Description
Classic Apple Fritter Donuts are fluffy, cinnamon-spiced fried doughnuts studded with sweet, tender apple filling and finished with a luscious maple glaze. These homemade delights combine the comforting flavors of fall spices, fresh apples, and pure maple syrup, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 3/4 cup (414 mL) whole milk, warmed to 110-115°F (41-46°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 pkg) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (5 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) Specially Selected Pure Maple Syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 5 cups + 1 tbsp (633 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting work surface
- 2 sticks (1 cup; 16 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into cubes
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Apple Filling
- 5 medium Gala apples, peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes
- ½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar
- 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch
- ½ stick unsalted butter (4 tbsp)
- Spices: 2 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, ¼ tsp ground cloves (used in filling)
Frying
- 1 ½ quarts vegetable oil
Maple Glaze
- 4 ½ cups (540 g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (59 mL) Specially Selected Pure Maple Syrup
- ½ cup (118 mL) milk
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, whisk together warm milk, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and maple syrup. Let the mixture proof for 10 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
- Add Eggs and Flour: Lightly beat the eggs and add them along with all the flour to the mixer bowl. Begin mixing on the lowest setting to incorporate the ingredients gently.
- Add Butter and Knead: Add 12 tbsp (1 ½ sticks) of the softened butter while the mixer continues stirring. Knead slowly for a couple of minutes to blend the butter, then increase speed to medium-high and knead for 6 minutes total, scraping down the bowl sides halfway through.
- First Rise: Once the dough is sticky but kneaded, scrape down dough hook and bowl sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Make Apple Filling: While the dough rises, melt ½ stick of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it browns and becomes fragrant. Add spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves), then add diced apples and stir to coat. Sprinkle in the light brown sugar and continue stirring. Cook for about 5 minutes until apples soften.
- Thicken Apple Filling: Stir cornstarch into the apples to thicken the juices. Cook for an additional minute, then spread the filling thinly on a plate to cool completely.
- Shape Dough and Add Filling: Generously flour the work surface. Turn out the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle using a floured rolling pin. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the surface.
- Fold Dough: Fold the dough into thirds like a letter by bringing one side to the middle and then folding the other side over it. Form into a ball again and return to a bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for another hour until doubled.
- Roll and Cut Donuts: Flour your work surface again, roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter to cut rounds, place them on a floured baking sheet. Re-roll scraps to make more donuts, pressing them to stretch slightly if needed.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 360°F (187°C).
- Fry Donuts: Fry the apple fritters in batches for 1½ to 2 minutes on one side. Flip them with chopsticks and cook for an additional 90 seconds until golden brown. Remove and drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Pass through a mesh sieve to ensure no lumps remain.
- Glaze Donuts: Dip each cooled fritter into the glaze, optionally coating both sides. Return to the wire rack to let excess glaze drip off and set.
- Serve or Store: Serve the apple fritters immediately for best texture or freeze for later. They are freshest the day made but can keep for up to 3 days stored properly.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warmed but not hot to avoid killing the yeast during proofing.
- Using freshly ground spices enhances the aroma and flavor of the apple filling.
- Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning, as it adds a nutty depth to the filling.
- The dough will be sticky after kneading; generous flouring and gentle handling help during rolling and shaping.
- Maintain oil temperature at 360°F to get crispy yet tender fritters without greasiness.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a thicker glaze consistency, adjust powdered sugar quantity accordingly.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
