The Only Sourdough Apple Fritters Recipe You’ll Ever Need.
Crispy sourdough fritters loaded with fresh apples, cinnamon, and vanilla, fried golden and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze.
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Sweet, Crispy, and Loaded with Fresh Apples: Your New Favorite Fritter
Why settle for dry, flavorless fritters when you can have golden, craggy sourdough apple fritters that make your kitchen smell like a gourmet bakery?
We’ve all had those sad, overly sweet fritters that taste like sugar-coated disappointment.Not today.
This sourdough apple fritters recipe brings everything you love about apple fritters — crispy outside, tender inside, bursting with apple flavor — and kicks it up with the tangy magic of sourdough starter.
As an experienced chef (and let’s be honest, fritter enthusiast), I’m sharing my perfected version that uses only fresh, real ingredients.
The result? A bakery-worthy treat you can whip up in your own kitchen, no overpriced pastry case required.
Let’s fritter like pros.
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients & Why They’re Surprisingly Good for You
🍎 Fresh Apples
- Apples are rich in dietary fiber (especially if you keep the peel on for other recipes), which supports digestion.
- They’re packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support immune health.
- Plus, their natural sweetness lets us use less refined sugar in the batter!
🍞 Sourdough Starter
- Sourdough fermentation produces probiotics (beneficial bacteria) that can aid gut health—though most won’t survive frying, the acids and fermentation process can make the dough easier to digest.
- The natural leavening action means no need for commercial yeast or heavy chemical leaveners.
- Sourdough may even reduce the glycemic impact of flour compared to non-fermented batters.
🧈 Real Butter
- When used in moderation, butter provides healthy saturated fats and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and K2.
- It adds richness, which means you can use less total fat in the recipe than some traditional fritters.
🥚 Fresh Egg
- Eggs are a complete protein and offer choline, which supports brain health.
- Also a great source of vitamin D, which many people don’t get enough of.
🧂 Cinnamon & Vanilla
- Cinnamon is a natural antioxidant and has been shown to help support blood sugar control.
- Pure vanilla extract adds incredible flavor without adding more sugar.
So yes—you’re technically treating yourself, but you’re also sneaking in fiber, vitamins, and good fats. And we won’t tell if you eat two. 😄
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swap: Use plant-based butter and oat or almond milk.
Gluten-Free Swap: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for frying.
Pantry-Friendly/Kid-Friendly Variation: Use whatever firm apples you have on hand — even Gala or Fuji work in a pinch.
No Sourdough Starter?: You can use a yeasted dough, but the sourdough flavor truly sets this apple fritters recipe apart.
No Frying Thermometer?: Drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and browns in about 60 seconds, you’re in the right temperature range.
⭐ What Makes This Recipe Better Than the Others?
- That signature sourdough tang. Adds flavor complexity no other fritter recipe can touch.
- Fresh apples — never canned filling. This keeps the fritters juicy but never soggy.
- Hand-shaped rustic look. Each fritter is a unique work of art.
- Balanced sweetness. The glaze enhances without overpowering.
- Perfect texture. Crispy exterior, fluffy and tender inside.
Equipment Needed
Before you dive in, gather these tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium skillet
- Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking thermometer
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Wire cooling rack & baking sheet
- Small bowl for glaze
- Paper towels
Having everything ready will make this apple fritters recipe a breeze!
The Recipe: Sourdough Apple Fritters
Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for. This sourdough apple fritters recipe brings together the best parts of comfort food and artisanal baking.
The sourdough starter adds flavor you just can’t fake, while the fresh apples and vanilla glaze deliver that craveable fritter perfection.
The sweet cinnamon-spiced filling and tangy sourdough batter come together like a dream, then get finished with a vanilla glaze that drips into every delicious crevice.
Once you make these, the bakery down the street just won’t cut it anymore.
The Best Sourdough Apple Fritters Recipe
10
servings25
minutes10
minutes270
kcalThese sourdough apple fritters are packed with crisp, juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, all wrapped in a tangy sourdough batter. Fried to golden perfection and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze—crispy outside, soft and fluffy inside.
