Name: Apple Fritter Bites with Apple Cider Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray; 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); 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or juice

I’m so excited to share this Apple Fritter Bites with Apple Cider Glaze Recipe because it perfectly captures everything I love about fall in a bite-sized treat. These little fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with tiny apple chunks that add the perfect touch of freshness and sweetness in every bite. When you top them with the apple cider glaze, it’s like a warm hug of seasonal flavors that’ll have you coming back for more.

Whether you’re making these for a cozy weekend brunch, a fun dessert to impress guests, or simply a snack that feels a little indulgent but not too heavy, these fritter bites really shine. Plus, they’re easy to whip up—you don’t need to fuss over frying or complicated dough. Trust me, once you try this Apple Fritter Bites with Apple Cider Glaze Recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to comfort foods!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a batter that’s light, fluffy, and perfectly spiced. I love using fresh apples like Honeycrisp or Gala—they’re sweet, crisp, and hold their shape well in the fritters. And the apple cider glaze ups the cozy factor with a smooth, tangy sweetness that’s just divine.

All-purpose flour: The base of our fritter, ensuring a tender crumb.
Baking powder: Helps the bites puff up just right without being dense.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Classic spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and keeps the texture moist.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly.
Large egg: Binds everything together and gives structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
Unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the bites moist while boosting apple flavor naturally.
Honeycrisp or Gala apples (finely diced): Use fresh and crisp apples for the best texture within the fritters.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Essential for that smooth, sweet coating.
Apple cider or juice (for glaze): Gives the glaze a tangy, fruity brightness that’s absolutely addictive.
Nonstick cooking spray: To keep the fritters from sticking during baking—makes cleanup easier too!

Variations

I like to keep this recipe flexible so you can make it your own. Whether you want to add a little extra spice, swap apples for another fruit, or make it a bit healthier, there’s room for creativity here.

Spiced Up Version: I sometimes sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves with the cinnamon for a cozy, deeper flavor that’s perfect for chilly days.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it contains baking powder or add it separately. I’ve tried this, and the fritters still came out light and tasty!
Fruit Swap: Pears work wonderfully here, especially firm varieties like Bosc. I’ve done it when I ran out of apples, and they bring a lovely twist.
Less Sugar: If you want to dial down the sweetness, reduce the granulated sugar by a tablespoon or skip the glaze and dust with cinnamon sugar instead for a lighter touch.

How to Make Apple Fritter Bites with Apple Cider Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Mixing Bowls

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and spraying a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial to ensure your fritter bites don’t stick and come out with a nice golden crust. I like to use a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup, but the spray alone works like a charm.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisking the dry ingredients upfront helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly, so every bite is perfectly balanced. If you skip this, you might end up with clumps of cinnamon or uneven rising.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and unsweetened applesauce, whisking until smooth. This wet mixture will give the fritters a tender texture and lots of moisture—don’t skip the applesauce, it’s a game-changer!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Be gentle here—you want a lumpy batter, not a fully smooth one, to keep the fritters light. Fold in the finely diced apples last, so they don’t break down or get crushed during mixing.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes until they’re lightly puffed and golden. This part always fills my kitchen with the most comforting scent—apple and cinnamon, what’s not to love?

Step 6: Make and Apply the Apple Cider Glaze

While your fritters bake, whisk together powdered sugar and apple cider in a small bowl until smooth and thin but still sticky. When the fritters come out, brush some glaze over them generously, then pop under the broiler for 2-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them and rotate the pan frequently—the glaze will bubble and caramelize, giving your fritters the deliciously shiny, slightly crispy top that’s irresistible.

Step 7: Final Glaze and Rest

After broiling, brush the remaining glaze over the fritters evenly. Let them sit for about 15 minutes so the glaze sets up nicely. I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but this resting time helps the glaze firm up so it won’t be overly sticky on your fingers.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Bites with Apple Cider Glaze Recipe

A white plate holds a stack of about seven golden-brown apple fritters, each with a crunchy, uneven surface showing bits of cooked apple inside. The fritters are coated with a shiny, light brown syrup drizzle that pools slightly at the base. One fritter sits on top, exposing its soft, light yellow apple filling with a moist texture. The plate sits on a round wooden board on a white marbled surface. In the background, two whole red apples and another plate with more fritters are softly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just a little extra cinnamon dusted on top or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans for some crunch. Sometimes I throw on a few thin apple slices for presentation—they add a fresh element and look pretty.

Side Dishes

These fritters are awesome on their own with a cup of coffee or chai, but I also love serving them with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert twist. And pairing them with a warm apple cider or hot tea makes for a perfect crisp-weather snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fall party, I’ve set these fritters on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra glaze, fresh apple slices, and cinnamon sticks. It makes for a beautiful, interactive display where guests can dip and enjoy. Another fun idea is to stack them into mini towers and drizzle more glaze over the top—looks fancy but is totally effortless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze softens over time, so they lose a bit of that crisp edge but still taste fantastic. You can also pop them in the fridge, but I find letting them come back to room temp works best for flavor.

Freezing

Freezing works great if you want to make a big batch ahead. I place the fritters on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the oven. The glaze texture changes a bit, but the flavor holds beautifully.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the fritters in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes that crispy edge and warms them through without melting the glaze too much. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the fritters soggy instead of crisp.

FAQs

Can I use other kinds of apples for the Apple Fritter Bites with Apple Cider Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Gala are my top picks for their balance of sweetness and firmness, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Braeburn apples also work nicely. Just make sure to dice them finely and choose apples that won’t turn mushy when baked.
Do I have to use apple cider for the glaze?

Not necessarily—apple juice is a fine substitute if you don’t have apple cider on hand. I prefer cider because it has a richer flavor, but juice keeps it sweet and light. You could even mix half cider and half juice for a balanced glaze.
Can I make these fritter bites vegan or dairy-free?

You can! Use a plant-based butter or oil in place of the melted butter, and swap the egg for a flax egg or commercial egg replacer. The taste and texture will be slightly different but still delicious and comforting.
What’s the best way to get the glaze to caramelize nicely under the broiler?

The key is to brush a generous, even layer of the glaze over warm fritters and then watch carefully while broiling on high. It only takes a few minutes, and rotating the pan helps the glaze bubble up without burning. Don’t walk away during this step!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these Apple Fritter Bites with Apple Cider Glaze Recipe hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of lazy autumn mornings and festive get-togethers with family. They’re simple to make, impressive to serve, and just plain delicious. I can’t wait for you to try them yourself—and believe me, once you do, this little recipe will be on repeat every fall (and maybe all year round!).