The Absolute Best Sourdough Apple Fritters Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the delightful combination of sourdough, apples, and a touch of warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg. Sourdough apple fritters are a culinary delight, offering a perfect blend of tangy sourdough goodness and the sweet, juicy essence of apples.

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Golden-brown fritters with a crispy exterior, revealing a pillowy soft inside bursting with the sweet and tangy dance of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Trust me; these fritters are a taste sensation you don’t want to miss out on!

Let’s talk about flavor – the kind that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. The combination of tangy sourdough goodness and the sweet juiciness of apples creates a symphony of taste. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg to the mix, and you’ve got a treat that hits all the right notes – sweet, savory, and just a hint of tanginess.

Besides the fact that these fritters are a total flavor bomb, there’s something incredibly rewarding about crafting them in your own kitchen. It’s a clever way to use up that excess sourdough discard, and the aroma that fills your home as they cook? Pure bliss. Whether it’s for a cozy breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or a sweet ending to the day, these fritters bring a homemade touch that’s hard to beat.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fritters

1. Consistent Apple Size: Ensure uniform apple chunks for even cooking.
2. Sourdough Discard: For optimal rise, using recently fed sourdough starter. You can use the old discard you’ve had piling up in the fridge, but you may want to let the batter have an overnight ferment to help with the rise.
3. Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent frying temperature around 350°F (175°C).
4. Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt for a smoother batter.
5. Applesauce Magic: Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness.
6. Flavor Infusion: Let the batter rest for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Or even better, let it have an overnight ferment for adding sourdough flavors and benefits.

Healthiest Frying Oil Options

I’m all about cooking food that offers us nutrients and real benefits. There’s no doubt that frying foods is typically not labeled a ‘healthy’ food by any means. However, there are some oils that can be used to help these fritters become a little healthier when frying.

1. Avocado Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
2. Coconut Oil: Contains medium-chain triglycerides with potential health benefits.
3. Grapeseed Oil: High smoke point and low saturated fat content.

Additionally, I typically put less than the recommended amount of oil in my pan. The fritters get a nice pan crisp on the bottom this way. Plus it saves me money on coconut oil and makes me feel a little better about making fried food for my family.

Topping Ideas

This fritter recipe is considered a ‘low sugar’ recipe. I hate putting unnecessary sugar in the batter of something that then gets topped with MORE sugar! Our bodies already get too much no matter what. However, a little sweet kick is incredibly easy to add to these fritters by topping them off! We like the traditional powdered sugar glaze, but you can also try some of these toppings.

1. Powdered Sugar and Cinnamon Dusting: Classic and delightful.
2. Maple Glaze: Sweet and luscious.
3. Chopped Nuts: Adds crunch and texture.
4. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a perfect pairing.

How To Make Sourdough Apple Fritters

Enough chit-chat! Let’s get to these delicious sourdough apple fritters!

Ingredients:

• 3 Apples, large, peeled and chopped
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• ¼ tsp Nutmeg
• 2 TBS Granulated Sugar
• 2 TBS Unsalted Butter
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Sea Salt
• 2 Eggs
• ½ cup Unsweetened Applesauce
• ½ cup Sourdough Discard
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 quart Oil for Frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare Apples: Peel and chop the apples, then toss them with cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar. Sauté in unsalted butter until tender.
2. Make Batter: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, applesauce, sourdough discard, and vanilla extract. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.
3. Combine Ingredients: Fold the sautéed apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
4. Fry to Perfection: Heat neutral oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
5. Drain and Serve: Remove fritters and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm.

Store fritters in an airtight container for up to two days, however, they best consumed in the same day.

For an enhanced sourdough flavor and potential health benefits, consider an overnight ferment by letting the batter rest in the refrigerator before frying.

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Sourdough Apple Fritters

Crisp and crunchy outside with a soft and fluffy center, the perfect combination of sourdough and sweet apple.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Servings: 10 Fritters

Equipment

• Deep pan for frying
• Slotted spoon optional

Ingredients

• 3 Apples large, peeled and chopped
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• ¼ tsp Nutmeg
• 2 TBS Granulated Sugar
• 2 TBS Unsalted Butter
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Sea Salt
• 2 Eggs
• ½ cup Unsweetened Applesauce
• ½ cup Sourdough Discard
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 quart Oil for Frying

Instructions

Prepare Apples:

• Peel and chop the apples, then toss them with cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar. Sauté in unsalted butter until tender.3 Apples, 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon, ¼ tsp Nutmeg, 2 TBS Granulated Sugar, 2 TBS Unsalted Butter

Make Batter:

• In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, applesauce, sourdough discard, and vanilla extract. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.1 cup All-Purpose Flour 2 tsp Baking Powder, 1 tsp Sea Salt, 2 Eggs, ½ cup Unsweetened Applesauce,½ cup Sourdough Discard, 2 tsp Vanilla Extract,

Combine Ingredients:

• Fold the sautéed apples into the batter until evenly distributed.

Fry to Perfection:

• Heat neutral oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.

Drain and Serve:

• Remove fritters and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm.

Sourdough apple fritters are a symphony of flavors that you can easily recreate in your kitchen. With these tips, tricks, and a bit of creativity, you’ll be on your way to serving up these delectable treats that are sure to become a household favorite. Indulge in the joy of homemade goodness and share the love through the tempting aroma of sourdough apple fritters.