com

How To Whip Up The Bites

Glaze Time
Stir up your glaze then brush some on and broil quickly for a pretty finish—then let ‘em get cool.
Time To Bake
Scoop batter onto your sheet and bake for about 10 minutes.
Make The Batter
Melt your butter, mix it into sugar, then add egg, applesauce, and vanilla, then fold in your dry mix and chopped apples.
Mix It Up
Grab a bowl. Whisk up all your dry ingredients together.
Get Ready
Turn your oven up to 400°F and spray your sheet pan.

Little Tricks For Success

Check that your baking powder still works. Chop up those apples into tiny bits so they mix better. Don’t go wild stirring your batter—just enough. Keep watching when broiling—those can get dark super fast.

How To Store

Store these bites in a sealed container on the counter for a couple of days or in the fridge up to a week. If you want them warm again, pop ‘em in a 350°F oven for a few minutes or heat quickly in the microwave.

Fun Ways To Enjoy Them

They’re great for brunch, at a fall gathering, or just because you want something sweet. Pair them with coffee, hot cocoa, or cider for an extra cozy treat. They look adorable on any snack spread, especially when apples are in season.

A plate of golden, crispy fried snacks drizzled with sweet syrup. Pin it
A plate of golden, crispy fried snacks drizzled with sweet syrup. | twistytaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why bake instead of fry?

Baking's a healthier swap and cleanup's a breeze. After the glaze gets broiled, you still get that sweet, sticky outer layer.

→ Can I use different apple varieties?

Honeycrisp is awesome here but grab any baking apple that's crisp. If it's soft, it'll just turn mushy.

→ Why is the glaze so thin?

The thinner glaze soaks into the bites and gets nice and golden in the broiler. It helps them taste even better!

→ How do I prevent burning under the broiler?

Stick close and keep the tray moving every minute. This way, the glaze bubbles up but doesn't burn in one spot.

→ Can I make these ahead?

Totally. They'll stay good for a couple days on the counter or up to a week chilled in the fridge. Pop 'em in the oven for a minute before eating.

Apple Fritter Bites

Baked apple fritter bites land all that classic flavor, minus the oil. Finished with a gooey caramel apple glaze.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (30 fritter bites)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/3 cup and 2 tablespoons apple juice or cider.
02 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla.
03 1 1/2 cups peeled, diced Honeycrisp apples.
04 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
05 1 1/2 cups regular flour.
06 2 cups powdered sugar.
07 2 teaspoons baking powder.
08 1 large egg.
09 1/4 cup white sugar.
10 1/4 cup unsweetened butter.
11 1/2 cup plain applesauce.
12 1/2 teaspoon fine kosher salt.
13 Nonstick cooking spray.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 400°F and let it heat up.

Step 02

Coat your baking tray lightly with nonstick spray.

Step 03

Stir together the flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.

Step 04

Melt the butter, then whisk with applesauce, vanilla, sugar, and the egg.

Step 05

Blend the moist and dry mixtures gently, then fold in the diced apples.

Step 06

Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the tray and bake for 10 minutes.

Step 07

Stir powdered sugar and cider until it’s smooth and runny.

Step 08

Switch to the broiler, brush glaze over fritters, broil 2-4 minutes while turning pan every minute, then coat again and cool for 15 minutes.

Notes

  1. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for a week.
  2. Don’t walk away while broiling since burning can happen fast.
  3. Go with crisp apples to get a better texture.
  4. Warm up leftovers using a microwave or regular oven.

Tools You'll Need

  • Tray for baking.
  • A pastry or basting brush.
  • Mixing bowls of varying sizes.
  • Whisk or fork for stirring.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk (butter).
  • Contains wheat.
  • Contains eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 68
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
  • Protein: 2 g