Indulge your sweet tooth with our Vegan Apple Fritter Recipe! These delectable treats are made by dipping juicy apple slices in a fluffy batter and then frying them until golden and crispy. Coat them in cinnamon sugar for an extra burst of flavor. Each bite offers a delightful combination of sweet, tart apple and warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness to satisfy your cravings!
WHY IT WORKS?
- Utilizes common kitchen ingredients, ensuring ease of preparation.
- Employs a blend of fresh apples and cinnamon, achieving a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.
- A homemade batter, free from animal products, makes it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Frying or baking options offer flexibility in texture, catering to personal preferences.
- Finishing with a sprinkle of sugar creates a delightfully crisp exterior.
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Finding a vegan apple fritter recipe that captures the essence of the traditional favorite without compromising taste can be daunting.
Many attempts either need a more tender interior and crispy exterior we crave or use hard-to-find substitutes that leave much to be desired.
In my quest for the perfect balance, I stumbled upon a method that not only meets these criteria but does so with ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
This discovery was a game-changer, providing a way to enjoy this beloved treat while adhering to a vegan lifestyle. It’s a testament to the fact that you can recreate the flavors of classic dishes in a plant-based format with a bit of creativity.
What Are Vegan Apple Fritters?
Vegan apple fritter recipe are a plant-based version of the traditional apple cake, a deep-fried pastry filled with chunks of apple and cinnamon, often coated in a sweet glaze.
In the vegan rendition, all ingredients, including the batter and glaze, are free from animal products. Instead of eggs and dairy, alternatives like plant-based milks, flaxseed meal, or bananas are used to achieve the desired consistency and flavor.
This modification allows those following a vegan lifestyle to enjoy a delicious, crispy, and tender treat that mirrors the taste and texture of its non-vegan counterpart without compromising on ethics or dietary preferences.
Quick Fact: Vegan apple fritters replace traditional egg and dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, ensuring a cruelty-free treat that retains the classic’s delightful crispness and tender apple filling.
Recipe Directions
To Make the Apple Fritters
- Prepare the Flax Egg: Combine the ground flax seed with water in a small bowl. Whisk together and set aside to thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Prep the Apples: To prevent the cubed apples from browning, toss them with lemon juice in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Make the Batter: In another medium bowl, combine melted vegan butter, plant milk, and the thickened flax egg mixture. Separately, mix sugar, flour, baking powder, spices, and salt. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing to form a thick batter. Use a slotted spoon to add the apples to the batter, leaving any excess lemon juice behind. Ensure the apples are well coated, and refrigerate the mixture briefly.
- Fry the Fritters: Heat a few inches of oil in a medium, high-sided saucepan to approximately 175°C (347°F). Use a candy thermometer for accuracy. Drop a heaped dessert spoon of the batter into the hot oil, frying for about 30 seconds before flipping. Fry until golden brown on all sides, then transfer to a wire rack to drain. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Cool Down: Allow the cakes to cool completely, about 15 minutes, before glazing.
To Make the Glaze
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together all glaze ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Finish: Drizzle each cooled cake with a generous amount of glaze. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the glaze to set before serving.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- Fruit Variations: Substitute apples with pears, peaches, or a mix of berries for a different taste profile.
- Flavor Twists: Incorporate orange zest or replace cinnamon and nutmeg with pumpkin spice mix for a seasonal twist.
- Gluten-Free: To make the cakes accessible to those with gluten sensitivities, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
Add-Ons
- Nuts and Seeds: Stir chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds into the batter for an added crunch.
- Chocolate Chips: Add vegan chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet, chocolatey surprise.
- Spiced Apples: Sauté the apple cubes with cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar before adding them to the batter for deeper flavor.
Toppings
- Sugar Coatings: Instead of a glaze, toss the warm fritters in a mixture of cinnamon sugar for a crispy coating.
- Nut Butter: Drizzle almond or peanut butter over the cooled cakes for a nutty flavor boost.
- Fruit Compotes: Top the fritters with a homemade berry compote or apple sauce for additional fruitiness.
- Vegan Whipped Cream: A dollop of vegan whipped cream adds a creamy texture and balances the sweetness of the fritters.
- Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup complements the apple and cinnamon flavors for a classic pairing.
