Apple Fritter Donuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings the flavors of classic apple fritters into a donut form, delivering a crisp exterior with a soft, airy interior and juicy apple bites. The dough is enriched with butter, eggs, and spices, giving it a tender texture, while the apple filling adds natural sweetness and a warm, comforting flavor. Finished with a simple glaze, these donuts are irresistible fresh from the fryer.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apple Filling:

• 5–6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks (about 4 cups)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup water or apple juice
• 2 tablespoons salted butter

Dough:

• 1/4 cup lukewarm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for shaping fritters
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 quarts oil for frying

Glaze:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup milk or cream

Directions

Make the Apple Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water or apple juice.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the apples are tender (about 10–12 minutes).
3. Stir in the butter and let the filling cool to room temperature.

Make the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine milk, eggs, melted butter, remaining sugar, salt, nutmeg, and yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

Assemble the Fritters:

1. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into squares or rounds.
2. Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each piece of dough. Fold or pinch the edges to seal the filling inside.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry fritters in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Make the Glaze:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk or cream to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
2. Dip warm fritters into the glaze or drizzle over the top. Allow to set for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12–16 apple fritter donuts. Prep time is 25–30 minutes, dough rising is 1–1.5 hours, and frying takes 20–25 minutes, making the total time roughly 2 hours.

Variations

• Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the apple filling for extra warmth.
• Use caramel sauce instead of glaze for a rich, decadent finish.
• Roll glazed fritters in cinnamon sugar while still warm for a crunchy coating.
• Substitute pears or mixed berries for the apple filling for a fruity twist.
• Make mini fritters for bite-sized treats perfect for parties or brunch.

Storage/Reheating

Apple fritter donuts are best enjoyed fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. To refresh, warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours after the first rise. Bring to room temperature before shaping.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, though they won’t have the same crispy exterior.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work best to hold their shape.

Can I freeze these fritters?

Yes, freeze before glazing. Reheat in the oven or microwave and then add glaze.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different.

Conclusion

Apple Fritter Donuts combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples, soft yeast dough, and sweet glaze into a treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with apple goodness, these homemade fritters are sure to impress family and friends alike.

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