Apple Fritter Bites are downright addictive little bites of doughy, apple-studded bliss that you won’t be able to stop munching on. These golden, glazed gems are a fall bakery favorite made easy at home.
Soft, warm, and full of cozy cinnamon spice, these treats are quick to bake and even quicker to disappear. With a simple apple cider glaze, they become instantly irresistible.
What You’ll Need for These Apple Fritter Bites
- All-purpose flour – Creates the base of the batter, giving structure without making the bites too dense.
- Baking powder – Ensures the fritters puff up with a light, cake-like texture.
- Ground cinnamon – Infuses warmth and spice that enhances the natural sweetness of apples.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough while allowing the apples to shine.
- Egg – Binds everything together and contributes to the soft texture.
- Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor with a touch of warmth and depth.
- Unsweetened applesauce – Keeps the bites moist while reinforcing the apple flavor.
- Honeycrisp or Gala apples – Sweet and crisp, they hold their shape beautifully when baked.
- Apple cider – Used in the glaze to bring a punchy apple tang that ties the whole treat together.
How to Make Apple Fritter Bites in Just a Few Steps
Begin by preheating the oven and preparing your baking sheet.
Mix the dry ingredients separately from the wet, then combine the two until just mixed—this keeps the bites tender. Fold in fresh diced apples.
Drop spoonfuls of batter onto your baking sheet and bake until puffed. Then, brush with a luscious apple cider glaze and broil briefly to create a caramelized finish.
Brush with a second coat of glaze, let them set, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Twists for the Best Apple Fritter Bites
For the perfect texture, avoid overmixing your batter once the wet and dry ingredients come together. A few lumps are totally fine. The broiling step is what gives the bites that signature glossy, crackly glaze—don’t skip it, but do keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Switch up the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or swapping in pear chunks for a seasonal twist. If you want to deep-fry for a more traditional fritter feel, chill the dough first to help it hold its shape in hot oil. Either way, the flavor payoff is huge.
Storing Apple Fritter Bites: Keep the Magic Going
These fritter bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.
For longer storage, freeze them (unglazed) on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm in the oven, then brush with fresh glaze before serving. Avoid microwaving, which can make the glaze soggy and the texture rubbery.
Apple Fritter Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples approximately 2 medium
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Apple Cider Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons apple cider or apple juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt, whisking to blend evenly. In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until incorporated. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and applesauce to the mixture, stirring until smooth. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until no dry streaks remain. Carefully fold in the diced apples.
- Using a tablespoon, portion the batter and place each mound on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them several inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the tray and switch the oven to broil on high.
- While the fritters are baking, prepare the glaze by combining the powdered sugar with the apple cider or juice, whisking until the mixture is fluid and pourable. Lightly brush a portion of the glaze over the freshly baked fritter bites, allowing the glaze to drip down the sides. Broil the fritters for 2 to 4 minutes, rotating the baking sheet frequently to ensure even caramelization and bubbling of the glaze.
- Take the fritters out of the oven and apply the remaining glaze generously across the tops. Let the bites rest for 15 minutes to allow the glaze to set fully before serving.
