Applesauce Fritters
on Aug 04, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These healthy applesauce fritters are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack! Sweet, soft, and lightly spiced, they’re kid-approved, simple to prep, and pan-fried instead of deep-fried. Naturally sweetened with applesauce and maple syrup, these fritters are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and make the perfect cozy treat.
Turn applesauce into a sweet and satisfying snack with these quick, kid-friendly applesauce fritters. They’re soft, fluffy, and lightly crisp on the edges, with just the right amount of warm cinnamon spice. Naturally sweetened with applesauce and a touch of maple syrup, they’re perfect for little hands and grown-up cravings alike. You can serve them as is or dip them into a sweet glaze for a delicious sweet treat that everyone will love.
If you’re an apple lover like we are, you’ll also love these soft and fluffy apple donut cinnamon muffins, crisp and flaky cinnamon apple croissants, and these healthy apple oatmeal bars. If you’re in the mood for waffles with apple flavor, you’ll love these cinnamon apple waffles as well!
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
Here is what you’ll need to make these applesauce fritters:
- Applesauce: I used unsweetened applesauce, but if you are using sweetened applesauce, you can cut back on the amount of maple syrup.
- Eggs: Used to bind the fritters.
- Maple Syrup: For added sweetness.
- Self-Rising Flour: A combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. You can also make your own self-rising flour if you don’t have any on hand!
- Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice for added flavor.
- Apples: Diced and folded into the batter for extra chunks of sweetness.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Self-Rising Flour: You can make your own self-rising flour by mixing together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Then measure out 1 1/2 cups of that mixture to use in this recipe. To make these applesauce fritters gluten-free, use gluten-free all-purpose flour here in a 1:1 ratio to make your own gluten-free self-rising flour.
- Eggs: You can replace the eggs with 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk.
Step-By-Step Instructions
STEP 1: Add the applesauce, eggs, and maple syrup to a bowl and mix together until combined (Images 1 & 2).
STEP 2: Add in the flour and cinnamon and mix until just combined. Do not overmix (Images 3 & 4).
STEP 3: Add in the chopped apples and fold them in until just combined (Images 5 & 6).
STEP 4: In a medium frying pan, pour in enough oil to cover the bottom by about ¼ inch. Heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), or until a small drop of batter sizzles and floats to the top.
STEP 5: Once the oil is heated, spoon out portions of batter that are about 2 tablespoons in size in size. Quickly press down on the fritters to flatten them (Image 7). Cook the fritters for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until browned on all sides (Image 8). Immediately drain cooked fritters on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
STEP 6: For an optional glaze, mix together the powdered sugar and milk until combined. Dip each fritter into the glaze, shaking off any excess. Allow them to fully cool before serving.
Storage Instructions
Let the fritters cool completely and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge. To freeze, store in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag once cooled for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave the muffins for 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through!
Tips For Success
- Make sure that the oil is the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown or burn quickly while the inside remains raw. If the oil is too cool, the fritters will absorb too much oil, making them greasy. Aim for a steady medium heat (around 350°F (175°C) if you’re using a thermometer).
- Cook the fritters in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan so the oil temperature doesn’t drop.
- Make sure to press down on the fritters when you scoop in portions of batter so that the fritters aren’t too puffy when cooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can bake spoonfuls of batter on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Just note that the fritters won’t have that same crispy, golden exterior like they would if they were pan-fried.
My favorite apples to use for these applesauce fritters are Honeycrisp, Cosmic Crisp, and Fuji apples. They all hold their shape well when cooked and add the perfect amount of sweetness and texture.
Fry at the right temperature (medium heat) and drain fritters on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil.
Other Apple Recipes You’ll Love
Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bites
Cinnamon Apple Waffles
Cinnamon Muffins (Apple Donut Muffins)
Easy Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies
If you tried these Applesauce Fritters, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below! I love hearing from you!
Applesauce Fritters
Ingredients
Applesauce Fritters
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 4 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups self-rising flour
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 apples, Honey Crisp, Cosmic Crisp, or Fuji
Optional Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk, or water for dairy-free
Instructions
- Add the applesauce, eggs, and maple syrup to a bowl and mix together until combined.
- Add in the flour and cinnamon and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add in the chopped apples and fold them in until just combined
- In a medium frying pan, pour in enough oil to cover the bottom by about ¼ inch. Heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), or until a small drop of batter sizzles and floats to the top.
- Once the oil is heated, spoon out portions of batter that are about 2 tablespoons in size in size. Quickly press down on the fritters to flatten them. Cook the fritters for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until browned on all sides. Immediately drain cooked fritters on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- For an optional glaze, mix together the powdered sugar and milk until combined. Dip each fritter into the glaze, shaking off any excess. Allow them to fully cool before serving.
Notes
- Make sure that the oil is the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown or burn quickly while the inside remains raw. If the oil is too cool, the fritters will absorb too much oil, making them greasy. Aim for a steady medium heat (around 350°F (175°C) if you’re using a thermometer).
- Cook the fritters in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan so the oil temperature doesn’t drop.
- Make sure to press down on the fritters when you scoop in portions of batter so that the fritters aren’t too puffy when cooked.
