• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Barbara Bakes™
  • Home
  • About
  • Info
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • Breads
  • Breakfast
  • Desserts
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Ice Cream
    • Pastry
    • All Desserts »
  • Main Dishes
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Pork
    • Pasta
    • Meatless
    • All Main Dishes »
  • Side Dishes & Vegetables
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Baking Tips
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Baking Tips
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Recipes » Breakfast » Donuts

    Apple Fritter

    Published by Melissa on January 26, 2024 | Updated February 6, 2025 | Leave a Comment

    FacebookPinterest
    Jump to Recipe
    Pinterest Hidden ImagePinterest Hidden ImagePinterest Hidden ImagePinterest Hidden Image

    The Apple Fritter offers a delightful combination of warm, crispy dough and sweet, juicy apples. This easy-to-make treat is a favorite for its simple, comforting flavors and satisfying texture. Perfect for a quick snack or a special dessert, apple fritters are a straightforward and universally loved indulgence.

    apple fritters on a plate

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

    Enter your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!

    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading

    Apple fritters are not just delicious; they’re incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as a breakfast treat, a midday snack, or even as a dessert. The recipe is forgiving and adaptable, allowing you to use various types of apples, depending on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. Some people love the tartness of Granny Smith apples, while others prefer the sweeter notes of Gala or Fuji apples.

    What sets apple fritters apart is their delightful texture. The outside is crispy and golden, achieved by frying the batter to perfection. Inside, the chunks of apple are tender and infused with the flavors of cinnamon and sugar, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This contrast is one of the reasons why apple fritters are so appealing to a wide range of palates.

    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Recipe Ingredients
    • Popular Substitutions and Variations
    • How To Make Apple Fritters
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Expert Tips
    • Apple Fritter
    top view of apple fritters on a baking dish

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Apple fritters offer a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, appealing to a wide range of taste preferences.
    • The combination of a crispy exterior with soft, tender apple pieces inside creates a satisfying sensory experience.
    • They can be easily customized with different apple varieties or additional ingredients, making them suitable for various dietary preferences and occasions.

    Recipe Ingredients

    • Flour: The foundation of the fritter batter, flour provides structure and helps create the fluffy interior.
    • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the batter, balancing the tartness of the apples and enhancing the overall flavor.
    • Cinnamon: A key spice in apple fritters, cinnamon brings a warm, aromatic note that pairs perfectly with apples.
    • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the richness and texture of the fritters.
    • Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, ensuring a tender crumb in the finished fritters.
    • Vanilla: A dash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor complexity, giving the fritters a subtle, aromatic sweetness.
    • Butter: Provides richness and depth to the fritter batter, while also helping to achieve a golden-brown color when fried.
    • Granny Smith Apples: Known for their firm texture and tart flavor, they add a refreshing bite and balance to the sweetness of the fritters.
    • Powdered Sugar or Cinnamon Sugar: Used as a finishing touch, these toppings add an extra layer of sweetness and spice, making the fritters irresistible.

    Popular Substitutions and Variations

    • Spice It Up: Add nutmeg or allspice for an extra zing.
    • Different Fruits: Try using pears, peaches, or even berries.
    • Add-ons: Incorporate nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

    How To Make Apple Fritters

    1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
    2. Prepare Wet Mix: Beat eggs, add milk, vanilla, and melted butter in another bowl.
    3. Combine Mixes: Gently mix wet and dry ingredients.
    4. Add Apples: Fold in diced apples.
    5. Heat Oil: Heat 2 inches of oil to 375°F (190°C).
    6. Fry Batter: Drop spoonfuls into oil, avoid overcrowding.
    7. Fry Until Golden: Cook 2-2½ minutes per side.
    8. Drain: Use a slotted spoon, cool on paper towels.
    9. Add Topping: Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar.
    ingredients for apple fritters

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can apple fritters be made in advance?

    Yes, they can be prepared ahead and reheated, though they are best enjoyed fresh.

    What are the best apples for apple fritters?

    Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal as they maintain their texture and offer a nice contrast to the sweet batter.

    Can apple fritters be frozen?

    Absolutely! Freeze them after cooling, and reheat in an oven for best results.

    top view of iced and sugared apple fritters on a plate

    Expert Tips

    • You can make a simple glaze by melting 2 tablespoons of butter and then adding 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add enough cream or milk to the mixture so that it makes a thin glaze. Dip the hot fritters in the glaze if you’d like instead of the powdered sugar or cinnamon and sugar. They are all good so just pick your favorite. 
    • Using Granny Smith apples provides a nice tart contrast to the sweet fritter batter, but you can use any type of apple you prefer.
    • Be sure to monitor the oil temperature as you’re frying the fritters. If it’s too hot, the fritters may burn on the outside before they’re cooked on the inside. If it’s too low, the fritters may become too oily.
    • The batter should be chunky with apples, but still have enough batter to hold the fritters together. If it seems too dry, you can add a bit more milk.
    • These apple fritters are best served warm, but they can be reheated in a toaster oven or regular oven if needed.
    • You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, but they are best when fresh.
    close up of apple fritter balls
    • A plate piled high with sugar-coated fried apple cider donuts and donut holes sits on a wooden surface, with fresh apples nearby and a checkered cloth partially underneath the plate.
      Old-Fashioned Fried Apple Cider Donuts
    • donut holes piled on a white plate
      Donut Holes
    • three pink iced and rainbow sprinkle round baked donuts on a plate
      Baked Cake Donuts
    • A close-up of glazed donuts, possibly inspired by a buttermilk donut recipe, with white icing in the foreground. Behind the donuts, a glass jar filled with milk complements the scene. The softly blurred background highlights these delectable treats and creamy milk.
      Old Fashioned Buttermilk Donut Recipe
    See more Donuts →

    Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram.

