Applesauce Fritters – Crispy, Golden, and Finished with Maple Glaze

I absolutely love warm apple fritters—especially when they're crisped in hot oil, and finished with a maple glaze. My grandparents always made them for me in the Fall, which seemed so fitting with the cooler weather and crispness of football season in the air down here in the south. 

Nowadays, I live about an hour outside the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia, which is prime apple country. These days, we take our kids apple picking ourselves, and because of that, I started making this recipe that my grandparents used to make in years past. 

However, while I love that classic version, I have added a slight twist to mine, adding applesauce as well as fresh apples into the recipe. By doing so, you get the best of both worlds: soft, moist interiors (thanks to applesauce), the crunch of the apples, in addition to the golden brown, crispy edges from the shallow frying. Perfect for weekend brunch, a late-night treat, or simply using up that half-jar of applesauce in the fridge (or the leftover applesauce containers in the pantry from the kids, like in our house), this homemade applesauce fritters recipe brings a one-two punch of sweet nostalgia and bold fall spice that is absolutely delicious.

What Are Applesauce Fritters?

Applesauce fritters are quick-fried apple cakes made from a spiced batter of unsweetened applesauce, chopped fresh apples, and a cinnamon sugar spice combination. They're spoon-dropped into hot oil until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, then finished with a sweet glaze or coating, like the maple syrup glaze I used for this recipe. Flavor-wise, think warm apple pie meets a cinnamon-sugar donut with a maple drizzle. These fritters are a great option, especially for the Fall season—sweet, crispy, and slightly spiced.

They're a lot like doughnuts but simpler to make— no rolling, no yeast, and no rising. The batter doesn't take long to put together and cooks in just minutes. Applesauce keeps the center moist and cakey, while diced apples add real fruit texture. You don't have to add the diced apples, but I prefer that added texture. 

When I choose apples, I tend to gravitate towards Honeycrisps, but Gala or Granny Smiths are great options as well, depending on whether you prefer a sweet or more tart variety. If you're curious how different apples affect the flavor and moisture of baked goods, the USApple variety guide(external) is an excellent resource for picking the right apple for the job.

A Quick Bite of History

Apple fritters have been around for centuries, originating in Europe, where fried fruit-filled dough was a way to stretch ingredients and satisfy a sweet tooth. Early American cookbooks featured fritters as a homey, affordable dessert. Over time, Southern and Midwestern kitchens gave them their signature combo of apples, warm spices, and sugar. I got the idea from my grandmother in South Georgia, who, as I mentioned earlier, used to make them for me when I was growing up. 

The applesauce version is newer and just another variation looking for new ways to save money—when stretching fresh apples with sauce made sense (I don't know about you, but we've noticed apple prices skyrocketing lately)—and it stuck because the texture and moisture it provides truly makes them that much better.

Are Apple Fritters Fried?

Traditionally, yes—and that's how you get that signature crispy outside. Frying adds moisture and creates a crispy, golden crust that oven baking can't fully replicate (plus let's be real, fried treats like this just taste amazing).

However, if you're looking for a more health-conscious version or don't want to use oil, you can bake them, which I'll explain below.

Are They Healthy?

Like I mentioned, apple fritters are still a dessert (plus they are fried)—so the quick answer is no. However, they do have a couple of principles that might make them a slightly better option compared to many doughnuts or pastries, because they use:

• Unsweetened applesauce for natural moisture and sweetness
• Minimal added sugar
• No butter or heavy fats in the batter
• Fresh apples 

Again, I won't sit here and try to sell you on these being a healthy treat, but they have some additional value where other options may lack. Now, if you bake them instead of frying, you've got a solid snack with added fiber and natural sugars — especially if you substitute the traditional flour with a whole-wheat alternative. I've listed an excellent reference with alternative flour options here, in case you're curious.

Allergens & Allergy-Friendly Swaps

The base recipe includes that I make consists of a few common allergens:

• Eggs
• Milk (dairy)
• Wheat (gluten)

However, there are ways around using these if any one of these options will not work for you. Here's how to make applesauce fritters allergy-friendly without sacrificing flavor or texture:

• Egg-Free Option: Replace one egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5-3 tablespoons water, allowed to rest for 5 minutes), or use a commercial egg replacer.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use oat, almond, or soy milk as a substitute for dairy milk. Stick to unsweetened and unflavored varieties.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend with xanthan gum included (like Cup4Cup or King Arthur). Your applesauce is going to be key here — it helps maintain moisture and cohesion in gluten-free baked goods.
• Nut-Free: This is not included in the base recipe, but it's worth noting because you can certainly find variations that accommodate this option. When making these, whether using my recipe or another version, skip any optional nut toppings and double-check your flour and milk alternatives for nut-free labeling.

Ingredients for Maple Glazed Applesauce Fritters

You'll need:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Sugar
• Salt
• Egg
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Firm chopped fresh apple (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• Canola or vegetable oil (for frying)
• Maple syrup and powdered sugar (for glaze)

If you're interested in which apples are best for culinary use, this guide from The Chef & The Dish provides a solid breakdown.

