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
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 milkÂ
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.
Glaze
- Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and salt.
- Dip or drizzle over the warm fritters.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the fritters light and fluffy.
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 349 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 67 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Sugar | 42 g |
| Calcium | 149 mg |