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

    Enter your email below and we will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you will get great new recipes from us every week!

    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    side view of iced apple fritters on a plate
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Apple Fritter

    Apple fritters are prepared using an easy, yeast-free homemade batter and fresh apples. They are fried until they reach a perfect golden brown and are then coated in a straightforward glaze.
    Prep Time20 minutes mins
    Cook Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time40 minutes mins
    Servings: 24
    Calories: 82kcal
    Author: Melissa Griffiths
    Prevent your screen from going to sleep

    Ingredients 

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup white granulated sugar
    • 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
    • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 2 large eggs
    • ¾ cup milk
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
    • 2 Granny Smith apples peeled and diced
    • Oil for frying vegetable or canola oil recommended
    • Powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for dusting

    Instructions

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients until they are well combined.
    • In a separate, medium-sized bowl, beat the eggs lightly with a fork.
    • Add the milk, pure vanilla extract, and melted butter to the beaten eggs. Stir until these wet ingredients are well combined.
    • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Gently fold the two together until they’re just combined, being careful not to overmix.
    • Fold the peeled, diced Granny Smith apples into the batter. There should be enough apples to create a very chunky batter.
    • Heat about two inches of oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches about 375°F (190°C).
    • Once the oil is heated, carefully drop spoonfuls of the apple batter into the oil. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan.
    • Fry the apple fritters for about 2-2 ½ minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
    • Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate or cooling rack.
    • Dust the warm apple fritters with powdered sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mixture before serving.

    Notes

    You can make a simple glaze by melting 2 tablespoons of butter and then adding 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add enough cream or milk to the mixture so that it makes a thin glaze. Dip the hot fritters in the glaze if you’d like instead of the powdered sugar or cinnamon and sugar. They are all good so just pick your favorite.
    Using Granny Smith apples provides a nice tart contrast to the sweet fritter batter, but you can use any type of apple you prefer.
    Be sure to monitor the oil temperature as you’re frying the fritters. If it’s too hot, the fritters may burn on the outside before they’re cooked on the inside. If it’s too low, the fritters may become too oily.
    The batter should be chunky with apples, but still have enough batter to hold the fritters together. If it seems too dry, you can add a bit more milk.
    These apple fritters are best served warm, but they can be reheated in a toaster oven or regular oven if needed.
    You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, but they are best when fresh.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 170mg | Potassium: 46mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg
    FacebookPinterest
    « kmsauto download ✓ Activate Windows & Office 2025 Effortlessly ➤ KMSAuto Tool
    Chocolate Cheesecake »
    about us

    About Melissa & Barbara

    As of June 2022 Melissa Griffiths now is the one adding recipes. So think of it as Barbara Bakes, and Melissa too! Melissa and Barbara have been blogging friends for over 10 years and when Barbara was ready to retire and spend more time with her family, Melissa took over the site. Read more...

      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • Twitter

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Melissa and Barbara smiling

    Baking made easy! Sharing fabulous recipes for cookies, cakes, pies, breads and more. Barbara Bakes (and Melissa too!) Recipes from both of our kitchens to yours.

    Learn More »

    Popular Posts

    A layered Mexican-style dish inspired by a classic mexican pizza recipe, topped with melted cheese, chopped tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream, served on a white plate on a red-striped placemat.

    Homemade Mexican Pizza Recipe

    Two white bowls filled with crème brûlée topped with golden, caramelized sugar. A gold spoon rests beside the bowls on a marble countertop, showcasing the best crème brûlée recipe. A striped cloth is partially visible on the left.

    The Best Creme Brulee Recipe

    Three crusty baguettes, made from a classic French bread recipe, rest in a wicker basket lined with a blue and white checked cloth. A wooden cutting board and a bread knife are on the table in the background.

    Easy Homemade French Bread Recipe – Only 4 Ingredients

    Lemon-Blueberry-Quick-Bread-With-Streusel-Topping. Kind of a cross between a blueberry muffin and a blueberry coffee cake.

    The Best Blueberry Lemon Quick Bread Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    SEEN ON

    as seen on promo graphic

    SEEN ON

    as seen on promo graphic

    About

    • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Press

    Browse

    • Recipe Index
    • Popular
    • Baking Tips
    • Travel

    Subscribe

    • Newsletter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    As an Amazon affiliate, and affiliate with other businesses, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2024 barbarabakes.com. All rights reserved. DISCLOSURE - PRIVACY POLICY.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.