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Ingredients
- For the Fritter Dough:
1 Cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration—bubbly and ready to work)
1/4 Cup whole milk (lukewarm)
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 Large egg
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking powder
- For the Apple Filling:
2 large crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and diced
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 Tbsp light brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
A pinch of salt
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- For Frying:
Neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
- For the Vanilla Glaze:
1 Cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp whole milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Directions
- Cook the Apples
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 4–5 minutes, just until the apples soften slightly but don’t turn to mush. Finish with the lemon juice. Let cool.
Pro tip: Don’t overcook—we want apple chunks that hold their own in the fritter - Make the Fritter Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, warm milk, sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Stir in the flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Fold in the cooled apple mixture until evenly distributed.
The dough will be a little tacky—that’s perfect. - Heat the Oil
In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer—guesswork is for pancakes, not fritters. - Fry the Fritters
Dust your hands with flour. Scoop out heaping spoonfuls (about 1/4 cup each) of the dough and gently flatten or shape them into rough discs.
Carefully drop 2–3 fritters at a time into the hot oil. Fry 2–3 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
If they’re browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly. We want the insides cooked through and fluffy. - Glaze Like a Pro
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. While the fritters are still slightly warm, drizzle generously with the glaze or dunk them in completely if you want that classic, shiny coating. - If you tried this recipe and loved it, I’d appreciate it if you could give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment below! It really helps more people find the recipe, and I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
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Serving Suggestions
These sourdough apple fritters are best served warm and fresh, when the glaze is just set and the craggy edges are still perfectly crisp.
Pair with:
- A hot vanilla latte or spiced chai (trust me—chef’s kiss)
- A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream
- Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a little crunch
Best served:
- Fall mornings or cozy weekend brunches
- As a showstopper dessert at holiday gatherings
- Or honestly… standing at the counter sneaking bites before anyone else sees them 😏
Bonus Tip:
For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the fritters before serving. You won’t regret it.
Conclusion
These sourdough apple fritters are the kind of treat that make you feel like a baking rockstar. Crispy, golden, with just the right amount of sweetness and a burst of fresh apple in every bite.
Plus, they turn that leftover sourdough discard into something seriously crave-worthy.
If you make this apple fritters recipe, tag me @Dealiciousness on Instagram or Facebook—I love seeing what you’re frying up!
And if these fritters become your new obsession (they will), don’t forget to drop a 5-star review on the recipe card. It really helps others find this delicious recipe too!
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Thanks for frying along with me—now go enjoy those fritters before someone else does!
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Before You Go! More Recipes to Love:
Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: EasyThe Best Sourdough English Muffins
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: EasyThese homemade Sourdough English Muffins are soft, chewy, and full of that irresistible sourdough tang. Made with simple, fresh ingredients like bubbly sourdough starter, warm milk, honey, and butter, they’re cooked to golden perfection on a griddle for the ultimate crispy crust and fluffy interior. Perfect for breakfast sandwiches or slathered with butter and jam!
Sourdough Pretzel Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: EasyThese homemade sourdough pretzels are perfectly soft, chewy, and golden, with a tangy sourdough kick. Made with simple ingredients like a bubbly sourdough starter, warm butter, and a touch of brown sugar, they’re finished with coarse salt for a classic flavor or customizable toppings to suit your cravings. Perfect for snacking or dipping!
FAQs
Can I make the fritter dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the dough and the apple filling the night before.
Store them separately in the fridge and combine right before frying.
What if I don’t have a cooking thermometer?
No problem. Drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles immediately and browns in about 60 seconds, your oil is ready.
Can I freeze sourdough apple fritters?
Yes. Freeze unglazed fritters in an airtight container.
Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm and crispy, then glaze fresh.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Technically, yes, but the texture won’t be the same.
Frying gives that signature crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
What apples are best for this apple fritters recipe?
I recommend Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They stay firm and provide the perfect sweet-tart balance. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious.
