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    Home / Breakfast / Apple Fritters

    Apple Fritters

    September 25, 2018 by Ingrid Beer 21 Comments

    Warm, fluffy and deliciously filled with apples and spice, these little apple fritters are a wonderful homemade treat to prepare when a bit of extra coziness is in order!

    Apple Fritters

    Apple Fritters, Filled with Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

    I've always been head-over-heals in love with the fall season.

    Perhaps it’s the fiery light of the evenings, the trees so full of big, crunchy leaves that flutter down to the ground and call out to be piled up and jumped into; or perhaps it's all the hearty, earthy foods that can be enjoyed in so very many delightful ways.

    It might even be the fact that I can pull out a cozy blanket to wrap myself up in because it’s finally needed.

    Or maybe... it's the anticipation of licking sweet cinnamon sugar off of my fingers from making homemade apple fritters, a wonderfully cozy treat!

    Apple fritters filled with finely diced honeycrisp and granny smith apples, and fresh apple cider, are one of my favorite goodies this time of year. They're so aromatic and flavorful from all the yummy spices in the batter.

    And because they take a little dip in the hot oil, their aroma deliciously permeates throughout the entire house, somehow making everything seem extra comforting, which is always a welcome thing in my home.

    Apple Fritters | thecozyapron.com

    The Right Ingredients for Warm, Fluffy Apple Fritters

    I like my apple fritters to be tender and more on the fluffy side, with a little bit of body to them.

    So I've found that combining equal parts flour and cream of wheat (farina) is a really delicious way to go when creating the batter. This combination creates a really light texture, and helps to hold all of those delicious little pieces of diced apple in the batter, without being too heavy.

    And because I love the slightly more caramel flavor of brown sugar, I use that in the batter, along with a hefty pinch of pumpkin pie spice, which contains both sweet and spicy notes.

    I like to use both honeycrisp and granny smith apples for both sweet and tart notes; and I also like to add unfiltered apple cider to my recipe, as this reinforces the apple flavor that makes these fritters so inviting.

    Of course, apple fritters wouldn't be complete without a finishing toss in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture while still warm and fresh out of the oil, so that's the final bit of additional flavor these cute little fritters get!

    How to Make Apple Fritters

    This method is a pretty basic one where the dry ingredients are whisked together, and the wet ingredients are then gently folded in.

    It's also a yeast-free recipe, and quick to prepare!

    1. I begin by whisking together the flour, cream of wheat (farina), brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder and spices.
    2. To those dry ingredients I add a beaten egg, vanilla, and the apple cider, and fold them in; then, I fold in my finely diced apples.
    3. I bring my oil up to around 325°; and once hot, I drop tablespoon-size portions of the batter into the oil and allow them to fry until golden-brown, about 2 minutes. And I drain the apple fritters on a paper towel lined baking sheet.
    4. When slightly cooled (enough to handle), I add them to a large ziplock bag, sprinkle in my combo of sugar and cinnamon, and toss gently to coat them. (You can also go a different route and sprinkle over powdered sugar and dip the apple fritters into maple syrup—so good!)
    5. Then, I dig in—with fresh, hot coffee, of course!

    Apple Fritters | thecozyapron.com

    Tips & Tidbits for Apple Fritters:

    • "Them" apples: I use a combo of honeycrisp and granny smith apples for this recipe, as one offers sweetness and one some tartness!
    • Cream of wheat (farina) for a light texture: I've found that using equal parts flour and cream of wheat to be a great way to go for a tender, fluffy result for these apple fritters. They've got some substance, but they're not heavy.
    • Unfiltered apple cider: The addition of unfiltered apple cider in the batter creates extra moisture and offers more apple flavor—so sweet and delicious!
    • Toss with cinnamon sugar, or sprinkle with powdered sugar: When I'm more in the mood to enjoy a slightly more spiced apple fritter, one that reminds me of the flavor of apple cider donuts from an apple farm, I toss these fritters in cinnamon-sugar mixture. I also enjoy sprinkling them with powdered sugar, and dipping in maple syrup as well!

    Feast your eyes on these, or just jump to the recipe:

    Apple Fritters | thecozyapron.com

    Apple Fritters | thecozyapron.com

    Apple Fritters | thecozyapron.com

    Recipe

    Apple Fritters

    by Ingrid Beer

    Print Friendly, PDF & EmailPrint Recipe
    Apple Fritters | thecozyapron.com
    Warm and fluffy, these fragrant apple fritters filled with fresh apples, spices and apple cider are a cozy and sweet treat!

    Category: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American

    Yield: 24-26 apple fritters

    Nutrition Info: 157 calories (per two fritters)

    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook time: 15 minutes
    Total time: 30 minutes

    Ingredients:

    • ¾ cup flour
    • ¾ cup cream of wheat (farina)
    • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
    • 1 egg, beaten
    • ¾ cup unfiltered apple cider (fresh-pressed style)
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 medium-large honeycrisp apple, peeled and diced very finely
    • ½ granny smith apple, peeled and diced very finely
    • Vegetable or peanut oil for frying (about 3-4 cups)
    • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • Powdered sugar (another option)
    • Maple syrup (another option)

    Preparation:

    -In a bowl, add the flour, cream of wheat, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and pumpkin pie spice, and whisk together to combine very well.

    -Next, add in the beaten egg, the apple cider and the vanilla, and using a spatula, combine the mixture just until well blended, but not overly worked; next, add in the finely diced apples and fold them into the batter until well combined.

