Ultimate Double Glazed Apple Fritters: A Binging With Babish Inspired Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a perfectly made apple fritter. The crispy exterior, the fluffy, yeasty interior studded with tender, spiced apple chunks, all crowned with a glistening sweet glaze – it’s pure culinary bliss. Our journey into making these delectable treats was sparked by none other than the renowned culinary creator, Binging With Babish. Watching his double glazed apple fritter video recipe tutorial on YouTube instantly ignited a craving we couldn’t ignore. The fritters in his tutorial looked so succulent and inviting, promising a taste experience that was both rich and perfectly balanced. We knew we had to recreate these incredible homemade apple fritters for our family, and now, we’re sharing the comprehensive guide with you.

This recipe doesn’t just promise deliciousness; it delivers an experience. From the careful selection of apples to the meticulous preparation of a rich yeast dough and the art of frying to golden perfection, every step is designed to maximize flavor and texture. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary double glazed apple fritters that will impress everyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to deep-frying, our detailed instructions will guide you through creating crispy, sweet, and perfectly spiced fritters every time.

Ingredients For The Most Delicious Double Glazed Apple Fritters:

Crafting perfect apple fritters begins with gathering quality ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need for this irresistible recipe. We recommend using fresh, high-quality spices for the best aroma and flavor.

• 1 1/3 cups of whole milk (heated to 110°F / 43°C for optimal yeast activation)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons dry active yeast (ensure it’s fresh for a good rise)
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar (raw cane sugar can add a nice depth)
• 2 tablespoons of honey (for added sweetness and moisture)
• 3 large eggs (room temperature, for better emulsion with other ingredients)
• 2 2/3 cups (approximately 22 1/3 ounces or 630g) of all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) of unsalted butter (room temperature), plus an additional 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) for sautéing apples
• 4 large Granny Smith apples (cored, peeled, and finely diced into 1/2-inch pieces for even cooking)
• 1/2 cup of light brown sugar (packed, for caramelizing apples)
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves (a warm, aromatic spice)
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger (adds a gentle warmth and spice)
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (the quintessential apple spice)
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice (combines flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (helps thicken the apple mixture slightly)
• 1 1/2 quarts of vegetable oil (or canola oil, for deep frying)
• 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar, for the double glaze, adjust for desired thickness)

Step-by-Step Directions to Master Double Glazed Apple Fritters:

Follow these detailed steps carefully to achieve homemade apple fritters that are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with spiced apple flavor. This guide covers everything from preparing the apples to mixing the yeast dough, frying, and finally glazing your delicious treats.

1. Prepare and Sauté the Spiced Apples:

The foundation of great apple fritters lies in perfectly cooked apples. Begin by taking your 4 large Granny Smith apples. These are ideal for fritters as their tartness balances the sweetness of the dough and glaze, and they hold their shape well when cooked. First, thoroughly wash, peel, and core each apple. Then, cut them into small, uniform 1/2-inch dice. Uniformity is key here for even cooking. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the additional 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, and all the spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves. Stir everything together until the apples are well coated. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened but still retain a slight bite, and the mixture has become syrupy. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of cornstarch during the last minute of cooking; this will help thicken the apple juices, preventing the fritters from becoming watery. Remove from heat and let the spiced apple mixture cool completely. This cooling step is crucial to prevent it from killing the yeast in your dough.

2. Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough Base:

In a large mixing bowl, gently warm 1 1/3 cups of whole milk to exactly 110°F (43°C). This temperature is vital for activating dry active yeast without killing it. Sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons of dry active yeast over the warm milk, along with 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. You should see the mixture become foamy and bubbly; this indicates the yeast is active and alive. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old or the milk temperature was off, and you should start over.

Once the yeast is activated, add the remaining granulated sugar (3 tablespoons), 2 tablespoons of honey, and 3 room-temperature eggs to the yeast mixture. Whisk everything together until well combined. Gradually add 2 2/3 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. At this point, add 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) of room-temperature unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, one piece at a time, allowing each piece to incorporate before adding the next. Continue mixing for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It will be a soft, sticky dough, which is perfectly normal for fritters.

3. First Rise and Incorporating Apples:

Lightly grease a clean large bowl with a little vegetable oil. Transfer the dough to this bowl, turning it once to coat the top. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft-free spot. Let the dough rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This slow rise develops the flavor and creates the airy texture characteristic of great yeast dough fritters.

Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Now, carefully fold in the completely cooled spiced apple mixture. Try to distribute the apples evenly throughout the dough without overworking it. This step ensures every bite of your homemade apple fritters has that wonderful apple and spice burst. The dough will be quite sticky and messy at this stage, but don’t worry, that’s part of the process for truly tender fritters.

4. Shaping and Second Rise:

Lightly flour your work surface and your hands. Carefully scoop spoonfuls of the apple-dough mixture, roughly 1/4 cup each, and gently shape them into irregular fritter shapes. Don’t worry about perfection; the irregular shapes are part of their charm and create more surface area for crispiness. Place the shaped fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes. This second, shorter rise will make them light and airy once fried.

