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Meaningful Eats

Gluten-Free Apple Fritters (Brown Butter Glaze!)

12 fritters
These AMAZING gluten-free apple fritters are filled with spiced apples, wrapped in pillowy fried dough, and finished with a rich brown butter maple glaze!
NOTE: The gluten-free fritters need to be made with King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour for the proper results. Gluten-free measure-for-measure flour will not work the same in this recipe.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

Apple Filling

  • 2 pounds about 4 apples Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced into ½-inch pieces
  • ½ cup (106g) brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fritter Dough

  • cups (375g) King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour
  • 1 cup (196g) potato starch
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (32g) dry whole milk powder
  • teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • cups (240ml) water, warm
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs

Brown Butter Maple Glaze

  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2-4 tablespoons milk of choice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

For the apple filling:

  • In a large skillet, cook the diced apples, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over medium-low heat for 6 to 8 minutes, until slightly softened. Stir together the cornstarch and water, then add to the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla. Refrigerate until ready to use.

For the fritter dough:

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the gluten-free bread flour, potato starch, granulated sugar, milk powder, instant yeast, baking powder and salt. Mix to combine.
  • With the mixer running on low, slowly add the water, melted butter and eggs. Increase the speed to medium and mix for 3 minutes. The dough will resemble thick cookie dough, this is normal.
  • Using an oiled rubber spatula, scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes.
  • After the dough has risen, refrigerate it for 20 minutes. (Refrigerating the dough makes it easier to roll out.)
  • Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a ball. Sprinkle with a gluten-free flour, then roll the dough out into a 18x13-inch square.
  • Spread the apple filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Starting from one long side, fold the dough in half horizontally so the short sides line up and you end up with a 9x13-inch rectangle. Gently press the edges to seal.
  • Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough into 1-inch strips lengthwise, then crosswise to create small pieces. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and press the pieces together to form fritters. Transfer the shaped fritters to a lightly floured baking sheet. Let rest while the oil preheats.
  • Fill a large heavy-bottomed pot with oil, about 3-4 inches deep. Place over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 335°F.
  • Line a large baking sheet with paper towels. Place a wire rack on top.
  • When the oil is ready, drop an apple fritter into the hot oil. Cook for 2 minutes, then turn over and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until they are golden brown.
  • Remove the fritter from the oil and let them drain on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining fritters.

For the brown butter maple glaze:

  • Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Once the butter is melted and begins to foam, stir continuously to prevent the milk solids from sticking to the skillet. When the butter changes from yellow to golden brown and has a nutty aroma (this happens quickly), remove from the heat and immediately pour into a medium bowl.
  • Add the rest of the glaze ingredients and whisk to combine. Dip the warm fritters into the glaze. Serve immediately.

Notes

Gluten-Free: This gluten-free bread flour combined with potato starch is key for the apple fritters to turn out correctly. Other gluten-free flour blends will not work the same.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk powder or soy milk powder in place of the milk powder and dairy-free butter instead of regular.
To Make-Ahead: The apple filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
To Store: These fritters are best the day they are made. Store unglazed for up to 1 day at room temperature. Store glazed leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in the oven or toaster oven.
To Freeze: Unglazed fritters can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let cool completely and store in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes. Glaze after reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 465mg | Potassium: 377mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 460IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 1mg