How to Make Applesauce Fritters

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sugar.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract. I prefer to mix these in a separate bowl first, so the wet mixture is uniform; however, that's optional. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined. 

Step 3: Fold in Fresh Apple

If you're using fresh apples, now's the time to fold them in. If your batter feels too loose, add 1–2 tablespoons more flour. On the flip side, if you need a little more liquid, add a splash of milk.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. When I was working on these, I was making them for a project, heating the skillet on a grill. However, this can also be easily done (and is often recommended) on the stovetop or in a fryer. The most significant point here is maintaining the oil at ~350°F. If you have a candy thermometer, you can use it for accuracy; however, I've found that a traditional instant-read thermometer, such as my Thermapen, works great too.

Step 5: Fry the Fritters

Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the oil. Fry 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Note: If you want to shape the batter ahead of time, you can spoon it onto parchment paper and chill it in the freezer for later use, if you have the space. I've found this to work great, and it doesn't take long — only about 15 minutes will do the trick.

Step 6: Drain and Glaze

Remove to paper towels. While still warm, brush or dip the fritters with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar.

For a sweet glaze alternative, try my apple cinnamon glaze — I originally made it for chicken thighs, but it also works well with these fritters, and is perfect for Fall if you have the time to take the extra step.

Optional: Baked Applesauce Fritters (Healthier Version)

While I love the classically fried apple fritters, having a healthier way to make these is a great option to keep in the back pocket. Baked fritters are softer and more muffin-like, yet still packed with the apple-cinnamon goodness. They're great for lighter desserts or prepping ahead. Here's an easy way to do that with minimal adjustments.

How to Bake:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the pan if not using
3. Scoop batter in heaping tablespoons, spaced apart
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes
5. Brush with syrup and sugar while the pastry is still warm, so it can cling to the pastry, then serve immediately.

Toppings & Variations

There are a few simple ways to change up your applesauce fritters if you want to try something different. There are many great options, but here are a few I enjoy.

• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Roll hot fritters in cinnamon sugar for a crunchy exterior that makes these more similar to old-fashioned donuts. If you want to really take it up a notch, you could make the cream cheese filling I used on these cinnamon roll pancakes to go with it.
• Toasted Nut Mix-In: Chopped pecans or walnuts add flavor and texture—just toast and fold them into the batter.
• Spiced Vanilla Glaze: A glaze of powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon hardens into a shiny bakery-style finish. Try it instead of maple syrup if you want something lighter. The Leeds Collective does a great job with this recipe.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Because these fritters are made with applesauce and fresh apples, your best bet is to keep them in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. Store them in an airtight container, and they'll hold for about three to four days. That being said, you will lose much of the crispy texture that makes them so good when they are refrigerated — even when taking adequate precautions, such as vacuum sealing. My recommendation is only to make as much as you need and store the batter for later use if you'd like to enjoy them later in the week. 

Can You Freeze Apple Fritters?

That being said, if you'd like to make a larger batch, you can freeze the apple sauce fritters—just let the fritters cool completely, lay them out on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag or vacuum seal them. They'll stay suitable for up to two months.

How Do I Reheat Apple Fritters?

When it's time to reheat, the goal is to restore the crisp edges without drying out the inside. There are two effective methods for this: using an air fryer or a toaster oven.

An air fryer set at 350°F for 4–6 minutes works well, while a toaster oven set at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes is another solid option. My biggest advice with reheating is to avoid the microwave unless you're in a hurry and just don't care too much about the texture—it makes the fritters soft and chewy instead of crisp. 

Recipe

Maple Glazed Applesauce Fritters

Brandyn Baker

These quick and easy applesauce fritters are golden and crisp on the outside with a soft, tender center thanks to applesauce and diced fresh apples. Flavored with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, then glazed with maple syrup and powdered sugar, they taste like the best parts of apple pie and donuts rolled into one. Ready in about 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a cozy fall breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a sweet snack anytime you’re craving something homemade.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10 fritters

Equipment

• Measuring cups & prep bowls
• Thermometer
• Frying pan
• Stovetop or Grill
• tongs
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Baking sheet (optional)

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoon sugar
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup milk adjust slightly if needed to loosen batter
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup finely chopped firm apple use more if needed
• Canola oil for frying
• Maple syrup and powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sugar.
• Stir in the egg, applesauce, milk, and vanilla until combined — batter should be thick and spoonable.
• Gently fold in chopped apple pieces. If batter feels too loose from apple moisture, add 1–2 tablespoon extra flour.
• In a heavy skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 inches of oil to ~350°F.
• Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into hot oil. Fry 2–3 minutes per side, until deep golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
• While still warm, toss fritters in maple syrup then coat with powdered sugar. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Apple Choice Matters: Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They hold their shape and add a juicy, tart contrast to the sweet batter.
• Applesauce Adds Moisture: Unsweetened applesauce keeps the batter soft and cake-like, reducing the need for extra sugar or fat. Homemade applesauce works beautifully—just make sure it’s not too watery.
• Frying Tips: Keep oil around 350°F for the crispiest results. If it’s too cool, the fritters will absorb oil and turn greasy; too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside cooks through.

Keyword applesauce fritters