Crispy on the outside, soft and packed with apples on the inside, these Applesauce Fritters are a nostalgic, sweet treat that tastes like fall in every bite.
Save This Recipe to Your Inbox
Enter your email and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you’ll join our email list and can unsubscribe anytime.
With their golden crisp edges and soft, tender centers, these little Applesauce Fritters are irresistibly good. With a little powdered sugar sprinkled on top or turned into a glaze, they still come together in under 30 minutes. No eggs, no dairy, no fuss, just comforting dough and crisp apples in every bite.
Whether you're craving a bakery favorite or just want something cozy and homemade, this easy recipe dares you to stop at just one. They're such a great twist on the traditional apple fritters.
We always seem to have a pantry full of applesauce because my son brings it home from school in his snack bags, but I remember getting it on WIC as well, which led me to realize many people probably have some in their cupboards looking for inspiration.
While my Applesauce Custard Pie is fabulous and perfect for gatherings, these applesauce drop donuts are perfect for smaller occasions and lazy weekends.
Applesauce Fritters are also great for using up homemade Instant Pot Applesauce too!
Jump to:
💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Applesauce as a Star Ingredient: Using applesauce not only infuses the fritters with rich apple flavor but also adds moisture, eliminating the need for additional fats.
- Self-Rising Flour Simplifies the Process: By using self-rising flour, which contains leavening agents, this Applesauce Fritters recipe becomes simpler, meaning you can make fluffy fritters without extra ingredients.
- Fresh Apple Pieces for Texture: Adding small chunks of fresh apple provides a delightful contrast in texture, offering bursts of juiciness in every bite.
🛒 Ingredients
Applesauce- Provides moisture and a deep apple flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the fritters. I recommend using sweetened applesauce, but if you only have unsweetened, you can add up to ¼ cup of granulated sugar to this recipe for added sweetness.
Apples- Having made this Applesauce Fritters recipe with Granny Smith and Gala apples, we found that they disappeared much more quickly when we chose the sweeter of the two. I recommend using a baking-quality apple, but you can choose whichever profile you want- sweet or tart.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
Self-Rising Flour- Don't have self-rising flour on hand? Make some yourself! Just combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt to replace the two cups of self-rising flour in this recipe.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Use what you have: This Applesauce Fritters recipe is perfect for using up leftover or single-serve applesauce cups (like those from school lunches or WIC boxes).
Choose affordable apples: Gala, Fuji, or any seasonal sale apple works beautifully. No need for fancy baking varieties.
DIY ingredients: If you're out of self-rising flour, make your own with pantry staples (flour, baking powder, salt).
Reuse oil smartly: Strain and store cooled oil for future frying, just avoid using it more than a few times.
🥄 Instructions for Applesauce Fritters
Step 1: Fill a deep-sided pan or pot with 2 inches of vegetable oil and set it over medium-high heat on the stove. You want it to reach about 350°F to 370°F before use.
Step 2: While the oil is preheating, measure and add your applesauce, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to a large mixing bowl. (Image 1). Whisk together until well combined. (Image 2). Do not add any additional applesauce.
Step 3: Peel one large or two small apples and dice into small chunks roughly ¼ -½ inch big. (Image 3). Add the apples to your dough mixture. (Image 4).
Step 4: Stir the apples into the dough to evenly distribute them. (Image 5).
Step 5: Check your oil's temperature using a thermometer and double check that it's ready by adding a small piece of dough into the oil. It should start to rise to the surface as the oil bubbles quickly. If it doesn't, the oil isn't hot enough.
Step 6: When the oil is ready, work in batches to cook 1-2 Tablespoon-sized scoops of dough at a time. You need enough space for them not to touch, or else they'll grow together. (Image 6). I use a 1.5 Tablespoon cookie scoop.
Step 7: Fry them on each side for about 2-3 minutes or until a deep golden brown. (Image 7). Try not to rush them because they need this time to cook the centers. If the outsides are cooking faster than the centers or ending up burnt, that's a sign your oil is too hot.
Step 8: Once the fritters are fully cooked, remove them from the oil and place them onto a plate lined with paper towels. (Image 8).
Optional Step 9: Dust the tops of your warm (not hot) Applesauce Fritters with powdered sugar or mix 2 cups of powdered sugar and 3-4 Tablespoons of water to create a thick glaze to coat them. (Images 9 & 10).
