These Applesauce Fritters are an easy, old-fashioned Southern treat that remind me of the town festivals I grew up going to. Shaped into golden, crispy balls with soft apple-filled centers, they’re rolled in cinnamon sugar for the perfect sweet bite. Whether you’re making them for a snack or dessert, this simple recipe is a true classic that tastes best served warm. Just try stopping at one. I dare you!

Are you looking for more Easy Dessert Recipes? Try our Blueberry Turnovers, Bisquick Cherry Cobbler, or Easy Toffee Cookies.

A plate of cinnamon sugar-coated applesauce fritters on a table. In the background, theres a small bowl of apple sauce and some green apple slices.

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Homemade Apple Fritters are the perfect treat when you’re craving something cozy and delicious. This easy applesauce fritters recipe brings the sweet apple flavor of doughnut shops and fun carnival treats straight to your kitchen. Made with diced apples, a simple flour mixture, these delicious fritters come out golden and crisp every time. Let them drain on paper towels, give ’em a quick roll in cinnamon sugar, or dust them with powdered sugar, and enjoy! If you want to mix it up, you can even try making air fryer apple fritters for a lighter option. The next time you’re in the mood for a cozy dessert, these fritters will hit the spot!

What you’ll love about this Applesauce Fritters Recipe:

Easy and Classic: This simple recipe brings back the comforting flavors of old-fashioned apple fritters.
Perfectly Crispy: Fried to golden perfection with a cinnamon-sugar coating that’s hard to resist!
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy snack or a sweet dessert, these fritters are always a hit!

A close-up of several cinnamon sugar-coated donut holes stacked together. The top donut hole has a bite taken out, revealing a soft and fluffy interior.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing Fritters Recipe:

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Eggs
Unsweetened applesauce
Fresh apples
Milk
Butter
Vanilla extract
Vegetable oil
Cinnamon sugar mixture(cinnamon and white sugar)

Overhead view of baking ingredients on a light surface. Includes oil, flour, white sugar, applesauce, chopped apples, cinnamon sugar mixture, eggs, vanilla, butter, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and milk. All items are labeled.

INGREDIENT NOTES:

Applesauce: Use unsweetened applesauce for the best control over sweetness, but sweetened applesauce works if you prefer a sweeter fritter.
Fresh Apples: Choose tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the batter and add a nice texture.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Mixing granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish ensures even coating and adds that classic sweet finish.

HOW TO MAKE APPLESAUCE FRITTERS STEP-BY-STEP:

Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 2:
In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, applesauce, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

Step 3:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fold in the diced apple pieces. The batter will be thick.

Step 4:
In a shallow dish, mix the cinnamon and sugar together until evenly combined for the coating.

Step 5:
Heat oil in a Dutch oven, heavy cast iron skillet, or deep fryer.

Step-by-step baking process in six images: mixing dry ingredients, combined dry mix, adding wet ingredients, combined wet and dry mix, hand mixing with a whisk, and the final smooth batter.

Step 6:
Using a small ice cream scoop or large spoon, drop a cup of batter in rounded half-tablespoonfuls into the oil, working in batches.

Step 7:
Fry the fritters until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. (If you prefer a different shape, just smooth the “balls” out with the back of a spoon, adjust the cooking time if alot thinner).

A six-panel collage showing the steps of making apple cinnamon donut holes: mixing ingredients, preparing dough, coating in cinnamon sugar, frying in oil, and the final product on paper towels and in sugar.

Step 8:
Roll the fritters in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm, coating them completely.

Step 9:
Transfer fritters to a wire rack and serve warm.

A plate filled with sugar-coated apple cider donuts piled high. Nearby, a bowl of applesauce and slices of green apple are placed on the table. The plate sits on a light, textured surface.

PRO TIP:

I used a 1/2-tablespoon scoop for small fritters, but you can also try making them larger, around 1-inch scoops. Just note that larger fritters will need an extra minute or two of cooking time to cook through fully. Keep an eye on the frying time for best results!

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Place leftover fritters on a cooling rack to prevent sogginess, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Warm in an oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or use an air fryer for crispy results. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soft.

Freezing: Cool fritters completely and freeze in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Transfer to a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat for crispy fritters.

A plate of sugar-coated apple cider donut holes stacked in a pyramid shape. In the background, there are bowls of caramel sauce and cinnamon sugar, along with sliced green apples on a cutting board. A striped napkin is beside the plate.

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

Raisins: Add a handful of raisins to the batter for extra sweetness.
Chopped Nuts: Stir in finely chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
Spices: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Self-Rising Flour: Replace the flour, baking powder, and salt with 2 cups of self-rising flour for a shortcut.
Fresh Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples, but Honeycrisp or other firm, tart apples will work for the best flavor.
Frying Oil: Substitute vegetable oil with peanut oil or canola oil for deep frying.

FAQs about this Apple Fritter Recipe:

Add a splash of milk, or even apple cider to thin it out slightly.

Close-up of a plate stacked with round, golden-brown doughnuts coated in sugar and cinnamon. The texture appears crisp on the outside, with fine sugar crystals visible. The plate is white with a thin brown rim.

What Can I Serve with these Apple Fritters?

Serve these simple fritters with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of simple glaze, or a side of warm cinnamon applesauce for an extra special sweet treat!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I’m excited for you to try these Applesauce Fritters! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!