5. Deep Frying the Apple Fritters:

Heat 1 1/2 quarts of vegetable oil (or canola oil) in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately; maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for perfectly cooked crispy apple fritters. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks; if too cool, the fritters will soak up too much oil and become greasy.

Carefully lower 3-4 fritters into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or spider. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The fritters should puff up nicely and develop a beautiful, deep golden crust. Once cooked, remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining dough, ensuring the oil temperature returns to 350°F between batches.

6. Prepare the Double Glaze:

While the fritters are still warm, it’s time to prepare the signature double glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar with about 4-6 tablespoons of milk (start with 4 and add more a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency). You’re aiming for a smooth, pourable but not too thin glaze. If you want a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar. For an extra touch of flavor, a tiny splash of vanilla extract can be added to the glaze, though it’s not strictly necessary if you want the pure sweetness to shine.

7. Glaze the Double Glazed Apple Fritters:

Once your glaze is ready and the fritters have cooled slightly but are still warm, dip each fritter into the glaze, turning to coat completely. Lift the fritter, allowing any excess glaze to drip back into the bowl. Place the glazed fritters back on the wire rack (ensure it’s clean or use a fresh one over parchment paper) to allow the glaze to set. For the “double glazed” effect, once the first layer of glaze has set (this takes about 10-15 minutes), repeat the dipping process for an extra thick, irresistible coating. This double layer truly elevates these homemade apple fritters to a new level of indulgence.

8. Serve and Enjoy Your Masterpiece:

These double glazed apple fritters are best enjoyed warm, shortly after glazing. The combination of the warm, soft interior with the sweet, crisp glaze is truly unbeatable. They are an absolute delight for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert. The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the kitchen!

Tips for Perfect Apple Fritters Every Time:

Achieving bakery-quality apple fritters at home is entirely possible with a few expert tips:

• Apple Choice: While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firm texture, other tart and firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji can also work well. Avoid overly soft or mealy apples, as they will turn mushy when cooked.
• Yeast Activation is Key: Ensure your milk is at the correct temperature (105-115°F / 40-46°C) for yeast activation. Too cold, and the yeast won’t activate; too hot, and it will die. A reliable thermometer is your best friend here.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: After adding the flour and butter, mix until just combined and elastic. Overmixing can lead to tough fritters.
• Cool the Apples: Always let your sautéed apple mixture cool completely before folding it into the dough. Warm apples can inhibit yeast activity and affect the dough’s rise.
• Oil Temperature Management: This is critical for crispy apple fritters that aren’t greasy. Keep your oil consistently at 350°F (175°C). A deep-fry thermometer is indispensable. Adjust heat as needed to maintain temperature.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry fritters in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much. This ensures even cooking and perfect crispiness.
• Drain Properly: Place fried fritters on a wire rack over paper towels to allow excess oil to drain. This keeps them from becoming soggy.
• Glaze While Warm: Glazing the fritters while they are still warm helps the glaze adhere better and melt slightly, creating a beautiful, smooth coating.
• Experiment with Spices: While our recipe calls for a classic spice blend, feel free to adjust to your preference. A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom could also be delicious.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Double Glazed Apple Fritters:

These aren’t just any apple fritters; they are an elevated experience. The contrast between the tender, yeasty dough and the slightly crisp, sweet glaze is simply divine. Each bite offers a burst of warm, spiced apples, making them perfect for any season. They make an unforgettable breakfast pastry, a delightful brunch item, or an indulgent dessert. The fact that they’re homemade adds an extra layer of love and satisfaction that store-bought versions simply can’t match. Everyone who tried them, from casual tasters to avid dessert connoisseurs, absolutely adored them. Prepare to become everyone’s favorite baker!

Storage and Reheating:

While best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover double glazed apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soft and rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Fritters:

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, while Granny Smiths are recommended, firm and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Gala can also be used. Just ensure they hold up well during cooking.

What if my yeast doesn’t foam?

If your yeast doesn’t become foamy after 5-10 minutes, it likely isn’t active. This could be due to old yeast or incorrect milk temperature. Discard the mixture and start over with fresh yeast and accurately heated milk.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While you can bake a similar apple dough, true fritters get their signature texture from deep-frying. Baking will result in a different, more cake-like consistency. For the authentic crispy apple fritter experience, frying is essential.

How do I know if the oil is hot enough without a thermometer?

While a thermometer is highly recommended, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it. If it sizzles and floats to the surface within a few seconds, it’s ready. If it sinks, the oil isn’t hot enough. If it browns too quickly, it’s too hot.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough up to the first rise, then punch it down, incorporate the apples, and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before proceeding with shaping and the second rise.

Making double glazed apple fritters at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that brings incredible results. Inspired by the meticulous approach of Binging With Babish, this comprehensive recipe ensures that your homemade apple fritters will be nothing short of spectacular. From the tender, spiced apples to the fluffy yeast dough and the irresistible double glaze, every element comes together to create a truly memorable treat. Don’t hesitate to dive into this recipe; your taste buds (and your family!) will thank you for it!