Life-Changing Apple Fritter Bites 🍎

I’m so excited to share the ultimate fall treat with you today—Apple Fritter Bites! Imagine doughnut-like fritters that are light, fluffy, and bursting with real apple flavor, all topped with a heavenly apple cider glaze. And guess what? They’re baked, not fried, so you can indulge guilt-free (and maybe go back for seconds or thirds)!

I first discovered these delightful bites of joy through my friend Courtney’s cookbook, Brilliant Bites, and let me tell you, the moment I saw the recipe title, I knew I had to make them. One bite, and I was hooked!

These fritters deliver everything you love about classic apple fritters—moist, tender dough loaded with apple chunks and a glaze that’s sweet, tart, and irresistibly crackly. Bonus: they’re so easy to make!

Why You’ll Love These Apple Fritter Bites

🍏 Easy to Make: No frying, no hot oil—just mix, bake, and glaze.
🍏 One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal prep and clean-up.
🍏 Perfect Apple Flavor: Fresh apple chunks and applesauce keep these bites moist and flavorful.
🍏 Apple Cider Glaze Heaven: Crisp, tart, and perfectly crackly.
🍏 Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, these are perfect for brunch, snacks, or dessert.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Fritter Bites

• Dice your apples finely to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter—lumps are okay!
• For the glaze, keep it thin so it drips down beautifully; add more cider if needed.
• Rotate the pan under the broiler for even caramelization.
• Let the glaze set for 15 minutes for that signature crackly finish.

Your Fall Favorite Awaits!

Whether it’s for a cozy weekend morning, a fall-themed brunch, or just a treat to celebrate the season, these Apple Fritter Bites are guaranteed to hit the spot. Sweet, tender, and oh-so-satisfying, they’ll quickly become a staple in your fall baking lineup. Just try not to eat the whole batch—I dare you! 🍁✨

Life-Changing Apple Fritter Bites 🍎

Recipe by snackonmeat

Servings

18

BITES

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Get ready to fall in love with these irresistible Apple Fritter Bites! Packed with tender apples, warm cinnamon, and topped with a caramelized apple cider glaze, they’re little bites of doughy, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Best of all, they’re baked, not fried, making them a feel-good treat you can enjoy anytime.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 30 bites

Ingredients

• Fritter Bites

• Nonstick cooking spray

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 1/2 cups finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples (about 2 medium)

• Apple Cider Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or apple juice

Directions

• Prepare the Oven:
• Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
• Mix Dry Ingredients:
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
• Combine Wet Ingredients:
• In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla, and applesauce, whisking until combined.
• Combine Batter:
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
• Shape Fritter Bites:
• Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of batter and place them a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake:
• Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and turn on the broiler to high.
• Prepare the Glaze:
• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and apple cider until smooth and pourable.
• Glaze and Broil:
• Brush some glaze over the warm fritters, letting it drip down the sides. Broil for 2-4 minutes, rotating the pan frequently, until the glaze caramelizes and bubbles.
• Add Final Glaze:
• Remove from the oven and brush the remaining glaze evenly over the fritters.
• Set and Serve:
• Let the fritters sit for 15 minutes to allow the glaze to set before serving.
• Serving Suggestions
• Perfect for brunch spreads, snack trays, or dessert platters.
• Try dipping them in salted caramel, maple syrup, or chocolate sauce for a fun twist.
• Pair with coffee, warm apple cider, or a cold glass of milk for the ultimate fall treat.
• These baked Apple Fritter Bites will quickly become your go-to fall favorite! Packed with apple flavor and an addictive glaze, they’re guaranteed to disappear in no time. Let me know if you give them a try—I can’t wait to hear how much you love them! 🍎🍁