Apple Fritter Bites Recipe (Baked, Not Fried!)

If you love classic apple fritters — with their tender dough, caramelized edges, cinnamon-spiced apples, and sticky glaze — then prepare to fall head over heels for Apple Fritter Bites. These adorable, handheld treats are a baked version of your favorite fair-style fritters, delivering the same warm flavors without the heavy mess (or the deep fryer!).

Perfect for fall baking, school snacks, brunches, game days, or cozy weekend cravings, Apple Fritter Bites bring together diced apples, applesauce, cinnamon, and a luscious apple cider glaze that caramelizes to create a beautifully sweet exterior. Each bite is soft inside, slightly crisp outside, and bursting with juicy apple flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or brand-new to the kitchen, this Apple Fritter Bites recipe is super quick, family-friendly, and uses pantry staples you likely already have. Let’s dive right in!

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📌 Why You’ll Love Apple Fritter Bites

✔ Baked instead of fried, so they’re easier and lighter
✔ Packed with real apple chunks in every bite
✔ Quick to make — 45 minutes total
✔ Perfect for fall, holidays & breakfast treats
✔ Can be glazed lightly or drenched for extra sweetness
✔ Easy to scale for parties or meal prep

One batch makes 30 irresistible little bites — but fair warning: they disappear fast!

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📝 Apple Fritter Bites Recipe

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Set Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 30 bites

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🍏 Ingredients for Apple Fritter Bites

For the Batter

• Nonstick cooking spray

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 ½ cups finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples (about 2 medium apples)

For the Apple Cider Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• ⅓ cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or apple juice

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Apple Fritter Bites Step-by-Step

🔹 Step 1: Prep the Pan & Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray or line with parchment.

🔹 Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Cinnamon

Set aside.

🔹 Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk:

• Melted butter + sugar

• Add egg, vanilla & applesauce
  Mix until smooth and creamy.

🔹 Step 4: Fold It All Together

Pour dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
Stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix!
Fold in diced apples so every scoop has fruity goodness.

🔹 Step 5: Scoop & Bake

Use a tablespoon to drop batter onto the baking sheet, leaving space in between.
Bake 10 minutes.

🔹 Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar and apple cider until silky & pourable.

🔹 Step 7: Caramelize Under the Broiler

Brush fritter bites with glaze.
Switch oven to broil on high.
Broil 2–4 minutes, rotating pan so they caramelize evenly.

✨ Watch closely — broilers move fast!

🔹 Step 8: Add More Glaze & Set

Brush remaining glaze generously over the warm bites.
Let sit 15 minutes so the glaze sets and becomes beautifully crackled.

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🍎 Best Apples for Apple Fritter Bites

You want apples that are:

• Crisp

• Flavorful

• Not mushy when baked

Top choices:

• Honeycrisp

• Gala

• Pink Lady

• Fuji

Avoid apples that turn soft quickly like Red Delicious.

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🎯 Apple Fritter Bites Tips for Success

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🔄 Variations & Flavor Twists

Fun idea: Dip into warm vanilla custard or eat with a scoop of ice cream!

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

How to Store:

• Room Temperature: 2–3 days in airtight container

• Fridge: Up to 5 days

• Freezer: Up to 2 months (add fresh glaze after reheating)

Reheat:

• Microwave 10–12 seconds

• Air fryer 1–2 minutes at 350°F

They’re especially tasty warm with melted glaze!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Apple Fritter Bites pair perfectly with:

• Hot tea or coffee ☕

• Apple cider 🍎

• Vanilla ice cream 🍨

• Whipped cream 🥄

• Breakfast boards alongside pastries

These make fabulous fall party treats, and they’re great for:

• Halloween gatherings

• Thanksgiving brunch spreads

• Game-day snack tables

• School bake sales

• Christmas morning goodies

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🧮 Nutrition (Per Bite — Approx.)

• Calories: ~90

• Carbs: 16g

• Fat: 3g

• Sugar: 10g

• Protein: 1g

Nutrition varies based on glaze quantity.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Fritter Bites

Can I fry them instead of baking?
Yes! Deep fry teaspoon-sized balls at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, then glaze.

Can I use canned pie filling?
It’s not recommended. Apples become mushy and batter turns gummy.

Can I prep the batter ahead?
Yes — chill up to 12 hours. Stir gently before scooping.

What if I don’t have apple cider?
Apple juice or even milk works, but cider gives the best flavor.

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What Makes These Apple Fritter Bites the Best?

This recipe focuses on maximum apple flavor with:

• Fresh diced apples

• Applesauce for extra moisture

• Apple cider glaze that caramelizes beautifully

They have the classic apple fritter vibe you crave — but in a lighter and easier format. Every bite is sticky, cozy, warm, and full of fall nostalgia. 🍁

 Final Thoughts

These Apple Fritter Bites prove that amazing bakery-style treats don’t need to be complicated or fried in oil. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and the best cinnamon-apple aroma filling your kitchen, they’re guaranteed to be a family favorite from the first batch.

Whether you serve them fresh out of the oven, tuck them into a lunchbox, or display them proudly on a holiday dessert table, these sweet little bites of doughy apple bliss will disappear faster than you can say “More Apple Fritter Bites, please!”