Few desserts capture the warmth of home quite like Martha Stewart’s Apple Fritters. Crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside, these golden bites are the ultimate comfort snack — simple to make and even better to share.
Martha’s version combines chunks of juicy apples with a light, fluffy batter that fries to perfection in minutes. A dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you serve them for a fall brunch, a cozy weekend breakfast, or an impromptu dessert, these fritters deliver that nostalgic, bakery-style flavor right from your own kitchen.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy and tender: The perfect texture contrast in every bite.
- Simple ingredients: Pantry staples you already have at home.
- Quick and satisfying: Ready in less than 30 minutes.
- Perfectly spiced and sweet: Fresh apples add natural sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2¼ tsps baking powder
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tbsps melted unsalted butter
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 sweet apples (such as Rome, McIntosh, or Gala), peeled, cored, and cut into ¼-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
- Safflower oil, for frying
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
How to Make Martha Stewart's Apple Fritters
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold the milk mixture into the flour mixture until just combined — be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the apple pieces, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. - In a heavy-bottomed pot, pour 2 inches of safflower oil and heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
Prepare a wire rack set over a baking sheet for draining the fritters. - Working in small batches, carefully drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil.
Fry each fritter for 3–4 minutes, turning once, until puffed and deep golden brown.
Transfer to the wire rack using a slotted spoon to cool slightly. - Once slightly cooled, dust the fritters generously with confectioners’ sugar.
Serve warm, and enjoy with a cup of coffee, cider, or even vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.
How to Store
Keep leftover fritters loosely covered for up to 1 day or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp before serving.
How to Freeze
Allow fritters to cool completely and arrange on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of apples work best?
Sweet, firm varieties like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Rome hold their shape well during frying and balance the batter’s sweetness.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can! Scoop batter onto a lined baking tray and bake at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes until golden — though they won’t be quite as crisp as the fried version.
Why use safflower oil?
Safflower oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it perfect for frying delicate desserts like fritters.
How do I prevent my fritters from getting soggy?
Always drain them on a wire rack (not paper towels) so steam doesn’t make the crust soft.
Can I add spices?
Absolutely — try adding ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for extra warmth.
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