Enjoy!
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Scoop size matters: Use a 1½-tablespoon scoop for medium fritters. Smaller scoops cook faster; larger ones may need 4-5 minutes per side. Flatten slightly for even cooking and test one first to ensure it's cooked through.
- Skip the air fryer: This batter won't air fry well, it'll turn out dense. If baking, use a silicone donut mold for best results.
- Handle oil safely: Always let oil cool completely before discarding. Never pour it down the drain. Seal and toss it once cool.
- Reuse oil smartly: If clear and debris-free, strain and store in a dark place for up to 1-2 months. Avoid reusing more than three times.
❄️ Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover Applesauce Fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To retain crispiness, reheat fritters in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
These Applesauce Fritters pair wonderfully with warm or cozy fall flavors. Serve them with:
- A mug of Hot Apple Cider or Homemade Chai Tea Latte.
- A scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream for dessert-style flair.
- A drizzle of Caramel Sauce or Maple Syrup for added sweetness.
- Or pair them with Scrambled Eggs and Bacon for a sweet-and-savory brunch combo.
- Sourdough DonutsRecipe $2.33 / Serving $0.15
- Dairy Free Donut RecipeRecipe $1.61 / Serving $0.67
- Lemon Curd DonutsRecipe $8.04 / Serving $0.58
- No Bake Apple DonutsRecipe $2.66 / Serving $1.33
❓ Applesauce Fritters FAQs
It's best to fry the Applesauce Fritters immediately after preparing the batter to ensure optimal texture and rise.
Be sure the oil is properly heated before adding the fritters, and avoid crowding the pan, too many at once can lead to uneven cooking. Also, give them enough time to fully cook through for the best texture.
Granny Smith apples work wonderfully in fritters thanks to their firm texture and tart bite, which contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the batter. You can also try Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples for a sweeter twist, or mix a few varieties to get the best of both worlds.
🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love
- Apple Pie with Graham Cracker CrustRecipe $7.16 / Serving $0.90
- Apple Cider Cupcakes with Caramel FrostingRecipe $10.68 / Serving $0.45
- Cinnamon Roll Apple CobblerRecipe $8.29 / Serving $1.04
- Apple Pie Crescent RollsRecipe $3.55 / Serving $0.44
🐝 If you tried this Applesauce Fritters, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Applesauce Fritters
Ingredients
Fritter Batter
- 2 cups (506 g) sweetened applesauce - ($1.17)
- 2 cups (260 g) self-rising flour - ($0.52)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ($0.08)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ($0.02)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract - ($0.01)
- 1 ⅓ cups (160 g) apple pieces, peeled and cut into ½-inch by ¼-inch pieces - ($1.24)
For Frying
- vegetable oil
Optional Topping
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Heat oil. Add about 2 inches of vegetable oil to a deep-sided pot or pan. Heat over medium-high to 350°F to 370°F, aiming for about 360°F.
- Mix batter. In a large bowl, whisk applesauce, self-rising flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until fully combined. Do not add additional liquid.
- Add apples. Gently stir diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Test oil. Drop a small piece of batter into the oil. It should rise and bubble immediately. If not, allow the oil to heat longer.
- Fry fritters. Working in batches, drop 1 to 2 tablespoon portions of batter into the oil, leaving space between each fritter. Fry 2 to 3 minutes per side until deep golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain. Remove fritters and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Finish. Dust warm fritters with powdered sugar, or drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze if desired.
Notes
- Flour Substitute. Make self-rising flour by mixing 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Scoop Size. A 1 ½-tablespoon scoop makes medium fritters. Smaller fritters cook faster; larger fritters may need extra time. Test one before frying a full batch.
- Oil Temperature. If fritters brown too quickly or burn, the oil is too hot. Lower heat slightly and continue.
- Storage & Reheating. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness.
- Oil Disposal. Cool oil completely before discarding. Do not pour down the drain. Strain and reuse clear oil up to three times if desired.
Nutritional Information
Save This Recipe to Your Inbox
Enter your email and we'll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you'll join our email list and can unsubscribe anytime.
Nicole Durham says
We couldn't get eough of these tasty apple fritters! They've become a family favorite.