Cinnamon, spice and everything nice….this Easy Apple Fritter recipe is exactly what you’re looking for in a tasty breakfast treat. Crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior…just like a funnel cake but loaded with cinnamon and real apples.

Close up of apple fritter with a bite taken


Apple Fritters

I’m bringing to you one of my favorite things ever….Apple Fritters.  So simple but seriously amazing and addicting and it could be a problem because bathing suit season is just a couple weeks away.

But whatever…these are so amazing. And better than the version that inspired this recipe to begin with. AND believe it or not….that version is only available a few months out of the year from Britton’s Bakery at the Jersey Shore.

Let me tell you a bit about Britton’s Bakery…..everyone that frequents the town of Wildwood in the summer knows about this little gem.  Which is a bit of a problem when you’re trying to get your fix…you know, your donut/coffee fix at the crack of whatever time you roll out of bed.  And if you don’t get there early enough…they will run out.

Apple fritters on a cooling rack on a rustic white background with apples

What is an Apple Fritter?

Apple fritters are like little fried cakes or donuts made with a simple batter, crispy diced apples and spiked with cinnamon.

They can be pan fried or deep fried and then sprinkled with powdered sugar or glazed in a simple sugary glaze. Usually made in a yeast dough, this apple fritter is even easier because there’s no yeast involved at all!

Apple fritters with a bite taken on a marble platter

Ingredients for Apple Fritters

I love that my Apple Fritter recipe doesn’t require yeast and can be whipped up on a whim since you won’t have to wait for the dough to rise. They’re simple and fluffy.

  • Apples – I like to use Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith apples or a combination.
  • Cinnamon – You want the fall spice flavor and cinnamon is a staple in my kitchen but you can mix it up with Apple Pie or Pumpkin Pie Spice.
  • All Purpose Flour
  • Granulated Sugar – I’ve substituted white sugar for brown sugar and it’s a little sweeter with great richness.
  • Baking Powder – Instead of yeast, I like to use baking powder. It makes for a lighter, fluffier fritter.
  • Eggs – Large, room temperature eggs work best.
  • Milk
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Butter
Apple fritters piled in a metal basket with a white napkin.

How To Make Apple Fritters

These apple fritters are so simple to make. Unlike the version they serve up at Britton’s Bakery and many other bakeries for that matter, this recipe is made without yeast.

  1. Add all the ingredients to the mixing bowl.
  2. Stir to combine.
  3. Fry fritters by dropping spoonfuls of batter into the oil.
  4. Drain and dust with powder sugar.
  5. Serve warm!

They’re so, sooooooo good. Crisp on the outside, soft and tender on the inside. Just as they should be.

Apple fritters on a cooling rack with powdered sugar being dusted on top.

Is an Apple Fritter healthy?

Well, that depends on your definition….calorie wise I would say not because they are fried in oil but they are definitely healthier than those that you find at a bakery.

If you’re looking for a mood booster….these apple fritters will definitely improve your mood….which I guess you could say is good for your mental health. 🙂

You could also make BAKED Apple Fritters but, honestly, they’re not going to be as good.

Now let me say, this was a process….I made several versions before I settled on this Old Fashioned Apple Fritter recipe.  I made a version with a yeast dough that required proofing…and I was impatient so I whipped up a version without yeast.  It’s glorious….light and airy like a funnel cake laced with cinnamon and specked with apple.

Close up of apple fritter with a bite taken

How To Serve Apple Fritters

While these easy Apple Fritters are great just dusted with powdered sugar, they’re also amazing with whipped cream and vanilla ice cream.

Serve alongside a cup of coffee or with an Espresso Martini for dessert!

More Easy Apple Recipes

They take just a few minutes to make and would be amazing as a side for your morning cold brew.

For more easy family friendly recipes, follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Apple fritters on a cooling rack on a rustic white background with apples

Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Fritters Recipe

Yield: 36 fritters
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Super easy to make Apple Fritters recipe is made without yeast so there’s no need to wait for them to rise! So simple and so tasty!
5 from 8 votes
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Ingredients

For the apple filling:

  • 2 large apples, peeled, cored and diced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons Dixie Crystals Granulated Sugar

For the Fritter batter:

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Dixie Crystal Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Extract
  • 2 Tablespoons melted butter
  • Oil for frying

Equipment

  • 1 dutch oven
  • 1 baking rack

Instructions 

  • In a medium bowl, toss together the apples, cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon until combined. Set aside.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla and butter. Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the flour mixture until just combined. Fold in the apples.
  • Heat a few inches of canola oil in a heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, drop a small amount of batter into the oil to test. If it sizzles immediately and begins to float, the oil is ready. If it begins to burn quickly, turn the heat down.
  • Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the oil, 4-5 at a time. Allow the batter to cook for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Using a fork, flip the fritters over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon or wire spider, scoop out the fritters and transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining batter.
  • Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Video

https://youtu.be/vx0Kp70P8eI

Notes

Apple Fritters are best enjoyed soon after frying. To reheat leftover fritters, arrange on a baking sheet and heat in a 350˚F oven for 5-10 minutes or until warm and crispy.
Serving: 1g, Calories: 58kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 11mg, Sodium: 77mg, Potassium: 97mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 47IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 41mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Kellie
Course: Baking, Breakfast, brunch, Snack
Cuisine: American