Boozy Bourbon Apple Fritters

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of fall with a warm, cozy vibe, you’ve come to the right place! These Boozy Bourbon Apple Fritters are not just your average donuts; they’re little bites of heaven, packed with spiced apple goodness nestled in soft, brioche-like dough. This recipe is a true favorite in my home, especially during family gatherings or those chilly weekend mornings when you want something special to enjoy with your coffee.

What makes these fritters stand out is not just their delicious flavor but also how simple they are to make. Whether you’re whipping them up for a casual brunch or impressing guests at a holiday party, these fritters are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique: The combination of bourbon and spiced apples creates an irresistible flavor that sets these fritters apart from traditional donuts.
• Fun to Make: Making fritters can be a fun kitchen project! Get the whole family involved in mixing and frying.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy breakfast at home or a festive gathering, these fritters fit right in.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, making it easy to fry them fresh when you need them.
• Impress Your Friends: These bakery-style apple fritters will wow your friends and family—everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. These ingredients come together to create those lovely Boozy Bourbon Apple Fritters we all crave!

For the Dough

• 113 g whole milk (warmed to 110 degrees F)
• 7 g active dry or instant yeast
• 20 g granulated sugar
• 2 eggs (room temp)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 300 g all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 85 g unsalted butter (room temp)

For the Apple Filling

• 300 g honeycrisp apples (peeled & cut into small cubes)
• 15 g lemon juice
• 106 g dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp allspice
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp cloves
• ¼ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp cardamom
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 12 g bourbon

For Frying and Glazing

• 28 g unsalted butter
• 15 g all-purpose flour
• 48-64 oz neutral oil
• 170 g powdered sugar (sifted)
• 42 g apple filling sauce (leftover after apples are added to the dough)
• 24 g bourbon

Variations

This recipe is flexible, and I love that you can easily swap some ingredients based on what you have at home or your taste preferences. Here are some fun ideas to try:

• Change Up the Apples: Use different varieties like Granny Smith for more tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness.
• Go Nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch in every bite.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices like cardamom or ginger to personalize the flavor profile.
• Glaze Alternatives: Swap out the powdered sugar glaze with a caramel drizzle for an extra indulgent treat!

How to Make Boozy Bourbon Apple Fritters

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your whole milk until it reaches about 110 degrees F. This temperature is perfect for activating the yeast! In a bowl, mix together the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that your fritters will rise beautifully!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract. Once your yeast mixture is ready, combine it with the egg mixture. This adds richness and depth to your dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In yet another bowl, mix together your flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients until everything is combined. Don’t worry if it looks a bit shaggy; this is just part of creating that soft dough!

Step 4: Knead in Butter

Now comes the fun part! Add room temperature butter into your dough and knead until smooth—about 5-7 minutes. This step develops gluten and gives your fritters that lovely chewy texture.

Step 5: Make Your Apple Filling

While letting your dough rise, toss those diced honeycrisp apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and other spices in a pot over medium heat. Cook until slightly softened—this will infuse all those wonderful flavors into each bite of fritter.

Step 6: Assemble and Rise

Once your dough has doubled in size (about an hour), gently fold in your delicious apple filling. Now shape them into small balls or disks on a floured surface. Let them rest again while you heat up some oil.

Step 7: Fry Away!

Heat neutral oil in a deep pot until it reaches around 350 degrees F. Carefully drop in each fritter and fry until golden brown on both sides—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Remember to keep an eye on them; no one likes burnt fritters!

Step 8: Glaze Your Fritters

After frying, let them cool slightly on paper towels before dipping them into that luscious glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with leftover apple filling sauce and bourbon. This adds an extra layer of flavor!

Enjoy these Boozy Bourbon Apple Fritters warm with friends and family—they’re sure to become a cherished recipe in no time!

Pro Tips for Making Boozy Bourbon Apple Fritters

Making fritters can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your boozy bourbon apple fritters turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the dough rise more effectively, giving you that soft and pillowy texture that is so essential for a great fritter.
• Don’t Skimp on the Flour: Ensuring you have the right amount of flour will help maintain the structure of your fritters. Too little can lead to soggy results, while too much can make them dry.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Keeping your oil at the right temperature (around 350°F) is crucial for achieving that golden-brown exterior. If it’s too hot, the outside may burn while the inside remains raw; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil.
• Let the Dough Rest: After mixing, allow your dough to rest for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the yeast a chance to activate properly, resulting in a lighter fritter.
• Experiment with Fillings: While this recipe features bourbon apples, don’t hesitate to try other flavors! You could add nuts or even chocolate chips for a delightful twist.

How to Serve Boozy Bourbon Apple Fritters

These apple fritters are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Presenting them well can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some ideas on how to serve them up!

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle creates an inviting look and adds just the right touch of sweetness.
• Caramel Drizzle: A swirl of caramel sauce adds richness and complements the apple flavor beautifully.
• Chopped Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts offer a crunchy contrast to the soft fritters and enhance their flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy ice cream pairs perfectly with warm fritters, creating a comforting dessert combo that’s hard to resist.
• Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be dolloped on top or served alongside for an extra indulgence.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness and balances the richness of the fritters, making it an ideal side.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea serves as a lovely beverage pairing, enhancing your enjoyment of these sweet treats.

With these serving suggestions and tips, your boozy bourbon apple fritters will surely impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Boozy Bourbon Apple Fritters are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy delicious fresh donuts throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the fritters to cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Flash freeze the cooled fritters on a baking sheet for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, place frozen fritters directly in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• Alternatively, warm them in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds if you’re short on time.

FAQs

Have questions about making these delightful treats? Here are some common inquiries!

Can I make Boozy Bourbon Apple Fritters without bourbon?

Absolutely! You can replace bourbon with apple juice or omit it entirely. The flavors will still shine through with the spices and apples.

How do I ensure my Boozy Bourbon Apple Fritters come out fluffy?

Make sure your yeast is active by testing it with warm milk and sugar before mixing. Properly kneading the dough will also help develop its fluffiness.

What type of apples work best for these fritters?

Honeycrisp apples are fantastic for this recipe due to their sweetness and crisp texture. However, you can also use Granny Smith or Fuji apples!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Yes, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.

How long does it take to prepare Boozy Bourbon Apple Fritters?

The total time is around 90 minutes, including prep and cooking time. It’s worth every minute for these delightful treats!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Boozy Bourbon Apple Fritters as much as I do! They’re a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying during your me-time. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; I believe you’ll love every bite! Happy baking!