These delicious applesauce fritters are a fun twist on traditional apple fritters, offering the same cozy flavors with a softer, cake-like texture. If you’re looking for a yeast-based version, try The Best Sourdough Discard Apple Fritters Recipe for another fall favorite. Made with real applesauce and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these fritters deliver rich apple flavors in every bite.
This easy recipe is also one of my favorite ways to use up extra apples—right up there with Sourdough Discard Apple Crumble Coffee Cake when I’m craving something cozy. Whether you enjoy them warm with a vanilla glaze or dusted in cinnamon sugar, these homemade fritters are the perfect nostalgic treat for fall.
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I’ve never really been much of a donut person. Growing up, my dad would treat us to Saturday morning goodies from a local bakery called Sandy’s Donuts. My usual pick? A donut with strawberry icing—definitely not chocolate, even back then. And while they were way better than the mouth-coating donuts you find on shelves today (anyone else notice that?), they still weren’t my favorite treat.
Even with all that bakery nostalgia, I never truly fell in love with donuts… until I started making my own. My Fresh Milled Whole Wheat Sourdough Discard Donuts and Whole Wheat Donuts with Fresh Milled Flour completely changed my mind. Now I have to pace myself—I could easily eat the whole batch!
After admitting to my mom that donuts had never been my go-to, she introduced me to something new: the fritter. One bite and I was hooked. Fritters quickly became my pastry of choice at the donut shop—and eventually in my own kitchen.
For a slight twist on the classic, be sure to check out my Sourdough Discard Apple Fritters Recipe—it’s a cozy, tangy variation that makes the most of your discard and delivers that perfect bakery-style crunch.
Ingredients for Applesauce Fritters Recipe
- 1 ½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (24g) packed brown sugar
- 1 whole egg
- 2 tablespoons (28g) butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon (1.5g) cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon (.5g) nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) salt
- ⅓ cup (85g) applesauce (unsweetened plain applesauce works best)
- ⅓ cup (78g) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon (4g) vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups chopped apples--about 1 large apple (We prefer Honey Crisp or Pink Lady but Granny Smith apples are delicious too!)
For Frying
- Oil for frying (We prefer to fry with coconut oil but a neutral oil like vegetable oil will work too.)
For the Simple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Apple Fritter Recipe
STEP 1: Core and chop apples into no bigger than ½ inch pieces, place in a small bowl then set them aside. Then, in a large bowl whisk milk, egg, softened butter, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla until well combined.
STEP 2: In a separate medium bowl, stir together the flour, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, and nutmeg. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the apple chunks.
STEP 3: In a deep pot or Dutch oven, heat 2–3 inches of oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is hot, drop in ¼ cup scoops of the fritter batter. Gently flatten each scoop with the back of a spoon or a potato masher.
STEP 4: Fry for about 2 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Transfer the fritters to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.
STEP 5: While they’re still warm, whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over the fritters or dip them directly into the glaze. Place on parchment paper or a wire rack to set. These apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh and warm!
Tips
- For best results make sure your oil stays at a consistent temperature for even cooking.
- For more of a cinnamon flavor swap out the regular applesauce for cinnamon applesauce!
- These are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven to crisp up again!
FAQs for Making the Best Applesauce Fritters
Can I make applesauce fritters without yeast?
Yes! This recipe is completely yeast-free, so there’s no rising or long wait times. The batter comes together quickly with baking powder for lift, giving the fritters a soft, cake-like texture.
What’s the difference between applesauce fritters and apple fritters?
Traditional apple fritters are made with chunks of fresh apple in a yeasted dough, like in my Sourdough Discard Apple Fritters Recipe. Applesauce fritters, on the other hand, use applesauce for flavor and moisture, resulting in a softer and more cake-like bite.
Can I bake applesauce fritters instead of frying them?
These fritters are best when fried for that golden, crispy exterior. Baking won’t give you the same texture, though you could try air frying for a lighter version.
What glaze works best for applesauce fritters?
A simple vanilla glaze is classic, but you can also dust them in cinnamon sugar or drizzle with maple glaze for extra fall flavor.
How should I store applesauce fritters?
Fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back some crispiness.
Can I freeze applesauce fritters?
Yes, once cooled, place fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
More Delicious Apple Recipes
Tried this recipe?
I would love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @idiesfarm and #idiesfarm so I can share your beautiful creation!
Amazing Applesauce Fritters with a Simple Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups 188g all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons 24g packed brown sugar
- 1 whole egg
- 2 tablespoons 28g butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon 1.5g cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon .5g nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon 1.5g salt
- ⅓ cup 85g applesauce (unsweetened plain applesauce works best)
- ⅓ cup 78g whole milk
- 1 teaspoon 4g vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups chopped apples--about 1 large apple We prefer Honey Crisp or Pink Lady but Granny Smith apples are delicious too!
For Frying
- Oil for frying We prefer to fry with coconut oil but a neutral oil like vegetable oil will work too.
For the Simple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Core and chop apples into no bigger than ½ inch pieces, place in a small bowl then set them aside. Then, in a large bowl whisk milk, egg, softened butter, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, stir together the flour, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, and nutmeg. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the apple chunks.
- In a deep pot or Dutch oven, heat 2–3 inches of oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is hot, drop in ¼ cup scoops of the fritter batter. Gently flatten each scoop with the back of a spoon or a potato masher.
- Fry for about 2 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Transfer the fritters to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.
- While they’re still warm, whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over the fritters or dip them directly into the glaze. Place on parchment paper or a wire rack to set. These apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh and warm!
Notes
-
- For best results make sure your oil stays at a consistent temperature for even cooking.
-
- For more of a cinnamon flavor swap out the regular applesauce for cinnamon applesauce!
-
- These are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven to crisp up again!