Vegetable Substitutions
- Zucchini: Thinly sliced and lightly sweetened, zucchini can mimic the texture of apples when cooked, offering a subtle, fresh flavor.
- Carrots: Grated carrots, when steamed slightly and mixed with cinnamon and sugar, can introduce a sweet, earthy depth, enhancing the fritter’s complexity.
- Butternut Squash: Cubed and roasted butternut squash, with its soft, sweet profile, makes an excellent filler and provides a unique twist.
- Pumpkin: Finely diced or pureed pumpkin can be incorporated for its sweet, creamy texture, offering a fall-inspired variant.
- Sweet Potatoes: Similar to butternut squash, sweet potatoes offer a sweet, soft texture that can stand in beautifully for apples, especially when spiced.
Quick Tip: For a lighter version of vegan apple fritters, try baking them on a parchment-lined tray at 375°F until golden brown, avoiding deep frying.
Best Side Dishes
- Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream The classic combination of warm apple fritters and ice cream is unbeatable.
- Cinnamon Spiced Applesauce Adds a fruity and slightly tart element, enhancing the apple flavor in the fritters.
- Maple Glazed Carrots Their sweetness and hint of earthiness can complement the fritters’ flavors.
- Mixed Berry Salad The acidity and sweetness of the berries provide a fresh contrast to the rich fritters.
- Coconut Yogurt A dollop of coconut yogurt on the side adds a creamy texture and a slight tang.
- Vegan Caramel Sauce Perfect for drizzling over or dipping, adding a rich, sweet depth.
How To Serve?
- Warm and Fresh: Serve the fritters warm, fresh out of the frying pan or oven, to emphasize their crispy exterior and tender, flavorful filling.
- Dusted with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a sweet touch and an attractive finish.
- With a Drizzle of Vegan Glaze: Prepare a simple vegan glaze using powdered sugar and plant milk, and drizzle it over the fritters for added sweetness and moisture.
- Accompanied by Vegan Ice Cream: Place a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream beside or on top of a warm fritter for a delicious contrast of temperatures.
- Alongside Fruit Compote: Serve with a side of apple or berry compote to add a fruity element that complements the fritter’s flavors.
- With a Dollop of Vegan Whipped Cream: A generous vegan whipped cream can add a luxurious creaminess that pairs well with the spiced apple notes.
- Paired with Coffee or Tea: Offer a hot cup of coffee or tea as the perfect beverage to complement the sweet and spicy flavors of the apple fritters.
- On a Dessert Platter: Arrange the fritters on a platter with other vegan desserts and fruits for a visually appealing and diverse dessert option.
- As a Breakfast Treat: Serve them for a special breakfast or brunch, perhaps with vegan yogurt or granola for a balanced meal.
- With Caramel Sauce for Dipping: Provide a small bowl of vegan caramel sauce for dipping, adding a rich, indulgent flavor to every bite.
Quick Tip: Let the vegan apple fritter batter rest for 10 minutes before frying to enhance flavor and texture. This allows the flour to hydrate and the flavors to meld.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Storage: Store cooled cakes in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the batter a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Stir gently before using, as some separation may occur.
Recipe Fact: Apple fritters date back to ancient Rome, where they were first mentioned in recipes as early as the 4th century. The vegan version modernizes this historical delicacy.
Time-Saving Tips
- Prep in Advance: Chop and toss your apples in lemon juice the night before. To save time, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Use a Large Saucepan: Cooking multiple fritters in a larger pan can reduce cooking time.
- Batter Consistency: Ensure your batter is consistent from the start to avoid adjustments later, saving time in the mixing process.
- Pre-Measure Ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients before you start cooking. This mise en place approach streamlines the cooking process.
- Double the Recipe: Making a larger batch simultaneously saves time in the long run. You can freeze extra fritters for quick future snacks or meals.
Delectable Vegan Apple Fritter- Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth!
Vegan apple fritters are a delightful twist on a traditional treat, featuring diced apples enveloped in a crispy, spiced batter with no animal products used.
This version substitutes conventional ingredients with plant-based alternatives, ensuring a guilt-free indulgence. Perfectly sweet and satisfyingly crunchy, these fritters make a fantastic dessert or snack for those following a vegan lifestyle or anyone seeking a healthier option.
