These Apple Fritter Bites are a delightful, bite-sized take on the classic apple fritter, with warm cinnamon flavor, chunks of fresh apple, and a sweet apple cider glaze. They’re perfect for fall gatherings, quick snacks, or even breakfast treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Bursting with Apple Flavor: Made with fresh apples, applesauce, and an apple cider glaze.
- Perfectly Portable: Great for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy fall treat at home.
- Kid-Friendly: These mini bites are fun and easy for little hands to enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Apple Fritter Bites:
- Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the muffin tin)
- 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 apples)
For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or juice
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and applesauce, mixing until smooth.
- Combine and Add Apples:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Fill and Bake:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a bite comes out clean.
- Make the Glaze:
- While the bites cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and apple cider in a bowl until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Dip and Set:
- Dip each warm apple fritter bite into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place the glazed bites on a cooling rack to let the glaze set.
- Enjoy:
- Serve these warm or at room temperature for a delicious burst of apple and cinnamon flavor in every bite!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mini muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Cooling rack
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: These bites are best enjoyed warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To extend freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Recipe Variations
- Caramel Glaze: Swap the apple cider glaze for a simple caramel drizzle for a rich, caramel apple flavor.
- Add Nuts: Fold 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a crunchy twist.
- Spiced Cider Glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for extra warmth.
Helpful Notes
- Choose Your Apples: Honeycrisp or Gala apples are great for baking, as they hold their shape and provide a sweet, juicy flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the bites light and fluffy.
- Glazing Tips: Dip the bites while they’re still slightly warm so the glaze adheres well and sets beautifully.
Tips from Bakers
- Chef Martha Stewart: “Grate a bit of fresh nutmeg into the batter for an extra layer of warmth that pairs perfectly with apples and cinnamon.”
- Chef Sally McKenney: “For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar to the apple cider glaze until you reach your desired consistency.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these without a mini muffin tin?
Yes, you can use a regular muffin tin, but increase the baking time by 5-7 minutes and fill each cup about halfway.
Q2: Can I use regular applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Yes, just reduce the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
Q3: What if I don’t have apple cider?
Apple juice can be used as a substitute for the glaze.
Q4: Can I freeze these?
Yes, freeze them without glaze in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving for best results.
Q5: Can I make the glaze thicker?
To make a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
Enjoy These Apple Fritter Bites!
With their tender, cinnamon-spiced texture and apple-packed flavor, these Apple Fritter Bites are a wonderful autumn treat that’s easy to make and share. Try them with a cup of coffee or cider for the perfect cozy snack. Enjoy the taste of fresh apple fritters in convenient, bite-sized form!
Apple Fritter Bites with Apple Cider Glaze
These Apple Fritter Bites are the ultimate autumn treat, combining diced apples, cinnamon, and a touch of applesauce for a moist, flavorful bite. Topped with a drizzle of apple cider glaze, they have the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Their small size makes them ideal for snacking, holiday parties, or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
- For the Apple Fritter Bites
- Nonstick cooking spray for greasing the muffin tin
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 1/2 cups finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples about 2 medium apples
- For the Apple Cider Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons apple cider or juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add egg, vanilla extract, and applesauce, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures and Add Apples: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a bite comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the bites cool slightly, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and apple cider until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Dip and Set: Dip each warm apple fritter bite into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place on a cooling rack to let the glaze set.
Notes
- Choose Your Apples: Honeycrisp or Gala apples are great for baking, as they hold their shape and provide a sweet, juicy flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the bites light and fluffy.
- Glazing Tips: Dip the bites while they’re still slightly warm so the glaze adheres well and sets beautifully.