Caramel Apple Fritters

Yield: 12-14 Fritters

Prep Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Calories: 377 per serving

Ingredients

For the Fritters:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar, divided
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 12 pieces caramel candy, chopped
• 3 cups vegetable oil, for frying

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 3 tablespoons whole milk
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

Instructions

To Prepare the Fritters:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, baking powder, salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, and nutmeg.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract and melted butter, mixing until the batter is smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of brown sugar with the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon and the cornstarch. Toss the diced apples in this mixture to ensure they are evenly coated. Gently fold the apples and chopped caramel candy into the batter.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan to 270°F (132°C). Use two spoons to carefully drop small balls of dough into the hot oil, frying only 4-6 fritters at a time to maintain the oil temperature. Fry each side for approximately 3 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to a wire rack to cool.

To Prepare the Glaze:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, whole milk, salt, vanilla extract, and ground cardamom until smooth. If the glaze is too thin, add a little more confectioners’ sugar; if too thick, add more milk, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
2. Once the fritters have cooled slightly, dip each one into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Place the glazed fritters on a wire rack and let the glaze set for at least 45 minutes before serving.

Enjoy these caramel apple fritters as a delightful treat that perfectly balances warm spices, tart apples, and rich caramel with a sweet glaze.