Mom’s Apple Fritters Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy treat that tastes like pure nostalgia, Mom’s Apple Fritters deserve a top spot in your kitchen. This recipe captures everything we love about fall: juicy, sweet apples enrobed in a crisp, golden batter, with a warm coating of cinnamon sugar that crackles with every bite. They’re a family favorite for a reason—handed down, lovingly battered up, and always devoured while still warm from the fryer. There’s something magical about the way these fritters fill the house with the scent of apples and spice, and I can’t wait for you to try them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, but each one has a crucial part to play in creating the perfect Mom’s Apple Fritters. Every element, from the apples to the cinnamon sugar, builds flavor, texture, and a bit of joy into every bite.

• Vegetable oil for frying: Use a neutral oil for the best crispiness; heat stability is key here for golden brown results.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the batter, giving our fritters just the right amount of structure and fluffiness.
• White sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough, balancing out the tartness of the apples.
• Baking powder: This ensures your fritters puff up beautifully, creating a tender interior.
• Salt: A small amount amplifies all the other flavors—never skip it!
• Milk: Brings the batter together and provides just the right texture for even frying.
• Eggs, beaten: Bind everything together and add richness for truly decadent fritters.
• Vegetable oil (in batter): Helps keep the fritters moist and tender on the inside.
• Apples, peeled, cored, and chopped: The star of the show—use your favorites for the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
• Cinnamon-sugar: Rolling the hot fritters in this mixture wraps each one in warming spice and irresistible sweetness.

How to Make Mom’s Apple Fritters

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by pouring your vegetable oil into a deep fryer or a sturdy electric skillet, heating it up to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). It’s important to get this step going first, so it’s ready when your batter is prepped—proper oil temperature ensures the fritters turn out golden, not greasy!

Step 2: Make the Batter

Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl for a uniform, lump-free base. Next, stir in the milk, beaten eggs, and a splash of oil. Blend it all together until you have a thick, smooth batter. Don’t overmix—a few lumps are fine, which keeps the fritters tender.

Step 3: Add the Apples

Time for the apples! Fold in the chopped apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Generous apple chunks are what sets Mom’s Apple Fritters apart from ordinary fritters, packing every bite with texture and juicy flavor.

Step 4: Fry the Fritters

With your oil hot and ready, use a spoon to carefully drop small mounds of batter into the oil. Work in small batches so the fritters cook evenly and don’t crowd each other. Fry for about 5 minutes per batch, turning them until they’re evenly golden brown and crisp all over.

Step 5: Drain and Cool

Using a slotted spoon, transfer each fritter onto a plate lined with paper towels. This drains off any extra oil, so you’re left with fritters that are crisp but not too heavy.

Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While the fritters are still warm, roll each one generously in your cinnamon-sugar mixture. The warmth helps the spicy-sweet coating cling to every nook and cranny—this final touch transforms them into truly irresistible treats!

How to Serve Mom’s Apple Fritters

Garnishes

Top your fritters off with an extra dusting of powdered sugar for bakery-style flair, or drizzle over a simple vanilla glaze if you’re feeling fancy. For an autumnal twist, a pinch of extra cinnamon on top never hurts—these little additions make Mom’s Apple Fritters even more special.

Side Dishes

For breakfast, pair your warm fritters with a cup of strong coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re serving them as dessert, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side makes for a dreamy combination, especially when the fritters are still hot and crispy.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few fritters on a rustic cake stand for a beautiful centerpiece at brunch. For a grab-and-go party snack, thread smaller fritters onto skewers and serve with warm caramel sauce for dipping. However you present them, Mom’s Apple Fritters are guaranteed to disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover fritters stay freshest when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep their texture, avoid stacking fritters right on top of each other and separate layers with parchment paper if possible.

Freezing

If you want to save Mom’s Apple Fritters for later, let them cool completely, then freeze them individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag. This way, you can pull out as many as you’d like and they won’t stick together. They keep well frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

To enjoy fritters later, just pop them in a 350 degree F oven for 8-10 minutes straight from the freezer (or less time if thawed). This helps them regain their crispiness—skip the microwave for reheating, as it can leave fritters soggy rather than light and crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While any firm, tart apple works beautifully (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are great choices), you can mix varieties for nuanced flavor. Mom’s Apple Fritters are versatile—just avoid apples that get too mushy when cooked.

Do I have to deep fry these, or can I use less oil?

Traditional deep frying gives the crispiest texture, but you can shallow-fry smaller spoonfuls in a skillet with about an inch of oil if you prefer. They won’t puff up quite as much, but you’ll still get fantastic flavor and crunch.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a tiny spoonful of batter into the oil. It should sizzle immediately and float to the top, browning gradually—not too fast or slow. Keeping the oil at about 375 degrees F guarantees perfectly cooked fritters.

Can I make Mom’s Apple Fritters gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious—just be mindful not to overmix, as some blends can get gummy.

Is it best to serve these warm or room temperature?

Always try to serve Mom’s Apple Fritters while they’re fresh and warm—this is when they’re at their fluffiest and crispiest. If you need to prep ahead, you can gently reheat them in the oven to crisp them up again before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the magic of sharing warm, homemade Mom’s Apple Fritters with people you love. Whether you’re reliving fond childhood memories or starting a new family tradition, this recipe is sure to fill your kitchen with joy (and irresistible aromas). Give these fritters a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly they become a new favorite!

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