Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, is beloved for her approachable and delicious recipes that bring families together. Among her many culinary gems, her apple fritters recipe stands out as a comforting and easy-to-make treat. Inspired by Ree’s original recipe from “The Pioneer Woman Cooks,” this version simplifies the process while retaining all the warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness you expect from a classic apple fritter. If you’re looking for a delightful homemade dessert or a special breakfast, these Pioneer Woman Apple Fritters are guaranteed to be a hit. With ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, you can whip up a batch of these crispy, apple-filled delights in no time.
A batch of golden brown Pioneer Woman apple fritters, dusted with powdered sugar and ready to be served.
Simple Ingredients for Homemade Apple Fritters
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable pioneer woman apple fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (separated, for dough and optional extra sweetness)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 green apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled and diced
- Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (or glaze, if preferred)
A Note on Sweetness: While the original recipe sometimes includes a glaze, this version focuses on the delicious fritters themselves, lightly dusted with powdered sugar. This allows the apple cinnamon flavor to truly shine. You can always add a simple glaze if you prefer extra sweetness.
Close-up of apple fritters showing the golden-brown exterior and dusting of powdered sugar, emphasizing their simple yet satisfying sweetness.
Making Your Pioneer Woman Apple Fritters: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to bake your own batch of pioneer woman apple fritters:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar (1/2 cup), baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a fork. Then, add the milk and melted butter to the eggs and whisk to combine.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Fold them together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough fritters.
- Add Apples: Fold in the diced green apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The tartness of green apples provides a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the fritter.
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pan or deep fryer to a depth of about 3 inches. Heat the oil over medium to medium-low heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles and browns lightly in about 60 seconds. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for perfectly cooked fritters – too hot and they’ll burn outside before cooking inside, too cool and they’ll be greasy.
- Fry the Fritters: Once the oil is hot, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Cook to Golden Brown: Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the inside is cooked by checking that the batter is no longer wet.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: While the fritters are still warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar. The heat will help the powdered sugar adhere nicely.
An inside view of a Pioneer Woman apple fritter, showing chunks of cooked apple within the light and airy fritter.
Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Apple Fritters
To ensure your pioneer woman apple fritters turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops gluten, which can make your fritters tough. Mix until just combined for a tender result.
- Control Oil Temperature: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is key to even cooking. Use a thermometer if you have one, aiming for around 325-350°F (160-175°C).
- Small Batches: Fry fritters in small batches to prevent overcrowding the pan and lowering the oil temperature.
- Fresh Apples: Use fresh, crisp apples for the best texture and flavor in your fritters. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work exceptionally well.
- Serve Warm: Apple fritters are best enjoyed warm, right after they are made. The contrast of the crispy exterior and soft, warm interior is irresistible.
A plate of freshly fried Pioneer Woman apple fritters, showcasing their appealing texture and inviting cinnamon aroma.
Enjoy the Taste of Pioneer Woman’s Kitchen
These pioneer woman apple fritters are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, dessert, or a sweet snack, their comforting flavor and easy preparation will surely impress. Bring the warmth and joy of Ree Drummond’s kitchen into your home with this simple and satisfying recipe.