    -Add the vegetable or peanut oil to a large pot, and heat the oil to 325 degrees; once the oil is hot, begin frying the apple fritters by dropping tablespoonfuls carefully into the hot oil, about 4 fritters per batch; use a slotted spoon (or wire spider) to continually move the fritters around in the hot oil to prevent them from getting too dark on one side, and fry for roughly 2 minutes, or until golden-brown and cooked through in the center.

    -Remove the apple fritters from the oil and place them onto a paper towel-lined baking sheet or bowl to drain; repeat the process until all are fried.

    -In a small dish or ramekin, combine the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with the ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and set side for a moment.

    -Add the warm fritters to a jumbo-sized zip lock bag, sprinkle in the cinnamon-sugar mixture over them and shake the bag to coat the fritters evenly. (Or, as an alternative, you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup.)

    -Serve while fresh and warm!

    Craving other apple treats? Check out these Apple Muffins, this Apple Cake, or this Apple and Brown Sugar Snickerdoodle Cake!

    Cook’s Note: This post was originally published in 2012, and has been updated with even more love!

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    About Ingrid Beer

    Ingrid obtained her Culinary Arts degree in 2005 after graduating with honors from the California School of Culinary Arts (Le Cordon Bleu program) in Pasadena, CA.

    She has had the pleasure and privilege of being the Executive Chef for two substance abuse facilities in Malibu, Ca., as well as a personal chef for private clients.

    More about Ingrid →

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kari@Loaves and Dishes

      September 24, 2012 at 1:31 pm

      On the one hand I think it's great that these are small little treats, maybe I'll be a good girl and have just one. On the other hand these are small little treats and I will probably pop them into my mouth one after another! Yummo!

      Reply
      • The Cozy Apron

        September 24, 2012 at 2:55 pm

        Kari, I'll let you know in advance that it'll most likely be the latter with these cuties - I speak from experience!

        Reply
    2. Mold Inspections Chicago

      September 25, 2012 at 4:11 pm

      OMG- I love fall for this reason right here... apple recipes!!!

      Reply
    3. Julia

      September 25, 2012 at 4:50 pm

      What a great Fall treat! Love discovering new apple recipes by browsing pictures on FoodGawker :).

      Reply
    4. Terra

      September 25, 2012 at 9:08 pm

      There is something wonderful about Fall, the best part is of course cooking with apples and pumpkin! These look delicious, Take care, Terra

      Reply
      • The Cozy Apron

        September 26, 2012 at 5:57 am

        Thanks, Terra.

        Reply
    5. Peggy

      September 30, 2012 at 9:08 am

      I can see myself snacking on these multiple times this season!

      Reply
    6. Kasia

      December 18, 2012 at 11:06 am

      sounds like lovely treat! I could eat those all year round!

      Reply
      • The Cozy Apron

        December 18, 2012 at 2:52 pm

        Thanks Kasia - I couldn't agree with you more about eating these all year round. Why not? 😉

        Reply
    7. Dawn

      September 03, 2013 at 1:10 am

      Not sure which I love more - cider mill donuts or apple fritters, but your apple fritters sound wonderfully delicious. Am curious to know which cider mill had apple fritters, might have to take a little road trip and see if they still make them.

      Reply
      • The Cozy Apron

        September 03, 2013 at 3:16 pm

        Thanks so much, Dawn! The mill I used to go to when I was really young was one in Lake Orion, Mi.; somehow, I doubt it's still there. Who knows? But if you're fan of apple season & all the goodies it provides, you may just need to sample these little treats!

        Reply
    8. Dawn

      September 04, 2013 at 11:02 am

      Lake Orion is 15 minute trip, will google and see if I can find, thanks!

      Reply
    9. Teri

      September 07, 2013 at 5:44 pm

      I was wondering if these could be baked instead of fried. Hubby had a heart attack last year so trying not to do fried stuff but these sound so yummy..

      Reply
      • The Cozy Apron

        September 08, 2013 at 9:15 am

        Hi Teri! Unfortunately, these can't be baked, as this is a batter-type recipe.

        Reply
    10. Heather @ French Press

      November 02, 2013 at 7:09 pm

      these looks AMAZING! definitely going to give these a try

      Reply
    11. Jean

      October 22, 2014 at 2:21 pm

      What gluten free substitute would you suggest for the "Cream of Wheat"?

      Reply
    12. The Cozy Apron

      October 22, 2014 at 6:36 pm

      Hi Jean, since I wasn't certain, I quickly looked it up and found that the same company that makes Cream of Wheat also makes "Cream of Rice", which is a gluten-free alternative/hot cereal. I think that should work —it's basically for a bit of texture, anyway. Thanks for your question!

      Reply
    13. Becky R.

      November 15, 2014 at 5:00 pm

      I would like to make these, but was wondering if I should use dry Cream of Wheat, or prepared Cream of Wheat?

      Reply
      • The Cozy Apron

        November 16, 2014 at 10:52 am

        Hi Becky, dry (or uncooked) Cream of Wheat is what the recipe calls for—better to ask! I hope you enjoy these!

        Reply
    14. Jessica

      December 21, 2015 at 6:01 am

      Can these be made ahead and frozen then reheat in oven?

      Reply
      • The Cozy Apron

        December 23, 2015 at 3:17 pm

        Hi Jessica! I would recommend that you enjoy these fresh rather than frozen and defrosted; not sure what the texture would be like. 😉

        Reply

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    Welcome to The Cozy Apron — so glad to have you as a guest at my table! Here's where I share my passion for food, people and life through my culinary creations and my writing; and where my husband shares his love for food photography and all things visual.

    More about Ingrid →

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