Instructions

• Prep Your Oven and Pan: First things first, get that oven preheating to 400°F. Grease a large baking sheet well with nonstick spray so nothing sticks.
• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Then, whisk in the large egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Finally, stir in the unsweetened applesauce.
• Mix the Batter: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, stir everything together just until the flour disappears. Do not overmix the batter!
• Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in your finely diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the thick batter.
• Scoop and Bake: Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop portions of the batter a few inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. They should be lightly golden and feel springy to the touch.
• Turn on the Broiler: As soon as you pull the fritters out of the oven, turn your oven’s broiler on to high.
• Make the Glaze: While the oven heats up, quickly whisk together the powdered sugar and apple cider in a small bowl. You’re looking for a thin, pourable consistency.
• First Glaze & Broil: Brush some of this glaze over the warm fritter bites. Now, place the pan under the broiler for 2-4 minutes. Watch them like a hawk! Rotate the pan as needed until the glaze is bubbling and golden brown.
• Second Glaze & Set: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately brush the remaining glaze over the tops. Let them sit on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes. This allows the glaze to set into a beautiful, slightly crackly shell.