Apple Fritter Bites – Sweet, Spiced & Perfectly Poppable Treats
There’s something truly magical about the smell of apples, cinnamon, and warm sugar wafting from the kitchen. These Apple Fritter Bites are a mini version of the classic apple fritter donut, but baked (not fried!) and packed with fresh apple chunks, applesauce, and warm spice.
Whether you're craving a sweet fall treat, need a crowd-pleasing snack, or want to make a lunchbox-friendly dessert, these bite-sized fritters are perfect. Made with real Honeycrisp or Gala apples, a splash of apple cider, and topped with a simple vanilla glaze, they deliver autumn flavor in every single bite.
For more cozy and seasonal baking inspiration, don’t forget to explore other comforting recipes on recipeservice.net — your go-to destination for family-friendly, foolproof recipes.
Ingredients
🍎 Produce
- 1½ cups diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples peeled or unpeeled
🥚 Refrigerated
- 1 large egg
🥫 Canned Goods
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
🧁 Baking & Spices
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar for glaze
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for glaze
🧴 Oils & Vinegars
- Nonstick cooking spray for pan
🧃 Drinks
- ½ cup apple cider or apple juice
🧈 Dairy
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray or line with paper liners.
🍏 Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
🧃 Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine:
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup apple cider or juice
- ¼ cup melted butter
- Mix until well combined.
🍎 Step 4: Combine and Fold in Apples
- Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in:
- 1½ cups diced apples
- Do not overmix—you want the batter just combined for a tender texture.
🧁 Step 5: Fill and Bake
- Spoon batter into each muffin cup, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
🍯 Step 6: Make the Glaze
- While bites are cooling, whisk together:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp apple cider or juice (adjust for desired consistency)
🍩 Step 7: Glaze the Bites
- Dip the top of each fritter bite into the glaze or drizzle generously.
- Let set for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
🍴 Serving Suggestions
With coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat Paired with vanilla yogurt or whipped cream As a lunchbox sweet treat for kids Served warm as a mini breakfast bite 🧁 Variations
Fried Version: Scoop small spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until golden. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Toss baked bites in a mix of cinnamon and sugar while still warm. Add Nuts: Mix in ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans. Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for baking. ❄️ Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freezer:
Freeze unglazed fritter bites for up to 2 months. Glaze after reheating. Reheating:
Microwave for 10–15 seconds, or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other apples besides Honeycrisp or Gala?
Yes, Granny Smith adds a tart flavor, while Fuji or Pink Lady work great too. 2. Do I need to peel the apples?
Not required—peeling is optional and based on texture preference. 3. Can I make these in a regular muffin tin?
Yes, increase bake time to 18–20 minutes and fill cups ¾ full. 4. What can I substitute for applesauce?
Use Greek yogurt or mashed banana, but the flavor and texture will change slightly. 5. How do I make these sweeter?
Add an extra tablespoon of sugar or increase glaze coverage. 6. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk or cider in the glaze. 7. Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely—store unglazed and add glaze just before serving for best texture. 8. Do I need to use apple cider for the glaze?
No, apple juice or milk works as well. 9. Can I turn this into a loaf?
Yes! Bake in a greased loaf pan at 350°F for 40–45 minutes. 10. Why are mine dry?
Be sure not to overmix and don’t overbake. Check your oven temp with an oven thermometer. 📝 Conclusion
These Apple Fritter Bites are a celebration of fall flavors, but honestly, they’re delicious any time of year. Easy to bake, super poppable, and freezer-friendly, they make a great snack, dessert, or brunch addition. The sweet apple chunks, warm cinnamon, and silky cider glaze make every bite a tiny delight. Looking for more apple-forward recipes like this? Browse our seasonal sweets and snack collection at recipeservice.net and bake up something cozy today.
With coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat Paired with vanilla yogurt or whipped cream As a lunchbox sweet treat for kids Served warm as a mini breakfast bite 🧁 Variations
Fried Version: Scoop small spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until golden. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Toss baked bites in a mix of cinnamon and sugar while still warm. Add Nuts: Mix in ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans. Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for baking. ❄️ Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freezer:
Freeze unglazed fritter bites for up to 2 months. Glaze after reheating. Reheating:
Microwave for 10–15 seconds, or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other apples besides Honeycrisp or Gala?
Yes, Granny Smith adds a tart flavor, while Fuji or Pink Lady work great too. 2. Do I need to peel the apples?
Not required—peeling is optional and based on texture preference. 3. Can I make these in a regular muffin tin?
Yes, increase bake time to 18–20 minutes and fill cups ¾ full. 4. What can I substitute for applesauce?
Use Greek yogurt or mashed banana, but the flavor and texture will change slightly. 5. How do I make these sweeter?
Add an extra tablespoon of sugar or increase glaze coverage. 6. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk or cider in the glaze. 7. Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely—store unglazed and add glaze just before serving for best texture. 8. Do I need to use apple cider for the glaze?
No, apple juice or milk works as well. 9. Can I turn this into a loaf?
Yes! Bake in a greased loaf pan at 350°F for 40–45 minutes. 10. Why are mine dry?
Be sure not to overmix and don’t overbake. Check your oven temp with an oven thermometer. 📝 Conclusion
These Apple Fritter Bites are a celebration of fall flavors, but honestly, they’re delicious any time of year. Easy to bake, super poppable, and freezer-friendly, they make a great snack, dessert, or brunch addition. The sweet apple chunks, warm cinnamon, and silky cider glaze make every bite a tiny delight. Looking for more apple-forward recipes like this? Browse our seasonal sweets and snack collection at recipeservice.net and bake up something cozy today.