4-6
servings15
minutes20
minutes350
kcal15
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
2 Tbsp 2 Ground flax seeds (chia or linseed fine)
4 Tbsp 4 Water
2 2 Baking apples (large, peeled, cored, cubed)
2 Tbsp 2 Lemon juice
45 grams Vegan butter (melted)
150 grams Plant milk (e.g., oat)
2 Tbsp 2 Granulated sugar
195 grams Plain white flour
2 Tsp 2 Baking powder
¾ Tsp ¾ Ground cinnamon
¼ Tsp ¼ Ground nutmeg
1 Pinch 1 Ground cardamom
½ Tsp ½ Fine sea salt
As needed Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Ingredients for the Glaze
200 grams Icing sugar
¼ Tsp ¼ Ground cinnamon
3 Tbsp 3 Plant milk
Directions
- To Make the Apple Fritters
- Prepare Flax Egg: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed with 4 tablespoons of water. Whisk together and set aside to thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Prep Apples: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and cubed apples with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to prevent them from browning. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another medium bowl, blend 45 grams of melted vegan butter with 150 grams of plant milk and the thickened flax egg mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 195 grams of plain white flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ¾ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, a pinch of ground cardamom, and ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt.
- Create Batter: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring well to form a thick batter. Use a slotted spoon to incorporate the apples into the batter, leaving any excess lemon juice behind. Chill the mixture in the fridge.
- Fry Fritters: Heat a few inches of vegetable oil in a high-sided medium saucepan to approximately 175°C (347°F), using a probe or candy thermometer to monitor. Drop heaped dessert spoons of the batter into the hot oil. Fry for about 30 seconds, then flip and fry until golden brown. Transfer the fritters to a wire cooling rack to drain. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Cool Down: Allow the fritters to cool completely for around 15 minutes.
- To Make the Glaze
- Prepare Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together 200 grams of icing sugar, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons of plant milk until smooth.
- Finish: Once the fritters have cooled, drizzle each with the glaze. Allow to set for a few minutes before serving.
- Equipments List
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Medium saucepan or deep fryer
- Candy thermometer
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Wire cooling rack
- Parchment paper (optional for baking)
- Baking sheet (if baking)
Notes
- Use any plant milk of choice; oats, almonds, and soy work well.
- Flax seeds can be substituted with chia or linseed for the egg replacement.
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature to prevent fritters from absorbing too much oil.
- Adjust spices in the batter according to taste preferences.
- Fritters can be made smaller or larger; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Glaze consistency can be altered by adding more plant milk or icing sugar to reach the desired thickness.
- Serve fritters warm for the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Vegan Apple Fritters Gluten-Free?
You can make vegan apple fritters gluten-free by substituting plain white flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Ensure the blend is suitable for frying and baking, as some gluten-free flours have different absorbency rates. You might need to adjust the liquid quantities slightly to achieve the desired batter consistency.
How Can I Ensure My Vegan Apple Fritters Are Crispy?
To ensure your vegan apple fritters are crispy, ensure the oil is heated to the correct temperature (around 175°C or 347°F) before frying.
Frying at the right temperature helps the fritters cook quickly without absorbing excess oil, resulting in a crispy exterior.
Additionally, don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil’s temperature, leading to less crispy fritters. Draining them on a wire rack rather than paper towels can also help maintain their crispiness by allowing air to circulate them.
What Are The Best Apples To Use For Vegan Apple Fritters?
The best apples for vegan apple fritters are firm and slightly tart varieties that hold up well during cooking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
These varieties provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity, complementing the spices in the fritters. The firmness of these apples ensures they don’t become too mushy when fried.
Can Vegan Apple Fritters Be Baked Instead Of Fried?
Yes, vegan apple fritters can be baked as a healthier alternative to frying. To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the fritter batter in spoonfuls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
While the texture might not be as crispy as fried fritters, baking is a great way to reduce the oil content of the dish.
How Long Can Vegan Apple Fritters Be Stored, And How Should They Be Reheated?
Vegan apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag, where they can be kept for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm the fritters in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes if refrigerated, or a bit longer if frozen, until they are heated through and regain some of their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
