Apple Fritter Donuts with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze
These Apple Fritter Donuts are soft and fluffy inside with a perfectly golden, crisp exterior, filled throughout with a sweet, tart, and gooey apple pie filling. Each fritter is coated in a luscious brown butter maple vanilla bean glaze that seeps into every crevice, creating an irresistible bite. Best enjoyed warm with a hot cup of coffee, these donuts are the ultimate cozy treat.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Milk
Granulated sugar
Active dry yeast
Salted butter
Eggs
Bread flour (substitution: all-purpose flour)
Salt
Avocado oil, for frying
Apples of choice (I used Granny Smith)
Brown sugar
Maple syrup
Cinnamon
Apple pie spice
Cornstarch
Water
Vanilla extract or paste
Powdered sugar
Why You’ll Love Apple Fritter Donuts:
Soft and Fluffy Interior: Each bite has a tender, airy crumb that melts in your mouth.
Crispy, Golden Exterior: Fried to perfection for that satisfying crunch in every bite.
Gooey Apple Pie Filling: Sweet, tart, and spiced apples are laced throughout, giving bursts of warm flavor.
Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze: A rich, nutty, and aromatic finish that elevates the classic fritter.
Warm and Comforting: Perfect for chilly mornings or cozy weekend treats.
Pairs Perfectly with Coffee: The deep flavors of apple and brown butter shine alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea.
A Fall Baking Favorite: Brings the flavors of apple pie and donuts together in one decadent dessert.
Homemade Bakery-Style Quality: Impress family and friends with donuts that rival your favorite café.
Customizable Flavor: Swap apple varieties or add extra spices to make them your own.
Best Served Fresh: Irresistible while still warm, with the glaze just set and the center still slightly gooey.
Tips for Making Apple Fritter Donuts:
Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples (like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith) for the best flavor balance.
Cut Apples Evenly: Chop apples into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly and distribute well throughout the dough.
Control Oil Temperature: Keep your frying oil around 350°F (175°C). Too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too cool and they’ll absorb excess oil.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Stir until just combined to keep the fritters light and fluffy.
Drain Properly After Frying: Place fritters on a wire rack over a baking sheet instead of paper towels to keep the bottoms from steaming and getting soggy.
Glaze While Warm: The brown butter maple vanilla bean glaze sticks beautifully to warm fritters, giving that irresistible sheen.
Make the Glaze Fresh: Brown butter loses its nutty aroma over time, so prepare your glaze right before using.
Work in Small Batches: Fry 2–3 fritters at a time to keep the oil temperature stable.
Serve Immediately: These fritters are best enjoyed warm on the day they’re made for peak texture and flavor.
How to Store Apple Fritter Donuts:
Room Temperature: Apple fritter donuts are best eaten fresh the same day, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Keep in mind the glaze will soften, and the exterior will lose some crispness.
Refrigerator: If you need to store them longer, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before eating, or reheat gently for the best texture.
Reheating: Warm fritters in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore some of their crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Freezing (Unglazed): For the longest storage, freeze unglazed fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm in the oven before glazing.
Freezing (Glazed): You can freeze glazed fritters, but the glaze may lose its sheen after thawing. If freezing glazed fritters, wrap them individually in parchment paper and store in an airtight container.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make apple fritter donuts ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prep the fritters up to the point of frying, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Fry and glaze them right before serving for the best texture.
Q: What kind of apples work best for apple fritter donuts?
A: Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well during frying and balance the sweetness of the glaze, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady are also delicious.
Q: How do I keep apple fritter donuts from getting soggy?
A: For the crispiest texture, glaze the fritters shortly before serving. If storing, keep them in a single layer in an airtight container and reheat in the oven before eating.
Q: Can I bake apple fritter donuts instead of frying them?
A: Yes, but the texture will be different—more like bread than a crisp fritter. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes or until golden, then glaze.
Q: Why do my apple fritter donuts absorb too much oil?
A: This usually means your oil temperature is too low. Make sure it stays between 360°F–375°F (182°C–190°C) for the best results.
Q: Can I freeze apple fritter donuts?
A: Absolutely! For best results, freeze them unglazed for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before glazing to maintain freshness.
Q: Do I have to use brown butter for the glaze?
A: No, but the brown butter adds a nutty, toasty depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the maple and vanilla bean. You can use regular melted butter if you prefer.
Check out my other donut recipes:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make these apple fritter donuts with brown butter maple vanilla bean glaze. Happy baking!
