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This applesauce fritters recipe is everything we love about fall: sweet, warm, spiced goodness! The fritters are speckled with fresh apple pieces and have golden, crispy edges and a soft, fluffy center.
They’re a delicious addition to your fall desserts lineup or Christmas brunch spread, adding a little sweetness and spice that everyone will love!
The fritters are tossed in a three-ingredient maple glaze and (optionally) dusted with powdered sugar, making them extra special and sweet!
The best part? They’re super easy to whip up. Simply mix the batter, drop it in hot oil, and glaze. You’ll want to make these all season long. Now, let’s get frying and bring a little sweetness to your day! 🍏
More Recipes To Try:
– Pumpkin Cake Squares with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
– Pecan Shortbread Bars [Chocolate and Maple Syrup]
– Carrot Cake Loaf [Healthier Protein + Fiber Recipe]
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Applesauce Fritters Recipe
Table of contents
What are Applesauce Fritters?
Applesauce fritters are small, deep-fried treats made with a batter that incorporates applesauce as a key ingredient.
They are sweet, tender, and slightly spiced, making them the best comfort food, especially in the fall and winter months when apples are abundant!
If you’ve ever had an apple cider donut, these fritters are similar (but fluffier and less dense). Either way, they are so delicious!
The Ingredients
Apple fritters are made of simple ingredients you most likely already have in your pantry! Here is a breakdown of each ingredient:
- Unsweetened Apple Sauce: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and apple flavor to the batter.
- An Apple: Provides pops of fresh apple flavor and texture. I use Granny Smith because they’re tart, which complements the sweetness, but any apple will work!
- Milk: Helps create a smooth batter consistent for even mixing. I use whole milk, but any milk will do.
- Substitution: Buttermilk can replace milk for a slightly tangy flavor and extra moisture. Its acidity also reacts with the baking soda, creating an even lighter, fluffier texture. So little is needed (only 1/4 cup), so I usually just use regular milk unless I have buttermilk made.
- Substitution: Buttermilk can replace milk for a slightly tangy flavor and extra moisture. Its acidity also reacts with the baking soda, creating an even lighter, fluffier texture. So little is needed (only 1/4 cup), so I usually just use regular milk unless I have buttermilk made.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the applesauce fritters with a warm, sweet undertone!
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the fritters.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base ingredient that provides structure and helps create the fritters’ texture.
- Sugar (Brown and White): Adds sweetness, of course! Brown sugar also contributes a hint of molasses flavor and moisture.
- Spices (Cinnamon and Nutmeg): Infuse the applesauce fritters batter with warm, aromatic flavors that complement the apple.
- Fine Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness of the fritters and enhances the overall flavor. Fine sea salt dissolves easily into the batter, ensuring even seasoning without leaving a gritty texture!
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Leavening agents that create light and fluffy fritters.
How To Make Apple Fritters
Prepare the Batter
Heat oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (177°C). In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In a second bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Slowly mix wet into dry, being careful not to overmix. Fold in finely diced apples.
Make the Maple Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup in a bowl. Set aside until the fritters are ready to glaze.
Fry the Fritters
Drop batter into the hot oil a few at a time. Fry for about 5 minutes, flipping and moving them for even browning. Remove using a mesh strainer or slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Glaze and Finish
While the next batch fries, toss the slightly cooled fritters in the maple glaze. Place them on a wire rack to set. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm.
Applesauce Fritters FAQ
Yes, you can absolutely use homemade applesauce for applesauce fritters! Actually, it might make your fritters taste even better because homemade applesauce has a fresher, more vibrant flavor. Make sure your applesauce isn’t too watery, as you don’t want to add extra moisture to the fritters. The recipe has just the right amount. If it’s thin, you can cook it down in a pot with the lid off to slightly thicken it.
Yes! You can add raisins, dried cranberries, nuts, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or carrots. Chop everything small and fold in gently.
The choice of oil plays an essential role in making perfect apple fritters. It should have a high smoke point to ensure the fritters fry evenly without burning.
Neutral oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, and sunflower oil are classic options because they allow the flavor of the fritters to shine! However, I try to use these oils seldom as they are refined and highly processed.
