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The Best Apple Fritters Recipe

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Resting Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the donut dough:

  • 1 cup whole milk warm to 110F
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/3 cup California Olive Ranch 100% California Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 large egg preferably room temp
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 cups all purpose flour + more for assembling

For the juicy apples:

  • 6 cups peeled and finely chopped apples about 4 to 6 apples
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 4 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the vanilla bean glaze:

  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Instructions

To make the donut dough:

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the hook attachment, add the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Give it a quick mix then set aside for 3 to 5 minutes, until foamy.
  • Add the olive oil, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix just to combine, then add the flour to knead until a soft and pliable dough, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm environment for 1 to 2 hours, until doubled in size.

To make the juicy apples:

  • Combine the peeled and chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir until the sugars has dissolved then let cook until very bubbly, about 5 minutes.
  • Cover with the lid to simmer on LOW heat for 10 minutes, until very juicy and tender.
  • In a small glass, whisk the cornstarch and water until smooth.
  • Remove the skillet from heat to stir in the vanilla extract and cornstarch slurry until juices have thickened up. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Remove to a heat safe bowl to cool down to room temperature.

To assemble and fry the apple fritters:

  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a ½” rectangle. Add the apples to one half then fold over the empty half and press down to seal in the peaches.
  • Using either a bench scraper or chef’s knife, slice into 1” rows then slice the opposite way to make 1” squares. Stack one side of the squares in the centers, breaking it up with the knife or bench scraper.
  • Section off about 1/3 cup portion sizes per fritter. Shape in the palms of your hand, using the counter to assist.
  • Dust individual squares of parchment paper with flour, then place each fritter on its own parchment square. Dust with flour on top of each fritter, give each a little squeeze along the edges to lock in its shape, then cover loosely with plastic wrap.
  • Set aside to rise 30 to 45 minutes, until nearly doubled in size.
  • Heat up 3” to 4” of frying oil in a skillet to 350F to 365F. Place a wire rack over a rimmed baking pan close by.
  • Working in small batches, use the parchment squares to help transfer the fritters into the hot oil. Fry for 1 to 3 minutes on each side, until deeply golden, using a spatula and slotted spoon to help you flip them.
  • Transfer with a slotted spoon to the wire rack to drain excess oils.

To make the glaze:

  • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk until very smooth.
  • Dip the front of each fritter into the bowl and swirl around so the sides are also coated. Transfer bottom side down back to the wire rack. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes for the glaze to set before enjoying warm.
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