There’s something undeniably special about apple fritters. They evoke images of bustling autumn fairs, the scent of crisp apples mingling with warm cinnamon, and the delight of a sweet, crispy bite. As a child, my family had a tradition of visiting a local orchard each fall. The highlight of those trips was always the apple fritters from the farm stand. The simple joy of biting into a warm, freshly fried fritter, covered in a sweet glaze, is a memory I cherish.
Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that brings those nostalgic flavors right into your kitchen. These Big Apple Fritters are everything you remember: golden, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and generously coated with a luscious glaze. Perfect for a weekend treat, a special breakfast, or a cozy snack, this recipe will fill your home with the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon. Whether you’re reliving fond memories or creating new ones, these fritters are sure to delight.
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/3 cup milk
2 eggs
3 tablespoons applesauce
2 large Granny Smith or Honey Crisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Canola oil, for frying
For the Glaze:
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
Set Up for Frying:
Place cooling racks over baking sheets covered in wax paper. This setup will catch any drips and help keep your fritters crisp as they cool.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This combination forms the base of your fritter batter and ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
Prepare Wet Ingredients:
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the 1/3 cup milk, eggs, and applesauce. Mix gently until the batter is just combined. Over-mixing can result in tough fritters, so be careful to stir just until the ingredients come together.
Incorporate Apples:
Fold in the diced apples. Use a spatula to gently mix the apples into the batter. The apples should be evenly distributed but avoid over-mixing.
Frying the Fritters
Heat the Oil:
In a heavy cast iron skillet, Dutch oven, or deep fryer, heat 1 ½ to 2 inches of canola oil to 375°F (190°C). Using a candy thermometer can help you maintain the correct temperature, which is crucial for achieving crispy fritters.
Fry the Fritters:
Drop about 1/4 cup of batter per fritter into the hot oil. Gently spread the batter out as you drop it to form a rough disc shape. Fry the fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy fritters.
Cook each side until golden brown, approximately 2 minutes per side. The fritters should be crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Use a slotted spoon to carefully flip the fritters and ensure even cooking.
Drain and Cool:
Remove the cooked fritters from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. This step helps maintain their crispiness and prevents them from becoming greasy.
Making the Glaze
Prepare the Glaze:
In a large bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 cup milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a little more confectioners’ sugar.
Glaze the Fritters:
Dunk each fritter into the glaze, turning it over to ensure both sides are coated. Allow any excess glaze to drip off before placing the fritters on the wire racks. The glaze will set as it air dries, forming a sweet, glossy coating.
Variations and Substitutions
Spice It Up: For a twist on the classic cinnamon flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dry ingredients. This can give your fritters an extra layer of complexity.
Apple Varieties: Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, but Honey Crisp apples work well too, providing a sweeter, juicier flavor.
Batter Additions: For added texture, consider mixing in a handful of chopped nuts or raisins to the batter. These can complement the apples and add an extra crunch.
Healthier Options: If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of sugar and use a non-stick cooking spray for frying instead of oil. Baking the fritters in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes might also work, though the texture will differ from the traditional fried version.
Glaze Variations: Experiment with different flavorings in the glaze, such as almond extract or citrus zest. You can also use maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness.
Conclusion
Big Apple Fritters are more than just a treat—they’re a delightful experience that combines crispy texture, warm apple flavors, and a sweet glaze. This recipe brings together the best of autumn’s bounty and classic comfort food. The process of making these fritters allows for creativity, whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your own twist.
The rich aroma of these fritters as they fry, the anticipation of that first bite, and the joy of sharing them with friends and family make this recipe truly special. Whether served as a sweet breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, Big Apple Fritters are sure to become a cherished favorite in your home. Enjoy the process, savor each bite, and relish the memories you’ll create along the way.