For a healthier alternative, avocado oil is my favorite choice. It has a high smoke point of around 520°F (271°C) along with a mild flavor, making it perfect for frying up some apple fritters! Read more about the health benefits of avocado oil here.
You will need a lot of oil (half a gallon). Avocado oil is healthier but also much more expensive. You should use whatever you like based on your budget and preferences, as long as it is a neutral oil with a high smoke point that is meant for frying!
Yes. Cool completely, strain through a fine mesh strainer, and store in an airtight container. Reuse for similar sweet fried foods.
You can make applesauce fritters healthier with a few simple substitutions and adjustments! Here are some ideas:
Use Whole Wheat Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat or a mix of both for added fiber.
Reduce or Replace Sugar: The fritters themselves (without the glaze) really aren’t that sweet, but you can cut back on the sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
Bake instead of Frying: Bake the fritters in the oven at 375 degrees F/190 degrees C for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Brush them lightly with olive oil in the middle of baking once they rise a bit to help them crisp up!
These are just general guidelines. I haven’t tried these substitutions; however, I’m sure you can make it work with some experimentation if you want a healthier applesauce fritters version.
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for the best texture.
Yes. Flash freeze first, then store in a freezer-safe container. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (177°C) until warm and crisp.
Whether you’re enjoying these applesauce fritters as a sweet addition to Thanksgiving, a festive breakfast on Christmas morning, or a cozy snack, they’re sure to please!
I’m looking forward to making them for my family the next time I’m home in New York. They’re my mom’s favorite!
I hope you enjoy the applesauce fritters recipe as much as we do. 🫶🏽🍏
I’d love to hear about your experience with these apple fritters! Please leave a question or recipe review, get in touch via email, and follow me on social media, which I have linked below.
You can also subscribe to the Heavenly Spiced email list to stay updated on new recipes, giveaways, life updates, and more! Hope to see you there. – Jenna 😊💌
Applesauce Fritters Recipe [Quick and Easy]
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters 1x
Description
Homemade glazed applesauce fritters are bursting with fresh apple pieces! Perfectly soft, fluffy, and packed with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The sweet maple glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, baking for the holidays, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or craving a cozy dessert, these fritters are quick, easy, and irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Applesauce Fritters:
- 1/2 gallon oil, for frying (see above for options)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons white sugar (I use raw cane)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup apple (I use Granny Smith), small dice
- 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Maple Glaze (optional: make double to double-glaze/extra drizzle):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
Extra:
- powdered sugar (optional but recommended – for dusting)
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
- First, heat the oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven (or a deep fryer if you have one) to 350 degrees F/177 degrees C. Gather two mixing bowls. To the first bowl, add the dry ingredients (flour, sugars, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda). To the second bowl, add the wet ingredients (applesauce, egg, milk, vanilla extract). Whisk the dry ingredients first, then the wet ingredients. Small dice the apple.
- Now, slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking or stirring as you add it. Be gentle with the batter and don’t overmix it or it will lose its air pockets and puffiness that we’re looking for!
- Gently fold in the diced apple pieces.
- Now, make the glaze (double the recipe if you want to double-toss them or drizzle more on after tossing). Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup. Set this aside until we’re ready to glaze the applesauce fritters.
- Ensure the oil is heated to right around 350 degrees F before dropping the fritters in the oil (only about 4 at a time to avoid overcrowding). Try to maintain the 350 degrees F/177 degrees C temperature (I like to use this instant-read thermometer) by adjusting the heat on the stove up and down as needed. I usually spoon about 2 tablespoons of the batter for each fritter. This makes 12 larger fritters. You can also make them smaller, just drop less for each fritter. Any spoon will work but I find it easiest to use a spoon with a big dip in it (something like this) and use a rubber spatula to push it off the spoon in one swoop. The applesauce fritters aren’t meant to be perfectly shaped so don’t worry if they’re all different shapes!
- Line one baking sheet or plate with paper towels, and one with a cooling rack. Fry the fritters for about 5 minutes or until they are a deep golden-brown color. You can leave them in until they’re pretty dark (not burnt!) for a crispier bite. I use a small fine mesh strainer to move them around and flip them over as they fry to ensure they are cooking and browning evenly. The strainer also makes it easy to remove them from the oil. Try to shake off any excess oil. Alternatively, you can use a slotted spoon.
