Easy Baked Apple Fritter Bites with Apple Cider Glaze

These Apple Fritter Bites are soft, cinnamon-spiced, and bursting with fresh apple chunks—all coated in a sweet apple cider glaze that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler. Unlike traditional deep-fried fritters, this recipe is baked, making it a lighter but equally delicious treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these bite-sized fritters will quickly become a cozy fall favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier alternative – baked instead of fried.

• Quick & easy – ready in about 30 minutes.

• Fresh apple flavor – made with Honeycrisp or Gala apples.

• Perfect for fall – a seasonal treat for holidays, brunches, or snacks.

Ingredients for Apple Fritter Bites

For the Fritter Bites

• Nonstick cooking spray (for baking sheet)

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

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

For the Apple Cider Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons apple cider (or apple juice)

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper or nonstick spray

• Mixing bowls (medium & large)

• Whisk & spatula

• Measuring cups & spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Cinnamon

Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Whisk in the egg, vanilla, and applesauce until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Batter

Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined (don’t overmix). Fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Shape & Bake

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of batter for each fritter bite and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Bake for 10 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While the fritters bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and apple cider (or juice) until the glaze is smooth and pourable.

Step 7: Glaze & Broil

Remove the fritter bites from the oven. Brush some glaze over the warm fritters.
Switch oven to broil (high) and broil fritters for 2–4 minutes, rotating the pan often, until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes slightly.

Step 8: Finish & Set

Remove from oven and brush the remaining glaze evenly over the fritters. Let sit for about 15 minutes so the glaze can set before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these fritter bites on a brunch spread alongside muffins, scones, or cinnamon rolls.

• Pair with coffee, hot apple cider, or a cold glass of milk for a cozy treat.

• Dip in salted caramel, maple syrup, or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent twist.

Recipe Notes

•  Use crisp apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala) for the best texture.

•  Don’t skip the broil step—it gives the glaze that signature caramelized finish.

•  Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1 of 24 Fritter Bites)

• Calories: 95 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Protein: 1g

• Fat: 2g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 10mg

• Sodium: 52mg

• Fiber: 0.5g

• Sugar: 11g

• Vitamin A: 45 IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 20mg

• Iron: 0.4mg

 These Baked Apple Fritter Bites are the perfect fall-inspired snack—soft on the inside, crispy-glazed on the outside, and loaded with apple-cinnamon flavor. A cozy treat you’ll want to make again and again!

enjoy!