Easy Apple Fritters

Happy September, Fall lovers! We've had our pumpkins and Fall wreaths out for a couple of weeks now, but it feels like Fall is finally upon us with this new month (and let's keep praying for that cooler weather!). 

This time of year is what I like to call "baking season." I think of every excuse I can to whip up something delicious filled with cinnamon and nutmeg and all those yummy Fall spices. My husband is borderline obsessed with apple fritters, so it's always one of the first things I make. My tradition is watching Gilmore Girls (there is literally no better time to start rewatching GG than the Fall, am I right?) while making some delicious apple fritters. It makes for the perfect Sunday afternoon.

I'm not going to lie, I was pretty nervous to try to make these babies during my first attempt, but I was shocked how easy it is. It's basically like making donuts but you don't have to worry about them being perfectly round, so it's a win-win all around.

Cinnamon, nutmeg, juicy apples, all wrapped in some yummy fried dough? Does it really get any better than that, friends? Pair these delicious glazed nuggets of joy with a cup of coffee and you've got yourself the perfect Fall treat.

Easy Apple Fritters

INGREDIENTS

Fritters:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• ⅔ cup milk
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups peeled and chopped apples
• vegetable or canola oil for frying

Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat a few inches of oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. The oil should reach about 350 degrees. Line a plate with a paper towel.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry until combined. Stir the chopped apples into the batter.
3. Make your glaze by combining all the glaze ingredients. Set aside.
4. Using a heatproof measuring cup, drop ¼ cup of batter into the oil. It's best to only fry 1 or 2 at a time. Fry until golden on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes. Be sure to flip the fritter once or twice. Using a slotted spoon, remove the fritters and place them on the paper towel to drain excess grease. Repeat with the remaining batter.
5. Once all the fritters are complete and have cooled slightly, dip them in the glaze. Place them on a plate and serve!

*recipe adapted from How Sweet Eats