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Old Fashioned Apple Fritter Recipe with Salted Caramel Glaze Recipe

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4 from 4 reviews

This Old Fashioned Apple Fritter recipe features crispy, golden fried dough filled with sweet honeycrisp apples, topped with a luscious salted caramel glaze that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors. A classic treat that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside, ideal for breakfast or dessert.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Fritter Dough

  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ⅔ cup whole milk (warmed to 110-115°F)
  • 1 tbsp salted butter (melted)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 3 honeycrisp apples (peeled, cored, and diced into ¼ inch chunks)

Salted Caramel Glaze

  • 1 cup soft caramel bits
  • Splash of water (to melt the caramel bits)
  • Finishing salt (to sprinkle on fritters)

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil: Begin by heating vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottom pot to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is crucial for getting the fritters crispy without absorbing too much oil.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, ground ginger, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the warmed milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla bean paste until uniform.
  4. Make Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the fritters tender.
  5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced honeycrisp apples into the batter using a baking spatula, ensuring even distribution without breaking the apple pieces.
  6. Fry the Fritters: Using a 1/4 cup measuring spoon, carefully drop 2-3 fritters into the hot oil at a time, maintaining the oil temperature around 375°F. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until deep golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to transfer fritters to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain.
  8. Melt Caramel: While frying, melt the caramel bits with a splash of water in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and melted.
  9. Glaze the Fritters: After fritters have cooled slightly and can be handled, dip them into the warm caramel glaze.
  10. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle a light amount of finishing salt over the caramel-coated fritters and serve them warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Maintaining the oil temperature at 375°F is key for crispy fritters that are not greasy.
  • Use room temperature eggs and warmed milk for best batter consistency.
  • Honeycrisp apples provide a sweet, crisp texture but other firm sweet apples can be substituted.
  • Do not overcrowd the fryer to keep the oil temperature steady.
  • Allow fritters to cool for a few minutes before glazing to avoid melting the caramel too quickly.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American