Ingredients:
- 4 medium firm apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji or Gala) — about 1.25–1.5 lb / 600–700 g total
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml) — to prevent browning
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (12 g) and a pinch of ground cinnamon — optional dusting
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (95 g) — or 3/4 cup almond flour (72 g) for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (12 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (2 g)
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt (1.5 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (1 g)
- 1 large egg (50–60 g)
- 1/2 cup milk (120 ml) — dairy or unsweetened plant milk
- 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter or neutral oil (15 ml)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (125 g)
- 1/4–1/3 cup powdered sugar (30–40 g), adjust to sweetness preference
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (0.5 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5 ml)
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (5–10 ml) to thin as needed
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans (30 g) — optional
- 1/4 cup granola or toasted oats (30 g) — optional
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut or sprinkles — optional
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheet(s) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Core the apples with an apple corer or a 1-inch (2.5 cm) round cutter; peel if desired. Slice apples into 1/2-inch (12 mm) thick rings. Place rings in a bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning; drain and pat dry.
- Make the batter: whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk egg, milk, melted butter or oil and vanilla. Combine wet into dry until just combined; batter should be thick enough to coat (add 1 tablespoon milk if too thick).
- Dip each apple ring into the batter, letting excess drip off. Arrange in a single layer on the prepared sheet without overcrowding. Optionally dust with a little cinnamon sugar before baking. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway for even browning, until edges are golden and batter is set. For crisper edges, broil 1 minute at the end while watching carefully.
- Transfer rings to a cooling rack for 3–5 minutes so they are slightly warm. Whisk together Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and a pinch of salt. Thin with milk 1 teaspoon at a time until glaze reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Spoon or pipe glaze onto the top of each ring and immediately sprinkle with chopped nuts, granola or shredded coconut while glaze is wet. Serve warm or at room temperature.