There’s something so comforting about sinking your teeth into a warm, freshly glazed apple fritter. The crispy, golden crust gives way to a soft, doughy inside filled with juicy apple bits and a hint of cinnamon, all topped with a sweet glaze.
These gorgeous glazed apple fritters bring back the cozy feeling of autumn mornings, but what makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to recreate bakery-quality fritters at home using simple pantry ingredients.
I’ve always had a soft spot for fritters. My grandma would make them with leftover apples, and the smell of frying dough would fill the house. It’s a recipe that never fails to impress, whether for family or friends.
Perfect for weekend indulgence or a quick sweet fix, these fritters are easy to whip up—no deep fryer needed! With apples rich in fiber and antioxidants, you can even feel good about going back for seconds.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Grandma-approved: These fritters are a nod to my childhood, and every time I make them, it’s like bringing a piece of home to the table. I’m sure they’ll bring a bit of nostalgia for you too.
- Easy to make: You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques—just a skillet, some basic pantry staples, and fresh apples.
- Perfect for fall: When apples are in season, this recipe is a great way to make the most of that crisp, sweet harvest.
- Versatile: I’ve made these fritters with everything from Granny Smith to Fuji apples. You can easily adjust to whatever you have on hand.
- Not overly sweet: While the glaze gives a nice touch of sweetness, the fritter itself is balanced and not too sugary—just the right amount of indulgence.
Gorgeous Glazed Apple Fritters Recipe
homemade apple fritters with caramelized apples & cinnamon, fried until golden and dipped in a salted maple glaze.
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Calories: 367kcal
Servings: 4
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden Spoon
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring Cups
- deep skillet
- Slotted Spoon
- Cooling Rack
- Baking sheet
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
For the Fritter Dough
- 1/2 cup milk 116 mL
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp salted butter melted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 and 3/4 cups + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour 234 grams
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- plenty of vegetable oil for frying
For the Caramelized Apples
- 2 large apples peeled, cored, & diced Use something that’s firm and good for baking like a mix of Honeycrisp & Granny Smith. 300 grams chopped, or 2 and 3/4 cups, or 10.4 ounces
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 3 tbsp light brown sugar packed 36 grams
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp corn starch
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp water
For the Apple Cider Glaze
- 4 tbsp salted butter melted
- 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp apple cider concentrate also called boiled apple cider – see note below!
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk as needed to thin the glaze out
- pinch of cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prep the Frying Station: Set up a large heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven) with vegetable oil, filling it halfway (4-5 inches of oil). Don’t heat it yet. Prepare a baking sheet lined with paper towels, place a cooling rack on top, and set it near the stove for later.
- Prepare the Dough: Heat milk to about 110℉ in the microwave, checking the temperature with a thermometer. In a large bowl, whisk all dough ingredients (except flour and spices), then stir in the flour and spices last. Knead the dough for 1-2 minutes on a floured surface, form into a ball, and let it rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Cook the Caramelized Apples: Melt butter in a medium pot, add the apple filling ingredients (except cornstarch and water), and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender and caramelized. If needed, thicken the mixture with a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and water) and cook for another minute. Set aside.
- Shape the Fritters: Start heating the oil over medium-high heat, aiming for 365℉. Flatten the risen dough into a rectangle, spread 2/3 of the apple mixture, fold it into thirds (like a letter), and pat the dough out again. Add the remaining apple mixture, fold the dough from side to side, and flatten again.
- Cut and Form the Fritters: Slice the dough into 24 squares, gather them into 8 mounds, and form rough, lumpy balls with floured hands. Let them rest for 15 minutes.
- Test Fry: Once the oil reaches 365℉, fry one fritter for 90 seconds per side. Check the internal temperature (around 212℉). If needed, fry for an additional 10-30 seconds until fully cooked.
- Fry the Remaining Fritters: Once the test fritter is cooked through, fry the rest in batches, keeping the oil temperature between 345℉ and 365℉. Transfer the fritters to the prepared rack to cool.
Nutrition
Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 17mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 399IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 2mg
