Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters

There’s something truly special about the combination of apples, cinnamon, and a sweet, crispy bite. And I can’t wait to share with you one of my favorite fall treats: Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters! These little pillows of happiness are packed with tender chunks of apple, perfectly spiced, and rolled in a dreamy cinnamon-sugar coating. It’s like biting into a warm autumn day!

Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a sweet snack, or just something to satisfy your apple cravings, these fritters are anything but boring! Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up on a whim. Let’s get into it!

Ingredients

For the Fritters:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp table salt
• 2 tsp powdered cinnamon
• 1 tsp powdered allspice
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped, peeled apples (1/2 inch dice)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp powdered cinnamon
• 1 tsp powdered allspice

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters

1. Prepare the Oil

Fill a deep, heavy-duty pot with about 3 inches of vegetable oil and begin heating it over low heat. You want the oil to reach 350°F, which takes about 15-20 minutes, giving you plenty of time to make the batter. Keep an eye on the temperature while mixing your batter!

2. Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and allspice.

In a separate medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Once fully mixed, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Add the chopped apples and stir everything together with a spatula, mixing just until combined.

3. Set Up Your Frying Station

Before you start frying, set up a work area. Place a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet near the stove to drain the fritters. In a wide bowl, mix the cinnamon sugar coating so it’s ready for rolling, and set up a cooling rack on a baking sheet for the final fritters.

4. Fry the Fritters

Once your oil reaches 350°F, it’s time to fry! Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of the batter into the hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot – this keeps the oil from cooling too much. Fry each batch for about 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown all over.

Using a slotted spoon, remove the fritters from the oil and let them drain on the paper towels briefly. While the next batch is frying, roll the cooked fritters in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Then place them on the cooling rack.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

You can serve these delicious apple fritters as is, or pair them with a creamy apple cider dip for an extra kick of fall flavor! Either way, you’ll be in apple heaven.

Helpful Tips

• Use Firm Apples: Choose apples that hold their shape when cooked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Macoun.
• Keep It Clean: Rinse your spoon or cookie scoop between batches. It helps to get cleaner, more uniform fritters each time.
• Temperature is Key: Make sure your oil stays at 350°F. If the oil gets too cool, the fritters will absorb more oil and become greasy.

Substitutions and Variations

• Different Fruits: Swap out the apples for pears or even peaches for a fun twist!
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
• Sugar Glaze: For an extra layer of sweetness, you can drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze on top instead of rolling the fritters in cinnamon sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these fritters without buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’re good to go!

Can I bake these instead of frying them?

Fritters are traditionally fried for that crispy exterior, but you can try baking them in a 375°F oven. Use a donut pan or spoon the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still taste delicious!

How do I know if my oil is the right temperature?

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small piece of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the top quickly, the oil is ready. If it sinks or doesn’t bubble, the oil needs to be hotter.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or enjoy them cold if you like!

More Apple Recipes You’ll Love

• Pumpkin Crunch Cake Recipe

I hope you enjoy these cinnamon sugar apple fritters as much as I do! They’re a little bite of fall bliss, and I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you! Happy cooking!