Apple bread is one of my favorite sweet breads in the whole wide world. Our apple pies made with cake mix mixed with juicy apples are the best homemade treat! A sweet glaze sends these pies over the top and may even remind you of a stuffed funnel cake. But the best of course! Which part is best? You can have this adorable apple pie in front of you in 30 minutes!
Yes, I am partial to banana and pumpkin loaves, too, but there is just something special about a sweet big apple bread that gets my heart pounding. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of the apple orchard I used to go to as a young girl. I always loved going to this place. The smells of the cider and cinnamon doughnuts cooking were heavenly. Do you have any childhood memories that are invoked by food?
Why You’ll Love These Apple Fritters
These apple fritters are light, fluffy, and filled with sweet apple flavor. The dough is soft and pillowy, while the applesauce center adds a burst of fruity goodness. Coated in a delicate layer of sugar, they’re the perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and comforting.
The Complete Recipe: Apple Fritters
Prep Time: 20 minutes + rising time | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 8-10 fritters
Ingredients
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200 g flour
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1 egg
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90 g milk
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40 g butter, softened
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1 sachet dehydrated baker’s yeast
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30 g sugar
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1 sachet vanilla sugar
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Applesauce (for filling)
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Crystal sugar (for coating)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, pour the flour, dry yeast, powdered sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix to combine, then dig a well in the center. Pour in the egg, milk, and soft butter cut into cubes.
Knead the dough for several minutes until you obtain a homogeneous ball that comes away from the sides of the bowl. Cover with a clean cloth and let the dough rest at room temperature for 2 hours, until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the dough using a rolling pin. Cut out discs of dough using a cookie cutter or a glass. Arrange the discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let stand for about 1 hour to rise again.
Step 3: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush each fritter with milk. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 4: Coat
Immediately after removing from the oven, place the hot fritters in a bowl of cold water for just a moment. This creates a moist surface for the sugar to adhere to. Immediately coat them generously with crystal sugar.
Step 5: Fill
Place the applesauce in a piping bag fitted with a thin nozzle or in a syringe. Generously fill each fritter with applesauce by inserting the tip into the side and piping until filled.
Step 6: Enjoy
Serve immediately and enjoy these delightful apple-filled treats!
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Fritters
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Dough Rising: Be patient with the rising time. A full 2 hours ensures light, airy fritters.
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Water Dip: The quick dip in cold water after baking is a classic technique that helps the sugar coating stick and creates a slightly chewy exterior.
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Filling Options: While applesauce is traditional, you can also use apple butter, cinnamon sugar, or even pastry cream.
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Serve Fresh: These fritters are best enjoyed the day they’re made, while still fresh and soft.
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Warm Serving: For the ultimate experience, serve them slightly warm so the applesauce filling is soft and comforting.
Delicious Variations
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Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Mix crystal sugar with ground cinnamon for extra warmth.
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Apple Pie Filling: Use thick apple pie filling instead of applesauce for chunkier texture.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce after filling.
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Nutty Addition: Add finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the sugar coating.
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Spiced Applesauce: Stir a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg into the applesauce before filling.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a cup of hot coffee or teafor a perfect afternoon treat
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Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice creamfor an indulgent dessert
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Enjoy for breakfast with a glass of cold milk
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Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation
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Drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness
Storage
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They may soften but will still be delicious.
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Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to restore freshness.
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Freezing: Unfilled fritters can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw, then warm and fill before serving.
Conclusion: A Taste of Childhood Memories
These Apple Fritters are more than just a recipe—they’re a connection to sweet memories of apple orchards, fall days, and the comforting smell of cinnamon and apples. With their soft, pillowy dough and sweet applesauce center, they’re guaranteed to bring a smile to faces of all ages.
Whether you’re recreating childhood memories or making new ones, these fritters are a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire. Simple, delicious, and utterly satisfying.