Few things capture the essence of fall comfort quite like homemade apple fritters, those perfectly imperfect golden nuggets of joy that make your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn morning. I first fell in love with these crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside treats at a small orchard during a chilly October afternoon, and they’ve been a staple of my fall baking ever since.

What makes these fritters truly special is their rustic charm—chunks of fresh, tart-sweet apples suspended in a cinnamon-spiced batter that fries up to create those irresistible crispy nooks and crannies. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures, from the satisfyingly crunchy exterior to the soft, apple-studded center, all enrobed in a vanilla-kissed glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness.

Sipping a spicy Bourbon & Ginger Ale alongside your fritter brings out the warmth of the cinnamon and complements the apple’s natural sweetness. Or, for those especially crisp fall evenings, a mug of aromatic Mulled Wine creates a cozy combination that’ll have you feeling like you’re wrapped in your favorite sweater.

Whether you’re enjoying them for a weekend brunch, as an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee, or as a dessert that makes everyone forget about pie, these apple fritters never fail to bring smiles and requests for seconds. I’d love to hear about your fritter adventures—do you prefer them with a simple glaze, or do you go all out with a caramel drizzle?

Apple Fritters

Apple fritters are warm, fluffy treats filled with chunks of apple, fried to golden perfection. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and topped with powdered sugar or a sweet glaze, they make for a delicious snack or dessert. Perfect with coffee!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 people

Calories 349 kcal

Equipment

Dutch Oven
Mixing bowls
Paper towels
Slotted spoon

Ingredients

Glaze

½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2¼ tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
2 large eggs
Powdered sugar, for dusting
¾ cups whole milk
1¼ tsp salt

Glaze

¼ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
1½ cup powdered sugar
3 tbsp whole milk

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.
Stir in the chopped apples.
Heat canola oil in a Dutch oven to 350°F.
Drop tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.