Name: Baked Apple Fritter Bites with Caramelized Apple Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing; 1 ½ cups all purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp kosher salt; 2 tsp cinnamon; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup no-sugar added applesauce; 1 ½ cups peeled and finely diced Honeycrisp apples (about 2 medium apples); 2 cups powdered sugar; ⅓ cup plus 2 TBSP apple cider or apple juice

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 28 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that brings all the warm flavors of fall right to your kitchen, you absolutely must try this Baked Apple Fritter Bites with Caramelized Apple Glaze Recipe. These bite-sized delights capture the classic apple fritter experience without the hassle of frying, infusing each morsel with tender pieces of diced Honeycrisp apples and finishing them with a luscious, glossy apple glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring as a special snack, these baked apple fritter bites deliver a perfect balance of cinnamon, apple sweetness, and a delightful crunch from that caramelized glaze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ten small, round bowls arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients. From the top left, there is a clear bowl filled with white flour, next to it on the right is a clear bowl filled with diced light yellow apple pieces. Below the flour, a white bowl contains a raw egg with a bright orange yolk. Next to it is a white bowl of white granulated sugar. To the right of the sugar, a clear bowl contains a light yellow smooth apple sauce. Below the egg, a tiny clear bowl holds white powder, to its right is a small clear bowl of dark brown vanilla extract. Next to it towards the bottom left is a small bowl with brown ground cinnamon. There is another small clear bowl with white salt below the cinnamon. On the far right bottom corner, a grey bowl holds a large amount of fine white powder sugar. A beige and white striped cloth is partially visible in the upper right corner, along with a red apple on the edges of the frame. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to making these baked apple fritter bites truly shine. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender crumb provided by the flour and baking powder, to the warm spice of cinnamon, the juicy apples, and the irresistible sweetness of the glaze.

Nonstick cooking spray: Essential for greasing your baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the fritter, providing structure and a soft texture.
2 tsp baking powder: This helps the fritters rise and become light and fluffy.
½ tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors by balancing sweetness.
2 tsp cinnamon: Adds that unmistakable warm, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
¼ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, creating a tender crumb.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering the apple flavor.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture for the perfect fritter texture.
½ tsp vanilla extract: Brings depth and enhances the overall flavor.
½ cup no-sugar-added applesauce: Keeps the fritters moist and adds apple flavor without extra sugar.
1 ½ cups peeled and finely diced Honeycrisp apples: Fresh apple pieces that give bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.
2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze): Provides sweetness and forms the base of the luscious glaze.
⅓ cup plus 2 tablespoons apple cider or apple juice (for glaze): Adds a natural apple flavor and perfect consistency for glazing.

How to Make Baked Apple Fritter Bites with Caramelized Apple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While the oven heats, generously spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial so your fritter bites can slide right off after baking and the glaze caramelizes beautifully without sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and cinnamon. This combination ensures your fritters have the perfect rise, the wonderful warmth from cinnamon, and a balanced flavor where nothing overpowers the apples.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, melt the butter and whisk it together with granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and whisk again. Follow with vanilla extract and applesauce, stirring to fully combine all these moist, flavorful ingredients that will help create a tender and moist fritter base.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Then gently fold in the finely diced Honeycrisp apples. These juicy apple pieces are what make these bites pop with fresh flavor — the star of the show.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Fritter Bites

Using a tablespoon, scoop the batter onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing the mounds a few inches apart so they have room to expand. Bake for about 10 minutes until the fritters are puffed and lightly golden. Then, remove the baking sheet from the oven and get ready for the next exciting step.

Step 6: Make the Caramelized Apple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar together with apple cider or juice until you get a thin, pourable glaze. This glaze is what takes your fritter bites from great to absolutely irresistible with a shine and a sticky-sweet caramelized finish.

Step 7: Glaze and Broil for That Perfect Touch

Brush a generous amount of the glaze all over each fritter bite, letting it drip down the sides. Pop the baking sheet back in the oven and switch on the broiler to high. Broil the fritters for 2 to 4 minutes, watching carefully and rotating the sheet each minute for even caramelization. You’ll see the glaze bubble and turn golden—this is where the magic happens! Remove from oven and brush the remaining glaze evenly over the fritters. Let them sit for about 15 minutes so the glaze hardens slightly, giving that perfect glossy finish.

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritter Bites with Caramelized Apple Glaze Recipe

A baking tray holds about fifteen irregularly shaped cookies that are golden brown on top with a slightly rough texture. Each cookie has small visible chunks of light yellow fruit or dough pieces within, giving a chunky appearance. The cookies are spaced apart on a white parchment paper lining the tray, with some shiny spots and light caramel-colored syrupy areas around them. The tray is set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving. You can also add a few tiny mint leaves or a pinch of flaky sea salt to heighten the flavor contrast and make your presentation extra charming.

Side Dishes

Serve these apple fritter bites alongside a warm cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee, chai tea, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a comforting dessert experience. A dollop of whipped cream also pairs beautifully and balances the sweet glaze with airy lightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the fritter bites on a tiered dessert stand for a stunning party centerpiece, or thread them onto decorative skewers for an easy grab-and-go treat at brunch or gatherings. Placing them in mini cupcake liners also adds a splash of color and keeps things tidy when serving guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep them fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This method keeps the fritters soft and prevents the glaze from becoming sticky.

Freezing

To freeze, place the fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be kept for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover apple fritter bites gently in a 325-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps preserve the crispy texture of the glaze without making the fritter too dry. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that caramelized crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples bring a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness with a firm texture, you can substitute with Granny Smith for more tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just make sure to dice them finely so they cook evenly.

Why are my fritter bites not caramelizing under the broiler?

Make sure your broiler is set to high and that the fritters are close enough to the heating element. Rotating the baking sheet every minute ensures even browning. Also, don’t forget to use the glaze generously, as it’s what caramelizes to create that signature crisp topping.

Is it possible to make these fritters gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just note that the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

You can adjust the glaze consistency by adding a little more powdered sugar if you want it thicker or a splash more apple cider if you prefer a thinner glaze for better coverage.

How long do these fritter bites stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these bites stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best option.

Final Thoughts

Making the Baked Apple Fritter Bites with Caramelized Apple Glaze Recipe is a joy from start to finish, and the results truly speak for themselves. This recipe captures all the nostalgia and warmth of apple fritters without the mess of frying, giving you perfectly tender bites bursting with apple flavor and topped with a caramelized glaze that’s absolutely swoon-worthy. Whether for a cozy afternoon snack, a fun brunch addition, or a sweet treat to impress guests, these fritter bites are bound to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to try them and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite!