The Perfect Mini Apple Fritters with Cider Glaze Recipe for Fall

Mini apple fritters spark joy with their crispy exterior and tender, spiced interior.

Sweet apple chunks nestled within golden-brown batter create a nostalgic comfort food experience.

These delectable treats redefine ordinary ingredients into something magical and irresistible.

Warm spices dance through each bite, promising a sensory adventure that delights the palate.

Home bakers can easily master this quick and satisfying dessert that feels like a gourmet indulgence.

Perfectly sized for snacking, these fritters offer a playful twist on classic pastry traditions.

The cider glaze adds a sophisticated finish that elevates this humble treat.

What Makes Mini Apple Fritters with Cider Glaze a Treat

• Bake and Glaze with Ease: These mini apple fritters offer a simple baking method that eliminates deep-frying, making them healthier and less messy for home cooks.
• Burst of Autumn Flavors: The combination of cinnamon, apples, and cider glaze creates a warm, comforting taste that captures the essence of fall in every delightful bite.
• Texture Perfection: Enjoy a crispy exterior with a soft, tender interior, complemented by the smooth, caramelized glaze that adds a delightful crunch and sweet finish to each fritter.
• Quick and Convenient Treat: Ready in just 25 minutes, these mini fritters are perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings, providing maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients in Mini Apple Fritters with Cider Glaze

• Flour: Base for fritter texture, all-purpose works best for light and fluffy result.
• Baking Powder: Helps fritters rise and become airy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice that complements apple.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture to fritters.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and creates structure.
• Vanilla: Adds depth and aromatic background flavor.
• Applesauce: Keeps fritters moist and adds subtle apple essence.

• Apples: Fresh, crisp fruit that provides texture and natural sweetness.
• Apple Cider: Creates tangy, smooth glaze with genuine apple flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Helps create smooth, glossy glaze consistency.

Steps to Make Mini Apple Fritters with Cider Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Mixture

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Whisk ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add egg and mix well. Stir in vanilla and applesauce.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures and Add Apples

Pour dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients. Stir until combined. Gently fold in chopped apples.

Step 5: Form and Bake Fritters

Scoop of batter into mounds, spacing them a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare Cider Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and thin.

Step 7: Glaze and Caramelize

Remove fritters from oven and turn broiler to high. Brush glaze over fritters, allowing it to drip. Broil for 2-4 minutes, rotating baking sheet every minute to ensure even caramelization.

Step 8: Final Glaze and Cooling

Brush remaining glaze over broiled fritters. Let cool on baking sheet until glaze hardens, approximately 15 minutes.

Pro Tips for Mini Apple Fritters with Cider Glaze

• Choose Crisp Apples: Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance in your fritters.
• Measure Batter Precisely: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform mini fritters that bake evenly and look perfectly consistent.
• Watch Broiling Carefully: Keep a close eye during the caramelization process, as the glaze can quickly burn – rotate the pan and check every 30 seconds.
• Control Glaze Consistency: If the glaze seems too thick, thin it with a few drops of apple cider to achieve a smooth, drippable texture.
• Cooling Trick: Allow fritters to cool completely on the baking sheet so the glaze sets perfectly and develops a delicate, glossy finish.

Storing and Reheating Mini Apple Fritters with Cider Glaze

• Refrigerate fritters in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stack them carefully between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Microwave briefly (15-20 seconds) if you're in a hurry, but the oven method maintains better quality. Avoid leaving fritters at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Freeze cooled fritters in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month, separating layers with wax paper for easy removal.

Best Pairings for Mini Apple Fritters with Cider Glaze

• Brew Warm Apple Cider Companion: Complement the mini apple fritters with a steaming mug of spiced apple cider, enhancing the fruity notes and creating a cozy autumn experience.
• Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the fritters with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, offering a delightful contrast between warm, caramelized fritters and cool, smooth ice cream.
• Serve with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Create a light cinnamon-infused whipped cream as a delicate topping, adding an extra layer of warmth and complementing the apple and cinnamon flavors in the fritters.
• Match with Salted Caramel Latte: Enjoy a salted caramel latte alongside the fritters, blending sweet, salty, and rich coffee notes that harmonize beautifully with the dessert's caramelized glaze.

Creative Takes on Mini Apple Fritters with Cider Glaze

• Spiced Pear Fritters: Replace apples with diced pears and add ground nutmeg for a warm, seasonal flavor profile that complements the cider glaze perfectly.
• Maple Walnut Version: Incorporate chopped walnuts into the batter and swap cider glaze with a rich maple syrup glaze, creating a nutty, sweet combination.
• Gluten-Free Apple Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use almond flour for added texture, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy these fritters.
• Caramel Apple Drizzle: After glazing, sprinkle sea salt and drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the fritters for an indulgent, bakery-style treat that elevates the classic recipe.

Delightful Mini Apple Fritters With Cider Glaze Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet mini apple fritters drizzled with cider glaze bring New England autumn charm to your kitchen. Crisp apple chunks nestled in golden batter create irresistible bites that connect home cooks with classic comfort dessert traditions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Wet Ingredients:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying

Glaze Ingredients:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup plus 2 tablespoons apple cider or apple juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon using a whisk until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Using a separate large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Introduce the egg to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly, then blend in vanilla extract and unsweetened applesauce until the wet ingredients are completely integrated.
5. Gradually fold the prepared flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a consistent batter forms without overmixing.
6. Carefully incorporate the finely chopped apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
7. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each fritter a few inches apart to allow for proper expansion during baking.
8. Bake the fritters for 10 minutes until they become golden and slightly puffy, then remove from the oven and activate the broiler on high setting.
9. Prepare the cider glaze by whisking together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until achieving a smooth, thin consistency.
10. Generously brush the warm fritters with the cider glaze, allowing it to cascade down the sides of each miniature fritter.
11. Return the glazed fritters to the oven under the broiler, rotating the baking sheet every minute to ensure uniform caramelization and prevent burning.
12. Broil for 2-4 minutes until the glaze begins to bubble and develop a rich, golden-brown sheen.
13. Apply the remaining glaze evenly over the broiled fritters, creating a glistening finish.
14. Allow the fritters to rest on the baking sheet for approximately 15 minutes, permitting the glaze to set and harden completely before serving.

Notes

• Quick and easy mini apple fritters perfect for a sweet breakfast or afternoon treat.
• Baking instead of deep-frying makes these fritters lighter and healthier without sacrificing flavor.
• Use fresh, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and tangy sweetness.
• Applesauce adds moisture and enhances the apple flavor throughout the fritters.
• Broiling creates a caramelized glaze that gives these mini fritters a stunning golden-brown finish.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, best enjoyed warm and fresh.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 171 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 93 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg