Applesauce Fritters

Soft, spiced, and glazed to perfection—these homemade applesauce fritters are the fall treat you didn’t know you needed. With chunks of tart apple, a cinnamon-kissed batter, and a drizzle of vanilla glaze, these easy fritters fry up golden and irresistible in just 40 minutes.

 

There’s something magical about frying up a batch of fritters with fresh apple chunks in them on a cool morning—especially when they come together with cozy flavors like apples, cinnamon, and a sweet vanilla glaze.

This apple fritter recipe is one of my go-to treats when I want something warm, nostalgic, and seriously satisfying… fast. The batter mixes up in minutes (no mixer required!), and each bite is packed with soft apples and a hint of spice.

I first made this cozy treat on a whim with some cinnamon applesauce I had on hand—and they instantly became a family favorite. Whether you’re using up extra apples or just in the mood for something fried and fabulous, these warm fritters are the answer. They’re golden, crisp on the edges, and soft in the center—just the kind of comfort food you crave.

Why You’ll Love These Applesauce Fritters

• Made in under an hour—no yeast or rising time required!
• Perfectly spiced and glazed for that bakery-style finish.
• Great for using up extra apples or applesauce in your fridge.
• Fried to golden perfection with a soft, cakey center.
• Covered in a simple glaze after they are fried!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Fritters:

• Cinnamon applesauce – Adds flavor and moisture. You can use plain unsweetened applesauce and just increase the cinnamon by ¼ teaspoon.
• Egg – Make sure the egg is at room temperature. Here is my quick tutorial on how to bring eggs to room temperature fast.
• Milk – Whole milk is preferred, but non-dairy milk can work too.
• Vanilla extract 
• Unsalted butter, melted – Gives richness. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly.
• All-purpose flour – Spoon and level for accuracy or use a kitchen scale for best results.
• Granulated sugar 
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon – For warm spice. You can also add a pinch of other warm spices like nutmeg or allspice if you like.
• Salt 
• Fresh apples, peeled and diced – I like Granny smith apples for their tartness balances the sweetness. Other firm apples like Honeycrisp apples work too. Check out my article on what are the best apples for baking for more ideas!
• Oil for frying – Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• Powdered sugar – Sift for a smooth finish. If you have run out, you can make your own homemade powdered sugar!
• Milk – Adjust to desired consistency. Or you can use heavy cream. Or a plant-based milk.
• Vanilla extract 

How to Make Applesauce Fritters

Make the Fritters

Melt the butter and set aside to cool slightly.

 In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter.

 In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

 Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Fold in the diced apples. The fritter batter will be thick.

 Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles immediately.

 Drop scoopfuls of batter (about 2 heaping tablespoons each) into the hot oil, leaving some space between each fritter. Work in batches so the pan is not overcrowded.

 Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

 Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels, or paper towel lined plate.

Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Add milk gradually until desired consistency is reached.

 Once the fritters have drained, dip both sides into the glaze.

 Place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or a wire rack set over parchment paper to allow excess glaze to drip off.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If your applesauce is very sweet, you may want to reduce the sugar. But the sugar does keep the fritters moist and tender, so I would reduce the sugar only slightly (maybe try `1/4 cup)
•  Add some more spice! Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for a warm spice blend.
•  Peeled or unpeeled? Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness but you can use your favorite variety. You can peel them or leave the skins.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan! As this will lower the temperature of the oil resulting in greasy fritters. Work in batches.
• Adjust the milk in the glaze to reach your desired consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
• Add maple syrup! – To the vanilla glaze for a maple glaze instead!
• Skip the glaze. Instead of the glaze try covering them in cinnamon sugar or dust them with powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions

You can eat these homemade apple fritters warm topped with the glaze! They are lovely to enjoy with a cup of tea or hot cup of coffee. 

Or try with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or maybe my butter pecan ice cream? Or with a spoonful of whipped cream on top or maybe cinnamon whipped cream!

Storage Instructions

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm in the microwave in 15-second intervals or use a toaster oven or air fryer at a low temperature until heated through.

Freeze after frying and glazing. You can freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Recipe FAQs

More Recipes To Try

If you’re craving more apple desserts then be sure to try my apple crumb cake! With a buttery streusel on top and lots of fresh apples, it’s sure to be a hit!

Or try my apple cider cookies! They are hugely popular around the Fall. They are made with fresh apple chunks, and lots of cider in the dough and the glaze!