Healthy Apple Oats Fritter Snack
40 min
|
easy
|
vegetarian
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 30 min | 10 min | 40 min |
Introduction
These healthy apple oats fritters taste like little cinnamon-apple pancakes, but in a bite-size, snackable form.
They are lightly sweetened with maple syrup, packed with oats and cottage cheese, and pan-cooked with just a bit of oil.
Serve them warm for an after-school snack, quick breakfast, or a wholesome treat with your afternoon coffee.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Ingredients
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How to Make Healthy Apple Oats Fritter Snack
-
Blend the oat flour
Add the old-fashioned oats and rolled oats to a blender or food processor.
Pulse until they look like a fine, soft flour with just a few tiny flecks.
-
Mix the wet ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the applesauce, cottage cheese, egg, maple syrup, vanilla, and olive oil.
Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and the cottage cheese curds mostly break down.
-
Stir in the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the blended oat flour, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and gently fold until no dry spots remain.
The batter will feel thick but scoopable, similar to a hearty pancake batter.
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Chill the batter
Cover the bowl and chill the batter in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
This rest lets the oats hydrate, which gives a tender texture and helps the fritters hold together.
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Preheat the pan
Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and let it preheat for a couple minutes.
Lightly coat the surface with olive oil spray so the fritters brown without needing much added fat.
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Cook the fritters
Scoop the chilled batter into the skillet using about 2 tablespoons per fritter, leaving space between each mound.
Gently press each mound to flatten into a small patty for even cooking.
Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deep golden and set in the center.
Lower the heat slightly if the fritters brown too fast before the centers cook through.
Repeat with the remaining batter, adding a bit more spray between batches if the pan looks dry.
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Serve and enjoy
Serve the fritters warm with extra applesauce, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a spoonful of yogurt.
They also taste great at room temperature, which makes them easy for lunch boxes and snacks.
Substitutions
- All-purpose flour replaced with oat flour
- Use oat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a more wholesome, gently nutty, slightly denser fritter.
- Cottage cheese replaced with plain Greek yogurt
- Plain Greek yogurt gives a similar protein boost with a smoother texture and a mild tangy flavor.
- Maple syrup replaced with mashed ripe banana
- Swap maple syrup for well mashed ripe banana to cut added sugar and add gentle banana sweetness. You may need a splash more milk or applesauce if the batter feels very thick.
Tips
- Control the sweetness
- Taste your applesauce and adjust maple syrup slightly; unsweetened applesauce usually needs the full amount.
- Use the right pan heat
- Medium heat gives you color and a cooked center; high heat browns outside before the inside sets.
- Keep batter chilled between batches
- If you cook in several batches, keep the remaining batter in the fridge so it stays thick.
- Portion evenly for even cooking
- Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon so every fritter is the same size and cooks evenly.
- Make them ahead
- Store cooked fritters in the fridge up to four days and reheat briefly in a skillet.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 172 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 7 | g |
| Total Fat | 7 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 23 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- How do I keep the fritters from falling apart in the pan?
- Make sure the batter chills long enough so the oats fully hydrate and thicken. Also flip gently and give the first side time to brown and set before turning.
- Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
- Yes, scoop the batter onto a parchment lined baking sheet and flatten each portion slightly. Bake at 350°F for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until set and lightly golden.
- What if my batter seems too thin or too thick?
- If it feels runny, stir in a tablespoon or two of additional oat flour. If it feels very stiff, loosen with a splash of applesauce or milk.
- Can I make these gluten free?
- Yes, use certified gluten-free oats and replace the all-purpose flour with oat flour or a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Check labels on baking powder and other ingredients if you are highly sensitive.
- How should I store and reheat leftovers?
- Cool fritters completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
These cozy apple oat fritters pair beautifully with hot coffee, chai, or a cold glass of milk.
Try topping them with sautéed cinnamon apples, toasted nuts, or a dollop of whipped ricotta for brunch.
For a dessert twist, add dark chocolate chips to the batter and finish with a dusting of cinnamon.
More pairings:
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