- As the fritters are done frying, place them on the paper towel and allow them to cool for a minute or two. In the meantime, begin frying more applesauce fritters. While those are frying, add the slightly cooled fritters to a bowl, drizzle with some glaze, and toss. Place the glazed fritters on the wire rack. Repeat this process until all of the fritters are coated.
- You can serve the applesauce fritters right away or wait for them to cool (the glaze will harden)! If you decide to double the glaze recipe, drizzle extra on top or toss them again once the first layer cools. Dust with powdered sugar using a small fine mesh strainer (if using). Enjoy!!!
Equipment
5 Gallon Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid
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Cutting Board (Handmade from Etsy)
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Buy Now → Notes
- If you want to drizzle extra glaze after you toss the applesauce fritters, or double-toss them for extra sweetness, make another half or full glaze recipe. A half recipe would be 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup!
- Please scroll above the recipe card for the Applesauce Fritters FAQ! What oil to use, different mix-in options, and more.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Breakfast and Brunch, Fall Recipes, Snacks and Desserts. Vegetarian
- Method: Deep Fry
- Cuisine: American
This looks amazing. Will definitely try.
Thanks so much, Monika! I hope you do give the Apple fritters a try and love them. 🙂
OMG, I love applesauce fritters! I hate to butcher them, so I’ve never tried making them at home. Love this easy recipe—I’ll be making it this winter.
Niru, yes!! Applesauce fritters are the best. Like little apple cider donuts but somehow better. This recipe is super easy to follow and I’m sure it will resemble your favorite apple fritter! I hope you love my recipe and would love your feedback once you try it this winter! Thank you 😊
You hooked me at fritters. I have had apple fritters in past but it is not as unique looking as yours. Wish I had this recipe 2 weeks ago when I threw out 2 containers of apple sauce. The tips on not crosstaminating reused avocato oil
and reheating the fritters frozen were thought provoking but valuable information. Will be tagging you when I make these fritters. Another great one Jenna. You should write a blog on your background in becoming a cooking sensation
Next time you have leftover applesauce you’ll have to give the apple fritters a try, Kevin! I’m so glad you found my tips helpful. Your kind words mean a lot, thanks so much! You are a wonderful cook as well!
looks absolutely yum! I love how simple yet comforting the recipe is. Adding applesauce sounds like the perfect way to make them moist and flavorful.
Thanks so much, Jais! You are exactly right. 🙂
These look amazing honey! And I’m going to keep you to your promise for making these when you come home to visit! Everything you make is delicious, but these are my favorite! Love mom❤️
I can’t wait for you to try them, Mommy! Love you 🖤🖤🖤
Can’t wait to try! Thanks for sharing.
I hope you love the applesauce fritters, Beth!
Ooo This sounds so delicious!
Thanks so much, Elisa! They are super delicious. 🙂
This applesauce fritters recipe looks mouth wateringly delicious! Love to try it this weekend!
I’m so glad you’re loving the thought of the applesauce fritters, Hari! Please let me know what you think of the recipe if you decide to make them. 🙂
I am drooling. I HAVE to make these this weekend.
Did you end up trying the applesauce fritters, Stacey? I’d love to know what you thought of them! I hope you love the recipe. 🙂
I made them on Saturday and they were worth the wait. I am excited to go check out your other recipes.
That’s wonderful to hear, Stacey! Thank you for trying my recipe. So glad you loved the fritters!
I loved your smart tips for saving the oil and using again for a similar style sweet treat. Also, mixing in some apple chunks is such a great idea for adding some texture. My favorite tip you shared though was using homemade applesauce. So brilliant! This would enhance the flavors so perfectly!
Thanks so much for your feedback, Heidi! I’m glad you enjoy my tips and the addition of apple chunks. The applesauce fritters are truly special! I hope you love the recipe. 🙂
These homemade glazed applesauce fritters are absolutely delish! I love the fresh apple pieces and the yummy sweet treat! Great tips on storing the oil again, too!
I’m so happy you’re loving the applesauce fritters, Debbie! Yes, it’s always nice to be able to reuse things like oil. Thank you for stopping by! 🙂