Gluten-Free Apple Fritters (Dairy-Free)

Fall Means Apple Season

It’s finally time for fall, and apart from cozy sweaters, earlier evenings and cooler days, it also means that apple season is finally here!

September is probably the best time to pick apples, but early fall until October is when apples are harvested and we can enjoy the abundant fall apple bounty.

Our Favorite Apple Recipes:

• Easy Apple Crumble (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Moist Apple Cake (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Homemade Applesauce (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Applesauce Muffins with Streusel Topping (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Crunchy Apple Crisp (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

What are Apple Fritters?

If you’ve never made apple fritters before, they’re basically deep-fried donut dough (leavened with baking powder) interlaced with small apple chunks and flavored with ground cinnamon.

Once the apple fritters are deep-fried, they are then drizzled in a simple but tasty cinnamon glaze – a special treat to make use of all the fresh apples during the fall (or you can also make them all year round if you wish!).

Traditional apple fritters are made with wheat flour (which contains gluten and is not safe for those with Celiac disease or gluten allergies or intolerances), but today we’re making a gluten-free and dairy-free version!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple Ingredients: The ingredients required for these gluten-free apple fritters recipe are easily accessible at the local grocery stores (nothing fancy required!).
• Easy to Make: Preparing the apple fritter batter comes together in a cinch, and the fritters fry up beautifully. Then dip the gluten-free fritters in a simple glaze and you can enjoy this tasty fall snack!
• Totally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: The best part is that these easy homemade apple fritters are 100% gluten-free and dairy-free too, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy them without issues!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for making this gluten-free apple fritter recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

• Gluten-Free Flour: I recommend using a good-quality gluten-free 1:1 flour blend (also known as measure for measure flour – this is a 1:1 substitute for regular wheat flour). Alternatively, if you don’t have Celiac disease or gluten intolerance, feel free to use equal amounts of regular all purpose flour instead.
• Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum is the replacement for gluten in gluten-free flours and helps to better bind the ingredients together. If your gluten-free flour blend does not already include xanthan gum, make sure to add it in.
• Sugar: For the fritter batter, I used granulated white sugar, but you may also use cane sugar or light brown sugar if you prefer.
• Baking Powder: Baking powder is the only leavening agent in this apple fritter recipe, and helps the batter to rise, so make sure you add it in. If you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, make sure to use certified gluten-free baking powder.
• Ground Cinnamon: I like adding ground cinnamon because it adds a beautiful fall flavor.
• Eggs: Eggs help to bind the ingredients together, so make sure you add them in. I have not tried making this recipe without eggs, so I don’t know how that would turn out. However, if you are allergic to eggs, you may try using acquafaba instead. (If you do make this apple fritter recipe egg-free, please let me know how it goes in the comments below, I’d love to know!)
• Almond Milk: I like using an unsweetened version of my homemade almond milk. You can also use other non-dairy milk (such as rice milk, cashew milk, tigernut milk, oat milk or coconut milk, etc). Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use normal milk instead.
• Applesauce: I like using my homemade applesauce, but store-bought applesauce will work just as well.
• Apples: I recommend using either Fuji or granny smith apples, but honestly any apple variety will work.
• Cooking Oil: You can use canola oil, sunflower oil, or other types of vegetable oils for frying these gluten free fritters.
• Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar (or confectioner’s sugar) is very fine sugar that will dissolve easily to make the glaze. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly recommend using powdered monkfruit sweeter (a 1:1 powdered sugar alternatively that is zero glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar).
• Brown Sugar: I used dark brown sugar but you can also use light brown sugar or coconut sugar if you prefer.
• Vanilla Extract: I like the flavor that vanilla extract adds to the glaze, so I recommend adding it in.

How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Fritters (Step by Step):

1. Dice Apples:

Start by dicing the apples into small pieces and set aside.

2. Whisk Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl add the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (if using), sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Whisk well until combined.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the eggs, milk and applesauce.

4. Whisk to Get Batter

Whisk this mixture together until a thick batter forms.

5. Fold in Diced Apples

Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until they are evenly distributed.

6. Heat Oil

Start heating the frying oil in a frying pan or medium pot on medium high heat.

7. Fry Batter

Take ¼ cup full of the fritter batter and place into the hot oil. Spread batter slightly in the oil.

Cook each fritter for about 2 minutes on each side or until it turns a deep golden brown.

8. Place Fritters on Paper Towel

Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Repeat until all the fritters are cooked.

9. Prepare Cinnamon Glaze

While the gluten free apple fritters cool, make the glaze. In a separate large bowl add the powdered sugar, cinnamon and brown sugar.

Whisk together until combined.

10. Add Milk and Vanilla

Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Whisk all the glaze ingredients together until a thin glaze has formed.

(TIP: If you feel it is still a bit too thick, add another tablespoon or so of milk.)

