Golden, crisp, and bursting with the flavors of warm spiced apples, these Bourbon Apple Fritters are everything you love about apple pie—reimagined in donut form. With tender chunks of caramelized apples folded into a rich buttermilk batter, then fried to perfection and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, these fritters offer a cozy, decadent treat with just a subtle hint of bourbon for added depth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These fritters combine the nostalgic warmth of spiced apples with the indulgent crispness of a deep-fried dessert. The bourbon adds a sophisticated touch, but the recipe remains family-friendly when omitted. The result is a rustic, bakery-style fritter that’s equally suited to breakfast, dessert, or a holiday brunch. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers gourmet flavor with homemade comfort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp bourbon (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and bourbon (if using). Cook for 5–6 minutes until the apples are soft and lightly caramelized. Set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry mixtures to form a thick, cohesive batter.
- Gently fold in the cooled apple mixture until evenly incorporated.
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a spoon or small scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry 2–3 fritters at a time, about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
- Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack set over paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm fritters or dip them directly into the glaze.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 10 fritters
- Calories per Serving: 260 kcal
Variations
- Bourbon-Free Version: Simply omit the bourbon for a family-friendly option with classic flavor.
- Maple Glaze: Swap the vanilla glaze for a maple version using maple syrup and powdered sugar.
- Apple-Cherry Fritters: Add a handful of chopped dried cherries for a tart, fruity twist.
- Spiced Apple Fritters: Enhance the spice blend with cloves or allspice for a more festive touch.
- Baked Fritters: For a lighter option, bake spoonfuls of batter in a muffin tin at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate for up to 4 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed fritters in a single layer, then store in a sealed freezer bag. Thaw and reheat before glazing.
- Reheating: Warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the crisp exterior.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, firm apples like Fuji, Pink Lady, or Braeburn work well. Avoid overly soft varieties, which may break down too much during cooking.
Is bourbon necessary for this recipe?
No, bourbon is optional. It adds depth but can be left out without compromising the flavor.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350°F. Alternatively, drop a bit of batter in—it should sizzle and rise quickly.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to fry the fritters soon after mixing to maintain the leavening effect. However, you can prep the apple filling ahead of time.
Why are my fritters greasy?
If the oil is not hot enough, the fritters will absorb more oil. Maintain a consistent temperature of 350°F during frying.
What’s the best way to shape the fritters?
Use two spoons or a cookie scoop to drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the oil. Aim for rustic, uneven shapes—fritters are meant to be informal.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, but the texture will be different. Bake in a well-greased muffin tin at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.
How do I get the glaze to stick?
Dip or drizzle the glaze on while the fritters are still slightly warm to help it adhere properly.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just be sure not to overcrowd the fryer to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
Bourbon Apple Fritters are a perfect fusion of crisp texture, sweet spice, and comforting flavor. With the richness of caramelized apples and the option of a bourbon kick, they bring a bakery-quality treat right to your kitchen. Whether you serve them at brunch or enjoy one fresh from the fryer, these fritters are guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
Print
Bourbon Apple Fritters
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 fritters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, crispy apple fritters packed with warm spiced apples and a splash of bourbon for extra depth. Glazed with a sweet vanilla icing, these fritters taste like apple pie in donut form—crispy edges, tender dough, and a cozy kick of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp bourbon (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream (for glaze)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and bourbon. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until apples are soft and caramelized. Set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a thick batter.
- Fold in the cooled apple mixture until evenly distributed.
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Drop batter by heaping spoonfuls into hot oil, frying 2–3 fritters at a time. Fry 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
- Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack over paper towels.
- Mix glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle or dip fritters in glaze while slightly warm.
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, let the apple mixture cool completely before adding to the batter.
- Use a thermometer to keep oil at a steady 350°F for even frying.
- Fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
