If you’re anything like me and adore those nostalgic treats that remind you of cozy mornings and sweet indulgences, this Old Fashioned Apple Fritter with Salted Caramel Glaze Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines tender apple-studded fritters fried to golden perfection with a luscious salted caramel glaze that creates a beautiful balance of sweet and salty. Every bite is pure comfort, blending soft, spiced apple dough with a glossy, decadent topping that will have you reaching for just one more (or two!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large metal mixing bowl contains a thick, chunky dough with visible pieces of light yellow fruit mixed in. The dough has a slightly sticky and creamy texture with rough bits, and a red spatula with a long light wooden handle rests inside, partially covered by the mixture. The metal bowl shows smears of the dough around the sides, indicating recent stirring. Two small white bowls with light brown round nuts are placed near the bottom left on a white marbled surface, partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started on this Old Fashioned Apple Fritter with Salted Caramel Glaze Recipe is wonderfully simple, thanks to straightforward ingredients that play crucial roles in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and color. Each one brings something special to the mix, whether it’s the warm spice from ginger or the richness of the butter.

Vegetable oil for frying: This neutral oil heats well and ensures a crispy exterior without overpowering flavors.
All-purpose flour (1½ cups): The base of your fritter batter, providing structure and that tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (1 tbsp): Adds just the right hint of sweetness to complement the apples.
Kosher salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Baking powder (2 tsp): Helps the fritters rise nicely for a light, airy texture.
Ground ginger (½ tsp): Adds a warm, subtle spice that’s perfect with apples.
Whole milk, warmed to 110-115°F (⅔ cup): Creates the perfect batter consistency and adds richness.
Salted butter, melted (1 tbsp): Brings a smooth, buttery flavor that complements the salted caramel glaze beautifully.
Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind everything together and add moisture to the batter.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Boosts the overall flavor, tying all the ingredients together with a sweet aroma.
Honeycrisp apples (3, peeled, cored, and diced into ¼-inch chunks): Crisp and juicy apples that add delightful texture and fresh fruity bursts.
Soft caramel bits (1 cup): The star ingredient for the luscious glaze that’s irresistible.
Splash of water: Helps melt the caramel bits into a smooth glaze without burning.
Finishing salt: A light sprinkle over the glaze enhances the sweet and salty magic of the fritters.

How to Make Old Fashioned Apple Fritter with Salted Caramel Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Frying Oil

Begin by heating your vegetable oil in a dutch oven or a large heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is key to getting that golden crust without soaking up too much oil. Using a candy thermometer ensures you maintain the perfect heat throughout frying.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

While the oil heats, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, ground ginger, and kosher salt in a large bowl. These dry ingredients form the batter’s foundation and give your fritters their signature tender yet slightly spiced flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the warmed whole milk, melted salted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until they’re well blended. This mixture will add moisture, richness, and a hint of aromatic warmth to the fritters.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently whisk until just combined. The batter should stay slightly lumpy—that’s what keeps the fritters tender and soft on the inside.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

Using a baking spatula, carefully fold in the diced honeycrisp apples. It’s important to fold gently so the fruit remains in nice chunks and distributes evenly throughout the batter, giving every fritter delightful bursts of apple.

Step 6: Fry Your Fritters

Once your oil is at 375°F, drop the batter a quarter cup at a time into the hot oil—no more than 2 or 3 fritters at once to keep the temperature steady. Fry each fritter for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn a deep golden brown, then transfer them to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. These warm, golden fritters are already tempting, but wait till you add the glaze!

Step 7: Make the Salted Caramel Glaze

While frying, melt your soft caramel bits in the microwave with a splash of water. Stir every 30 seconds until silky smooth and ready for dunking—this quick caramel glaze is what makes this version so decadently famous.

Step 8: Glaze and Finish

After allowing your fritters to cool just enough to handle, dunk each into the warm salted caramel glaze. Then, lightly sprinkle finishing salt on top. The salt intensifies the caramel’s sweetness and adds that irresistible contrast to each bite.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Apple Fritter with Salted Caramel Glaze Recipe

A white round plate lined with crinkled white parchment paper holds eight pieces of fried chicken, each coated generously with a shiny, thick amber-colored sauce that glistens under the light. The fried chicken pieces vary in shape and size, showing a crunchy, textured surface beneath the smooth sticky sauce. Some spots of coarse white salt crystals are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of contrast. A metal spoon with a wooden handle rests on the parchment with sauce dripping from it. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, highlighting the rich color of the sauce and the crispiness of the chicken pieces photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To truly elevate your Old Fashioned Apple Fritter with Salted Caramel Glaze Recipe, consider a few extra touches like a light dusting of powdered sugar or additional finishing salt for that perfect balance. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans adds nice crunch and a nutty note that plays wonderfully with the caramel and apples.

Side Dishes

These fritters are delightfully satisfying on their own, but if you want to turn them into a full brunch or dessert plate, serve alongside fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a simple bowl of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey. The creaminess and slight tang contrast beautifully with the sweet, dense fritters.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your apple fritters stacked on vintage china or braided onto individual dessert plates with artistic caramel drizzle and a sprig of fresh mint. For a crowd-pleasing look, pile them in a basket lined with a festive kitchen towel—nothing says homemade comfort quite like that!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover fritters (which I doubt will happen often), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigerating, as it can toughen the fritters and dull the glaze.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Once fully cooled, wrap individual fritters tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to glaze them fresh after reheating for that perfect salted caramel finish.

Reheating

Reheat fritters gently in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisped back up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy. After reheating, dunk in fresh caramel glaze or drizzle with warmed caramel for that freshly made effect.

FAQs

Can I substitute the apples with another fruit?

While apples are classic here, you can experiment with pears or peaches for a different but equally delicious twist. Just remember that the texture and moisture content might affect frying time.

Is it necessary to use kosher salt in the batter?

Kosher salt is preferred because it dissolves well and balances flavors nicely, but you can use table salt—just reduce the amount slightly since it’s saltier by volume.

What if I don’t have soft caramel bits for the glaze?

You can create a quick caramel glaze by melting caramel candies gently with a little heavy cream or milk on the stove. It’s not quite the same but still wonderfully sticky and sweet.

Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?

Baking isn’t ideal here because the oil frying is what gives the fritters their characteristic crispy exterior. However, for a lighter version, you could try pan-frying in a skillet with less oil.

How important is the frying oil temperature?

Maintaining 375°F is crucial to get the perfect golden crust without greasy or undercooked centers. Using a candy thermometer helps keep the temperature just right throughout frying.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like making this Old Fashioned Apple Fritter with Salted Caramel Glaze Recipe at home to fill your kitchen with cozy aromas and delight your taste buds. From the tender apple-filled dough to that luscious salted caramel glaze, each component feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s weekend breakfast, a special treat, or an anytime snack, give yourself the joy of this classic with a tasty twist—you won’t regret it!