Why You’ll Love Apple Fritter Bites Recipe
These Apple Fritter Bites bring together everything you love about classic apple fritters in a more convenient, less time-consuming form. They’re quick to bake, easy to portion, and perfect for sharing. With warm cinnamon spice, real apple chunks, and a deliciously sticky apple cider glaze, each bite is a little piece of comfort. Plus, no deep frying required!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Fritter Bites:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup applesauce
1 1/2 cups diced apples
For the Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup apple cider
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a mini muffin pan or line it with paper liners.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
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In a separate large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and applesauce. Mix until well blended.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
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Fold in the diced apples gently.
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Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
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Bake for 10 minutes, or until the tops spring back when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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While the bites are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and apple cider to make the glaze.
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Once the fritter bites are out of the oven, spoon or brush the glaze generously over the tops.
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Set the oven to broil and return the bites to the oven for 1–2 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and bubbling.
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Remove and let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 24 mini apple fritter bites.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Broil time: 2 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes
Variations
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Add nuts: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
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Spiced glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for more warm spice.
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Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
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Maple glaze: Substitute some or all of the apple cider with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
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Caramel drizzle: Instead of broiling with glaze, drizzle with warm caramel sauce after baking.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover fritter bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften.
For longer storage, freeze the unglazed bites in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Add glaze after reheating.
FAQs
What kind of apples should I use?
Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the bites a day ahead and store them without glaze. Glaze and broil them just before serving for the best texture.
Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
It’s not recommended, as apple pie filling is too soft and wet. Stick to fresh diced apples for best results.
Do I need a mini muffin pan?
A mini muffin pan works best for these bite-sized treats, but you can also use a standard muffin pan and increase the baking time slightly.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and ensure the glaze ingredients are also dairy-free.
Is broiling necessary?
Broiling helps caramelize the glaze for a crisp, crackly finish, but you can skip it if desired—the bites will still be delicious.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just double all ingredients and bake in batches if needed.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar in the batter slightly, but the glaze is essential for flavor and texture.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
They’re ready when the tops are set and spring back lightly to the touch, and a toothpick comes out clean.
Can I add raisins or dried fruit?
Yes, adding 1/4 cup of raisins or dried cranberries can add extra sweetness and texture.
Conclusion
Apple Fritter Bites are the ultimate quick and cozy treat, blending real apple chunks, cinnamon spice, and a luscious apple cider glaze into irresistible mini bites. Perfect for snacking, sharing, or serving at fall gatherings, these treats are a delightful twist on the classic fritter—no frying required. Try them once, and they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.
