Introduction

Apple fritter donuts are a deliciously spiced fried treat filled with tender chunks of apple and coated in a sweet glaze. These homemade fritters combine a soft, yeasted dough with a cinnamon apple filling for a classic bakery-style delight.

Ingredients

1 cup 2% milk (warmed to about 120º-125º Fahrenheit)
1/2 cup salted butter (melted)

2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt
4 to 4 1/2 cups bread flour

2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (Red Star Platinum Superior Baking Yeast recommended)
6 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and chopped, about 6 medium apples)
3/4 cup granulated sugar (for apple filling)

1/4 cup apple juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon salted butter (for apple filling)
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
1/4 cup heavy cream (for glaze)

1/4 cup apple juice (for glaze)
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
1/2 teaspoon salt (for glaze)

1 quart vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, pour in the warm milk, eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Add 2 cups of flour and the yeast. Mix with the beater blade just until combined.
Step 2: Add another 2 cups of flour and mix again until barely combined. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes so the flour absorbs the liquids. Remove the beater blade.

Step 3: Attach the dough hook and knead on medium speed, adding up to 1/2 cup more flour if needed, for 5-7 minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth but still slightly tacky.
Step 4: Spray a large bowl with cooking spray. Transfer the dough to the bowl, cover with a towel or wax paper, and let rise in a warm spot until nearly doubled in size.
Step 5: For the apple filling, place sliced apples and sugar in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for about 10 minutes until apples begin to soften.

Step 6: Whisk apple juice and cornstarch in a small cup. Add this slurry to the apples, stirring well. Then add cinnamon and butter. Cook until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat and cool completely.
Step 7: Turn the risen dough onto a well-floured surface and pat it into a 2-inch thick rectangle. Spread half of the cooled apple filling down the center, then fold the top and bottom over the filling. Turn so the folds are on the sides.
Step 8: Pat the dough into another 2-inch thick rectangle. Spread the remaining apple filling in the center and fold the dough over again.

Step 9: Let the dough rest while heating oil in a large Dutch oven or deep fryer to 375ºF.
Step 10: Roll the dough out to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 1-inch strips in both directions to make squares. Gather the dough pieces and form them into a 14-inch log.
Step 11: Slice the log into about 14 slices. Shape each slice into a ball that holds together, using extra flour if necessary. Allow the fritters to rest briefly while the oil heats.

Step 12: Heat vegetable oil to 375ºF. Fry 4 or 5 fritters at a time, careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and fry for another 4-5 minutes.
Step 13: Remove cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined rack and let drain. Repeat frying remaining fritters, maintaining oil temperature between batches.
Step 14: For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, apple juice, vanilla bean paste, and salt until smooth and pourable. Add more apple juice if needed for drizzling consistency.

Step 15: After fritters have cooled for about 5 minutes, dip them into the glaze or drizzle it generously over the warm fritters before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use Granny Smith apples for the perfect balance of tartness in the filling.
Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent at 375ºF to avoid greasy or undercooked fritters.

Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling for extra warmth and depth.
For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with margarine and the milk with a plant-based milk.

Storage

Store leftover apple fritter donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat gently in a warm oven or toaster oven to restore crispness. The glaze may soften after refrigeration, so fresh dipping or drizzling before serving is recommended.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. This slow rise will deepen the flavor. Bring the dough to room temperature before shaping and frying.

Can I bake the apple fritters instead of frying?

While frying gives the traditional crispy texture, you can bake them at 375ºF for about 15-20 minutes until golden. They will be less crispy but still delicious.