Ingredients

1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour

⅓ cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup whole milk

1 large egg (room temperature)

¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

3 cups granny smith apples (peeled, cored, and diced into ¼-½ inch pieces, about 2 large apples)

Canola oil for frying

2 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted and cooled)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

5-6 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the canola oil in an electric fryer or heavy-duty pot to 375°F. Line a large rimmed baking tray with paper towels and a wire rack; set aside.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk the whole milk, egg, and unsweetened applesauce until combined.

Step 4: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula just until combined and smooth. The batter should be thick, similar to pancake batter.

Step 5: Fold the diced apples gently into the batter until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Once the oil is hot, carefully drop about ⅓ cup of batter into the oil and gently spread it into a slightly flatter shape. Fry 2-3 fritters at a time without overcrowding. Cook for 1 to 1 ½ minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 1 to 1 ½ minutes until dark golden brown.

Step 7: Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking tray to drain and cool slightly. Repeat until all batter is fried.

Step 8: To make the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and 5 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of milk if needed to achieve the consistency of warm maple syrup.

Step 9: Dip each fritter into the glaze, covering both sides, then place back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.

Step 10: Once glazing is set, serve the apple fritters warm in a single layer.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like granny smith for the best balance of sweetness and tang.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the batter.

If you prefer a lighter glaze, reduce powdered sugar or add a splash more milk.

Make sure the oil temperature stays steady at 375°F to avoid greasy fritters.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can substitute granny smith apples with other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji, but tart apples work best to balance the sweetness.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Apple fritters are traditionally fried for their crispy exterior and tender inside. Baking will give a different texture, but you can try spooning batter onto a greased baking sheet and baking at 375°F until golden.

Dessert

Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe

Introduction