Old Fashioned Applesauce Fritters Recipe
These old-fashioned apple fritters are made with applesauce for extra flavor and moisture, then fried to golden perfection in a Dutch oven. An easy, nostalgic treat that’s crisp on the outside and soft on the inside!
There’s something so comforting about the scent of cinnamon and apples drifting through the house on a crisp fall day—it’s one of my favorite things! As a mom who loves to slow down and savor the little things—especially when baking from scratch—these delicious applesauce fritters hold a special place in my heart.
They’re simple, nostalgic, and oh-so satisfying, making them the perfect treat after a day of apple picking or just when you want to bring a little autumn warmth indoors. You can never go wrong with apple desserts anytime of the year!
My apple fritter recipe has a slight twist compared to the traditional apple fritters you may be used to! This version uses applesauce for an extra layer of moisture and flavor. The result? A fritter that’s golden and crisp on the outside, soft and spiced on the inside, topped with a simple glaze. And best of all, they’re easy enough to whip up with the kids in the kitchen—my favorite kind of easy recipe!
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What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Simple ingredients – Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.
- A fun treat to fry up together – Perfect for a cozy weekend or spontaneous baking day.
- Great for fall – A lovely way to use up extra apples or enjoy the flavors of the season.
The Following Ingredients are Key
These fritters come together with pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients. Here are a few notes on what makes them extra special:
- Apples – There really isn’t a best type of apple–you can use any apple variety you like, but I personally love Pink Lady or Gala. They strike a great balance between sweet and crisp, and they hold up beautifully when fried.
- Maple Syrup – This is totally optional, but I love the added depth and natural sweetness it gives to the batter. It also pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon notes.
- Oil for Frying – I prefer to use avocado oil because it’s a bit healthier and has a high smoke point, but vegetable oil or canola oil will work just fine if that’s what you have on hand.
You can find a full list of ingredients in the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mix the Dry Ingredients—In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine the Wet Ingredients—In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, cinnamon applesauce, egg, vanilla extract, and (if using) maple syrup.
Make the Batter—Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix—just until everything is incorporated.
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Fold in Apples—Peel and finely chop your fresh apples (I love using Pink Lady or Gala), then gently fold them into the batter.
Prepare the Oil—Heat avocado oil or choice frying oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. The best way to know when it’s ready when a drop of batter sizzles as it hits the oil.
Fry the Fritters—Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter and carefully drop it into the oil. Flatten slightly with a spoon for even cooking. Fry in the hot oil for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Drain and Cool—Remove fritters using a large spoon or better yet a slotted spoon and place them on a wire cooling rack with paper towels underneath to drain any extra oil.
Glaze Time!—For best results, make the glaze while the fritters cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk or choice plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon to make your glaze. Dip the slightly warm fritters and return to the rack until the glaze sets at room temperature. If you want a thinner glaze, just add a bit more milk.
Tips for the Best Fritters
- Test the oil temperature before frying each batch. It should sizzle but not smoke.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp and reheat in a 325°F oven for best texture.
- Double the glaze if your crew loves a generous coating (like mine does!).
FAQs
Firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great for contrast, but I prefer sweet Pink Lady or Gala apples for this recipe.
Fritters are best fried for that crispy texture. Baking changes the structure, but you can experiment with muffin tins if you’re avoiding oil.
Yes! You can prep the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Fry them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
There’s something truly special about making a treat like this from scratch, especially when shared with the ones you love. These apple fritters remind me of simpler days and the joy of creating delicious memories in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to frying or a seasoned pro, I hope this recipe brings a little warmth and sweetness to your home, too.
More Apple Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Sourdough Apple Crisp Recipe
- Overnight Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Bread
- Sourdough Discard Apple Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel
Be sure to check the blog for more cozy apple treats—perfect for any time of year!
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If you make this recipe, please leave a rating on the recipe card below! I’d also love for you to tag me @autumn.chasingoursimple on Instagram so I can see what you’ve been baking!
Old Fashioned Apple Fritters Made with Applesauce
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sweetened cinnamon applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped apple peeled (about 2 small apples)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 cup avocado oil for frying
Fritter Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk more as needed
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- sprinkle or two of cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Whisk in milk, applesauce, egg, vanilla, and maple syrup together in a separate bowl and then pour wet ingredients into the dry.
- Stir together without overmixing
- Once the apple is peeled and chopped into small pieces, gently fold them into the batter.
- Prepare a large dutch oven for frying by adding avocado oil and heating the dutch oven to 350°F or medium heat. You’ll know the oil is hot enough when it starts to shimmer.
- Scoop 1/4 cup of applesauce fritter batter into the hot oil. Use a large spoon to spread out the batter. Shape doesn’t really matter but i like to flatten mine out so that they fry evenly.
- Fry for about 2 minutes and then carefully flip the fritters using a slotted spoon and fry for another 2 minutes or until the fritters are golden brown.
- Remove fritters from the oil and place them onto a wire rack with a cookie sheet underneath to drain. You can also use paper towels to absorb the extra oil.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Once the fritters have cooled enough to touch, dip them into the glaze and place them on the cooling rack until the glaze is set.
