Sourdough Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy treat that encapsulates autumn mornings and sweet, tangy sourdough goodness, look no further than these Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Fritters. Each bite offers a pillowy, lightly tangy dough bursting with spiced apples, finished with a glossy vanilla glaze—trust me, this is a breakfast (or dessert!) everyone will beg for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how straightforward the ingredients are for these fritters, and each one plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or creating that irresistible fritter chew. Nothing fancy here—just classic pantry staples (with a little sourdough magic!) that work together to create pure perfection in every bite.

• Sourdough Starter: A bubbly, active starter adds signature tang and helps the batter rise for airy fritters.
• All-Purpose Flour: Keeps the crumb tender and soft, letting the apples shine.
• Sugar: A touch of sweetness in the dough balances the tart apples.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness and keeps the batter moist.
• Melted Butter: For a richer flavor and that just-right softness.
• Egg: Binds the batter and gives the fritters a little extra lift.
• Apple: Fresh, diced apple melts into little pockets of juicy sweetness—choose your favorite crisp variety.
• Baking Soda: Gets those glorious bubbles for a light, puffy texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and iconic fall spice.
• Nutmeg & Ground Clove: Build deeper, almost mysterious spice notes (don’t skip ‘em!).
• Salt: Just a bit sharpens every sweet and spiced flavor.
• Powdered Sugar, Milk or Cream, Vanilla: These make the simple, pourable glaze that gets drizzled or dunked for extra decadence.
• Lard or Coconut Oil: Use for frying—gives a crisp crust without greasiness and helps that golden color pop.

Variations

The beauty of Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Fritters is how forgiving they are—swap, tweak, or jazz them up with your favorite twists. Have fun experimenting based on what’s on hand or how you’re feeling in the moment!

• Pear & Cardamom: Try swapping apples for ripe pear and adding a touch of cardamom for a delicate, floral note.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and coconut oil in place of dairy for fritters everyone can enjoy.
• Add Nuts: Fold a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts right into the batter for satisfying crunch.
• Maple Glaze: Replace the vanilla in your glaze with a splash of real maple syrup for a richer finish.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Fritters

Step 1: Mix the Overnight Sponge

In a large bowl, combine your active sourdough starter, flour, sugar, milk, and melted butter. Stir until you have a sticky, wet dough. Cover tightly and let this magic ferment overnight (8-12 hours). In the morning, your batter will be plump, slightly bubbly, and ready to turn into something amazing.

Step 2: Prep for Frying

First thing in the morning, start heating your oil to 350°F—this is essential for frying up Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Fritters with that picture-perfect golden crust. Use a heavy pan or deep fryer and monitor the temperature to keep things even.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

To your overnight sponge, add the egg, diced apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, salt, and baking soda. Mix by hand until the batter gets even stickier (and the kitchen smells like pure autumn bliss). The apples should be coated and evenly distributed throughout.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While your oil finishes heating, whip up your glaze: combine powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla in a bowl. Stir until silky and smooth, thinning with a little more milk if needed. Set aside for the grand finale.

Step 5: Fry the Fritters

Carefully drop 1/4 cup portions of batter into the hot oil. Gently flatten the batter with a potato masher (don’t push through—just a gentle press). Fry each side for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up. Remove with a slotted spoon and let rest on paper towels.

Step 6: Glaze and Enjoy!

While still warm, either dip your Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Fritters into the glaze or drizzle it over the top. The glaze will set into a beautiful, crinkly layer as the fritters cool—if you can wait that long before devouring them!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Fritters

Garnishes

Give your Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Fritters a bakery finish by dusting with extra cinnamon sugar or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. For extra pizzazz, add a drizzle of thick caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream on the side—it’s pure indulgence!

Side Dishes

Fresh hot coffee or a chai latte pairs beautifully with the spiced sweetness of these fritters. For a special brunch, serve alongside crisp bacon, scrambled eggs, or a tangy fruit salad to balance out those sweet, spiced vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, stack the fritters high on a pretty cake stand with lots of glaze drips and fresh apple slices for color. Or, if you’re feeling playful, skewer smaller fritters on sticks and let everyone dunk them in cups of glaze—these double as a show-stopper dessert platter for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps them a bit firmer, but still delicious—especially with a quick reheat.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled (unglazed is best) Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just glaze after thawing for best texture.

Reheating

Warm leftover fritters in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes (or just a minute in the air fryer!) for that fresh-from-the-fryer feeling. Avoid microwaving, which can sap their crispness. Drizzle extra glaze after reheating, if you like.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing quite like the aroma and warmth of homemade Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Fritters fresh from your kitchen. I hope this recipe brings your table as much joy and togetherness as it does mine—grab your starter, some apples, and treat yourself to a fritter (or three) soon. You’re in for a sweet adventure!

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