The origin of apple fritters dates back to ancient times, where various cultures had their own versions of fried dough with fruit. However, the modern apple fritter, specifically made with apples, is believed to have originated in Europe during the medieval period. In medieval European cuisine, cooks would fry various foods, including fruits, in batter to create fritters.
Apples were a popular fruit choice for fritters due to their abundance and versatility in cooking. The concept of frying apple slices in batter likely spread across Europe, and as European immigrants settled in different parts of the world, they brought this culinary tradition with them.
The apple fritter recipe continued to evolve over the centuries, and by the 19th century, it had gained popularity in the United States, becoming a staple in American cuisine. Since then, apple fritters have become a beloved dessert and breakfast treat enjoyed in many cultures worldwide.
Here’s a simple recipe for making delicious apple fritters:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Then fold in the diced apples, making sure they are evenly distributed.
- In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry the fritters in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Optionally, dust the apple fritters with powdered sugar while they are still warm.
- Serve the apple fritters warm and enjoy!
Remember to be cautious while frying, and never leave hot oil unattended. Enjoy your homemade apple fritters! But for those of you that know me, I always take things a little further. Like why not Apple Fritter Bread?
Apple Fritter Bread
Ingredients
Brown Sugar/Cinnamon Mixture:
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Bread Loaf
• ½ cup butter softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs room temp
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ cup milk or almond milk room temp
Chopped Apple Mixture
• 2 large apples any kind, peeled and chopped small, but not fine. Then toss apples with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon just before adding it to the bread mixture.
Old-Fashioned Creme Glaze
• ½ cup of powdered sugar
• 1-3 tablespoons of milk or cream- depending on thickness of glaze wanted. For more apple fritter style like the apple fritter donut- use more milk for a thinner glaze that you can pour over the whole loaf.
Instructions
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use a 9×5-inch loaf pan and spray with non-stick spray or line with foil and spray with non-stick spray to get out easily for slicing.
• Mix ⅓ cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon together in a bowl. Set aside.
• Combine & whisk 1 & ½ cups flour and 1 & ¾ teaspoons baking powder together in another bowl and set aside.
• In another medium-sized bowl, beat ⅔ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup softened butter together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
• Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time until blended in; add in 1 & ½ teaspoons vanilla extract and mix in.
• Add the flour mixture into creamed butter mixture and mix until blended.
• Mix ½ cup milk into batter and continue mixing until smooth.
• Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan; add half the chopped apple mixture with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon added in and mix together.
• Sprinkle ½ of the brown sugar/cinnamon mixture you set aside earlier, on top of apple layer.
• Repeat Layer: Pour the remaining batter over apple layer and top with remaining chopped apples cinnamon/sugar mixture, then the remaining brown sugar/cinnamon mixture on top.
• Use a knife and swirl through the mixture a few times.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean, approximately 60 minutes.
• To make glaze, mix ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 to 3 tablespoons milk or cream together until well mixed. (Place mixture in microwave for 10 seconds to get it pourable if it needs a boost.)
• Let loaf rest in pan for about 15 minutes before removing from pan to let cool off completely on a cooling rack. Drizzle with glaze.
• If you want more glaze, make a double batch. :)
Notes
Optional: Add in ½ cup to 1 cup walnuts because YUM! You can always use other fresh fruits, or you could add in chocolate chips too! (Of course!)
Not Your Grams Kitchen 