11. Dip Fritters in Glaze

Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a cooling rack on top. This is where we will place the apple fritters after dipping in the glaze, so any excess can drip off.

Take each fritter and dip into the glaze, flipping over and coating both sides thoroughly.

Shake off any excess frosting and place on the prepared cooling rack.

12. Repeat Until All Glaze is Used Up

Repeat with all fritters and let the glaze set on them for 15 minutes.

13. Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy the apple fritters!

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

• Types of Apples: You can use any type of apples you enjoy (red or green will work too).
• Make Smaller Fritters: I used 1/4 cup of batter for each fritter (which will make 8 fritters), but you can easily make smaller apple fritters by using 1/8 cup of batter per fritter (making 16 fritters instead).
• Consistency of Glaze: If you prefer a thinner glaze, simply add an extra tablespoon of almond milk or water and mix well.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Gluten-Free Desserts You’ll Enjoy:

Fall Recipe to Enjoy This Season:

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

Gluten-Free Apple Fritters (Dairy-Free)

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★★★★★

5 from 1 review

• Author: Felicia Lim
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 fritters 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Crispy golden gluten-free apple fritters drizzled in a sweet cinnamon glaze – these are the perfect snack or dessert for this fall season! Totally dairy-free too! Go make a batch to indulge in today!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Apple Fritter Batter:

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free 1:1 flour
• 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 3 tablespoons applesauce
• 2 Fuji or granny smith apples, cored and diced small
• Frying oil, enough to reach 3 inches in depth

For the Cinnamon Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Dice Apples: Start by dicing the apples into small pieces and set aside.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl add the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (if using), sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Whisk together these dry ingredients.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the eggs, milk and applesauce.
4. Whisk to Get Batter: Whisk this mixture together until a thick batter forms.
5. Fold in Diced Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
6. Heat Oil: Start heating the frying oil in a frying pan or pot on medium high heat.
7. Fry Batter: Take ¼ cup full of the fritter batter and place into the hot oil. Spread batter slightly in the oil. Cook about 2 minutes on each side or until each fritter is a deep golden brown.
8. Place Fritters on Paper Towel: Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Repeat until all fritters are cooked.
9. Prepare Cinnamon Glaze: While the fritters cool, make the glaze. In a separate bowl add the powdered sugar, cinnamon and brown sugar. Whisk together until combined.
10. Add Milk and Vanilla: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Whisk until a thin glaze has formed. If you feel it is still a bit too thick, add another tablespoon or so of milk.
11. Dip Fritters in Glaze: Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a cooling rack on top. This is where we will place the apple fritters after dipping in the glaze, so any excess can drip off. Take each fritter and dip into the glaze, flipping over and coating both sides thoroughly. Shake off any excess frosting and place on the prepared cooling rack.
12. Repeat Until All Glaze is Used Up: Repeat with all fritters and let the glaze set on them for 15 minutes.
13. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy the apple fritters!

Notes

Gluten-Free Flour: I recommend using a good-quality gluten-free 1:1 flour blend (also known as measure for measure flour – this is a 1:1 substitute for regular wheat flour).

Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum is the replacement for gluten in gluten-free flours and helps to better bind the ingredients together. If your gluten-free flour blend does not already include xanthan gum, make sure to add it in.

Sugar: For the fritter batter, I used granulated white sugar, but you may also use cane sugar or light brown sugar if you prefer.

Baking Powder: Baking powder is the only leavening agent in this apple fritter recipe, and helps the batter to rise, so make sure you add it in. If you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, make sure to use certified gluten-free baking powder.

Ground Cinnamon: I like adding ground cinnamon because it adds a beautiful fall flavor.

Eggs: Eggs help to bind the ingredients together, so make sure you add them in. I have not tried making this recipe without eggs, so I don’t know how that would turn out. However, if you are allergic to eggs, you may try using acquafaba instead. (If you do make this apple fritter recipe egg-free, please let me know how it goes in the comments below, I’d love to know!)

Almond Milk: I like using an unsweetened version of my homemade almond milk. You can also use other non-dairy milk (such as rice milk, cashew milk, tigernut milk, oat milk etc). Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use normal milk instead.

Applesauce: I like using my homemade applesauce, but store-bought applesauce will work just as well.

Apples: I recommend using either Fuji or granny smith apples, but honestly any type of apples will work.

Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar (or confectioner’s sugar) is very fine sugar that will dissolve easily to make the glaze. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly recommend using powdered monkfruit sweeter (a 1:1 powdered sugar alternatively that is zero glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar).

Brown Sugar: I used dark brown sugar but you can also use light brown sugar or coconut sugar if you prefer.

Vanilla Extract: I like the flavor that vanilla extract adds to the glaze, so I recommend adding it in.

Storing: These apple fritters are best eaten straight after frying as the fritters lose their crispiness as the time goes on. I do not recommend storing them.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: gluten-free apple fritters

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