Sourdough Apple Fritters

These Sourdough Apple Fritters are a great way to use up that extra discard. They’re simple to make and a great recipe for delicious fall apples.

Jump to Recipe

**This post may contain affiliate links which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure here.*

Sourdough Discard Apple Fritters

Old-fashioned fried hand pies are one of my husband’s favorite treats. I’ve done my best to perfect them over the years, but they are just so much work. This sourdough apple fritter recipe is simple and gives all the same yummy fried pie flavors. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

Equipment

• Large cast iron skillet 

Sourdough Apple Fritters Ingredients

• ½ Cup Sourdough discard
• 1 Cup Flour 
• 2 tsp baking powder 
• ¼ tsp salt 
• ¼ Cup maple syrup or granulated sugar 
• ¼ Cup Milk 
• ½ Cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• ¼ tsp Nutmeg
• 1 tbsp Butter 
• 2 Honeycrisp apples 
• Powdered sugar 
• ½ Cup Coconut oil 

Sourdough Apple Fritters Instructions 

Begin by mixing the sourdough discard and the flour. Let the starter and flour sit in a warm spot for 4-8 hours. I let it sit overnight, but if you’re short on time, that isn’t entirely necessary. 

Combine the discard/flour mixture, salt, baking powder, maple syrup, milk, and applesauce to a stand mixer. Mix the ingredients until they are combined. Cover it and set it aside for around 30 minutes.

Next, peel the apples, and dice them into small pieces. 

Heat a cast iron skillet and melt the butter.  

Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples to the skillet. Sauté on medium heat until the apples are soft. This will take around 5 minutes. 

Strain the apples leaving the juices in the pan, and allow them to cool. **You can also save those juices for a yummy glaze if you prefer. See the directions below.**

Fold the softened apples into the dough. 

Heat around ½ cup coconut oil in a cast iron skillet. Test the oil with a little dough to see if it bubbles. you want the oil to be around 350° F. 

Scoop ¼ cup of the dough into the hot oil. Allow the fritters to cook until they are golden brown. Be sure to flip them halfway through. It will take 2-3 minutes per side. 

Remove the hot fritters to a plate lined with a paper towel. 

Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top, and serve them warm. 

** This fritter isn’t super sweet. If you would like a sweeter fritter increase the sugar to ½ cup**

FAQs 

Can I use an active starter instead of discard? 

Yes, you can use an active starter in sourdough apple fritters. You would decrease your proofing time if you use an active starter. Proof the dough for 3-4 hours.

Could I add a glaze to the top of the apple fritters? 

We prefer the powdered sugar, but you could add a glaze. Combine the remaining apple juices in the cast iron skillet with 1 tbsp of milk, ½ cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. 

What should the consistency of the dough be like? 

For it to hold up in the oil, it should have a thicker consistency. Traditional apple fritters fall apart easily in hot oil. 

I hope you enjoy this recipe last much as we do. Thanks for visiting my little farm!

If you enjoyed this recipe, please share!