Name: Apple Fritter Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 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 flavoring; 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 tablespoons apple cider or apple juice

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 4 reviews

If you’ve ever longed for a cozy, bite-sized treat that bursts with sweet apple flavor and warm cinnamon notes, then you’re going to adore this Apple Fritter Bites Recipe. Imagine crisp, tender morsels of apple-studded dough glazed with a luscious apple cider glaze that caramelizes perfectly under your broiler. These little fritter bites bring all the charm of a classic apple fritter but in a quick, handheld form that’s perfect for sharing or indulging any time you crave a touch of autumn magic. They are absolutely irresistible and surprisingly simple to whip up in under an hour!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear white bowl shows four stages of making cookie dough on a white marbled surface. The first stage (top left) has a bowl filled with light brown dry flour mixture and a metal whisk inside. The second stage (top right) shows melted yellow butter with some brown vanilla or syrup on top. The third stage (bottom left) has the butter mixture partly mixed with light brown dough and many small, pale yellow fruit pieces being folded in with a white spatula with a wooden handle. The last stage (bottom right) displays round, chunky cookie dough balls placed on a white paper-lined baking tray, each with visible small pale fruit cubes, ready to bake. A white cloth and cinnamon sticks are nearby in some images. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Apple Fritter Bites Recipe calls for ingredients that are pantry staples but come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s lending moisture, sweetness, or that iconic cinnamon warmth.

Nonstick cooking spray: Essential for greasing the baking sheet so your fritters don’t stick and come out perfectly golden.
1 ½ cups all purpose flour: Provides the structure and fluffiness your fritters need to be light yet sturdy.
2 tsp baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the fritters puff up just right in the oven.
½ tsp kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
2 tsp cinnamon: Infuses the batter with warm spice that pairs wonderfully with apples.
¼ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the batter for a tender crumb.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Gives a touch of sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the soft texture.
½ tsp vanilla flavoring: Enhances the apple and cinnamon notes with a lovely aromatic touch.
½ cup no-sugar added applesauce: Keeps things moist while amplifying the apple flavor naturally.
1 ½ cups peeled and finely diced Honeycrisp apples: The star ingredient, adding fresh bursts of juicy apple sweetness and a bit of bite.
2 cups powdered sugar: For making the sweet, glossy glaze that transforms these bites into a decadent treat.
⅓ cup plus 2 TBSP apple cider or apple juice: Used in the glaze to tie the apple flavor through every aspect of the recipe.

How to Make Apple Fritter Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 Celsius) and lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures your fritters will bake evenly and not stick when it’s time to take them out. Getting the oven hot and ready sets you up for that beautiful golden finish your Apple Fritter Bites deserve.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and cinnamon thoroughly. This combination forms the flavorful, spiced base for your batter and ensures the fritters will rise just right while keeping a gentle warmth from the cinnamon.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, add the melted unsalted butter, then whisk in the granulated sugar followed by the large egg until everything becomes smooth and cohesive. Next, stir in the vanilla extract and the no-sugar-added applesauce to keep your fritters moist and packed with apple goodness. This wet mixture is where the magic begins before folding in the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Bring Batter Together and Fold in Apples

Now, add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make the fritters tough. The final touch is folding in the finely diced Honeycrisp apples, which give your fritters bursts of fresh, juicy texture in every bite. Trust me, those bursts of apple are what make these fritters truly unforgettable.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a tablespoon, scoop the batter into small mounds spaced a few inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10 minutes until they’ve puffed up nicely and started turning golden. Next, turn your oven’s broiler on high to prepare for the delicious caramelizing glaze step.

Step 6: Whip up the Glaze and Broil

While the fritters bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and apple cider or juice until the glaze is thin and smooth. This glaze is key for adding that glossy, sweet, apple-kissed layer on top. After the initial baking, brush some glaze over each fritter and return them to the oven under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes. Watch carefully and rotate every minute until the glaze caramelizes and bubbles golden brown without burning—it’s a delicate but oh-so-worth-it process!

Step 7: Final Glaze Application and Cooling

Once caramelized, brush the remaining glaze evenly over your fritters. Let them cool right on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes so the glaze can set and harden slightly. This final step is what gives your Apple Fritter Bites Recipe that perfectly sweet and crispy crown.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Bites Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a plate filled with round, golden-brown cookies covered with a light, shiny glaze. The cookies have a rough, bumpy texture with small bits visible inside and one cookie is placed on top with a bite taken out, showing a soft, crumbly inside that is light tan. The cookies are stacked closely together on a white plate with a thin gold rim, set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These fritter bites are fantastic on their own, but if you want to elevate their presentation, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top or garnish with a pinch of extra cinnamon. A thin drizzle of extra apple cider glaze can also add sparkle and enhance the apple flavor visually and tastewise. Fresh apple slices on the side make for a pretty and complementary garnish too.

Side Dishes

Apple Fritter Bites pair wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee or spiced chai for an indulgent breakfast or afternoon snack. They also make a delightful companion to creamy vanilla ice cream for dessert, or alongside a steaming bowl of butternut squash soup for a cozy fall meal. The warmth and sweetness of the fritters complement many comforting dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, arrange your Apple Fritter Bites Recipe on a tiered serving tray for visual impact. You can even serve them skewered on cinnamon sticks for a fun twist or alongside a small bowl of extra apple cider glaze for dipping. Wrapping individual bites in parchment makes for an adorable grab-and-go gift or treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Fritter Bites can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. Keep them in a single layer to preserve their delicate glaze and avoid any sogginess. If you want to keep them a bit longer, refrigeration is also fine but may slightly soften the texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these fritters for up to a month. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat briefly for that fresh-baked warmth.

Reheating

To revive the crispness and glow of your Apple Fritter Bites Recipe, reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps to refresh the glaze and restore that delightful caramelized texture. Avoid microwaving to keep them from turning soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this Apple Fritter Bites Recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples add a great balance of sweetness and tartness with a nice firm texture, you can also use Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples. Just be sure to finely dice them for even cooking.

Is it necessary to use no-sugar-added applesauce?

Using no-sugar-added applesauce keeps the apple flavor natural without making the fritters too sweet. You can substitute with regular applesauce if you prefer a sweeter bite, but adjust sugar accordingly.

Can I make these fritters gluten-free?

To adapt this Apple Fritter Bites Recipe for gluten-free diets, substitute the all purpose flour with an equal amount of a gluten-free baking blend. Just double check the blend contains xanthan gum or add a bit yourself to maintain the right texture.

What if I don’t have apple cider for the glaze?

If you don’t have apple cider, pure apple juice works just fine as a substitute. For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze mix.

Can these be baked in mini muffin tins instead?

Yes! Using mini muffin tins is a great way to get perfectly shaped Apple Fritter Bites. Just grease the tins well and bake about the same amount of time, checking for golden edges and puffiness.

Final Thoughts

Making this Apple Fritter Bites Recipe is like capturing the essence of fall and pure comfort in every little bite. They’re simple enough for any home cook to whip up, yet impressive and delicious enough to delight family and friends. Once you taste that perfect cinnamon-spiced apple sweetness glazed in caramelized magic, these fritter bites will become your go-to treat for cozy mornings, festive gatherings, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. Go ahead, dive in and enjoy every scrumptious morsel!