Ingredients
Cooking spray
1/2 c. lukewarm milk
1/4 c. plus 1 tsp granulated sugar, divided
2 1/2 tsp. or 1 (0.25-oz.) package active dry yeast
2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 large egg
4 tbsp. butter, softened
1 apple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
2 tbsp. butter, melted
1 c. powdered sugar
2 tbsp. milk
Preparation
Step 1Grease a large bowl with cooking spray. In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, add lukewarm milk and 1 teaspoon sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit until frothy, about 10 minutes. Step 2In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine flour, brown sugar, remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add milk and yeast mixture, and egg. Mix at medium speed until a very soft dough forms, about 5 minutes. Step 3Increase mixer to medium-high speed and add softened butter a tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until dough pulls away from sides of bowl, about 15 minutes. Step 4Place dough on a well floured surface. Top with apples and knead dough until apples are mixed through and is no longer sticky, 5 minutes. Place dough in prepared bowl, cover with a clean towel and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 ½ hours. Step 5Preheat oven to 375°. Line two large baking sheets with parchment. Step 6Place dough on a floured surface and gently pat into a rectangle. Divide dough into 12 pieces. Cut each piece into 10 squares. Take 10 squares and form into a loose pile on top of prepared baking sheet to make 1 fritter. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover and let rise 30 minutes. Step 7Brush fritters with melted butter and bake until golden and dough is cooked through, 15 to 18 minutes. Step 8Let cool 10 minutes, then place on cooling rack. Step 9Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk. Spoon glaze over fritters and let set 10 minutes more before serving.
What are baked apple fritters made of?
Our apple fritters are made with a yeasted dough consisting of milk, yeast, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. While it’s beating in the mixer we toss in some butter to tenderize the dough. Once the dough has rested we knead the apples into it. The key here is to take pieces of the dough and piece them together to form an oblong mass. This gives the fritter it’s character.
How do you make fried fritters?
Typically a fritter is a non-yeasted dough that’s scooped and gently placed into hot oil. Other types of fritters include corn fritters or parmesan zucchini fritters.
Are apple fritters donuts?
They can certainly be considered as such. They are aren’t usually the yeast dough type of doughnut but the baking powder in the batter can help give them their rise. And, they might just be a littler simpler too. Typically fritters- depending on sweet or savory- will have a simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar on them once pulled from the fryer.
Made this recipe? Let us know in the comments below!
Editor’s Note: This recipe was updated on August 22, 2022.
