Beginnerbakes
Back to Recipes

Breakfast Baking

Classic British Somerset Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar Coating

By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished Apr 29, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
British 25 mins beginner-friendlyeasystep-by-stepclassiccomfort-foodmorning-bakefruitcinnamonsnackparty

These easy Classic British Somerset Apple Fritters deliver crispy, golden-fried apple pieces coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar. Perfect for beginner bakers, this comforting breakfast or snack recipe is quick to make and ideal for parties or cozy mornings.

Classic British Somerset Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Prep 15 min
Cook 10 min
Total 25 min
Servings 8
Difficulty easy
Cuisine British

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook10 min
Total25 min
Servings8
Difficultyeasy
CuisineBritish
Add To Favorites

Ingredients

Servings 8
  • 2 medium cooking apples (e.g., Bramley or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup (120g) plain all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1-2 inches deep)
  • 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar, for coating
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for coating

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: peel, core, and dice the apples into even 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. The batter should be thick but pourable; avoid overmixing to keep fritters tender.
  5. Fold in the diced apples carefully, ensuring they are fully coated with batter.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or skillet to 350°F (180°C). Test by dropping a little batter in; it should bubble and rise immediately.
  7. Using two spoons or a small scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter with apples into the oil, spacing them apart. Fry in batches as needed.
  8. Cook each fritter for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden; flip and fry another 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  9. Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  10. Mix 1/3 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Toss warm fritters in the cinnamon sugar to coat evenly.
  11. Serve warm with tea or your favorite morning drink for breakfast, snacks, or parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Make this Classic Somerset Apple Fritters recipe work for your dietary needs with these easy ingredient substitutions without sacrificing flavor or texture:

  • Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend to make your fritters gluten-free.
  • Milk: Use almond, oat, or soy milk as dairy-free and vegan-friendly alternatives.
  • Egg: Swap the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, set 5 minutes) or commercial egg replacer to keep the batter vegan and egg-free.
  • Sugar: Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or low-glycemic sweeteners like erythritol for a lower sugar option.
  • Frying Oil: Use neutral oils with high smoke points like refined avocado or light olive oil if you prefer to avoid vegetable oils.
  • Apples: Bramley or Granny Smith apples provide tartness and firmness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add sweetness and softness.

These swaps keep your fritters beginner-friendly, delicious, and adaptable to common dietary preferences. Enjoy your crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated apple fritters!

Equipment Needed

To successfully prepare these delicious British apple fritters, assemble the following essential kitchen tools:

  • Large Mixing Bowl: For combining dry ingredients and mixing the batter.
  • Smaller Bowl: To whisk wet ingredients separately for better incorporation.
  • Whisk or Fork: For smooth mixing without overworking the batter.
  • Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: To peel, core, and dice apples evenly.
  • Deep Frying Pan or Heavy Skillet: Ensures even heat and maintains proper frying temperature.
  • Kitchen Thermometer (recommended): To monitor oil temperature at 350°F (180°C) for perfect frying.
  • Two Spoons or Small Ice Cream Scoop: For safely dropping batter spoonfuls into hot oil.
  • Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: To retrieve fritters and drain excess oil.
  • Paper Towels and Plate: For draining fried fritters to achieve a crispy texture.
  • Small Shallow Bowl or Plate: To mix and coat fritters with cinnamon sugar.

These tools keep the process simple and beginner-friendly, ensuring golden, crisp apple fritters every time.

Ingredient Prep Notes

Apples: Use firm cooking apples like Bramley or Granny Smith for the best tart flavor and texture. Peel, core, and dice into uniform 1/2-inch pieces to cook evenly. To make sweeter fritters, swap in Fuji or Honeycrisp apples but note they yield a softer texture.

Flour: This recipe uses plain all-purpose flour. For gluten-free needs, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend containing xanthan gum to maintain texture.

Milk: Whole or semi-skimmed milk works well. For vegan or dairy-free choices, use unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk to avoid altering sweetness.

Egg: To make an egg-free or vegan version, replace with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, set for 5 minutes) or commercial egg replacer based on package directions.

Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens both batter and coating. For a lower sugar option, reduce sugar in batter slightly and swap cinnamon sugar coating with a powdered stevia or erythritol blend mixed with cinnamon.

Vegetable Oil: Choose a neutral oil with high smoke point like canola, sunflower, or light olive oil for frying. Avoid extra virgin olive oil to prevent burning and bitterness.

Cinnamon: Adds warm fragrant flavor. If unavailable, substitute with ground nutmeg or mixed spice for a similar cozy taste.

Oven Note

While this recipe is traditionally fried, controlling your cooking temperature is crucial for perfect apple fritters.

  • Oil Temperature: Keep frying oil at 350°F (180°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain consistent heat for crisp, golden fritters.
  • Test the Oil: Drop a small bit of batter in before frying; it should bubble and rise immediately, indicating correct temperature.
  • Do Not Overcrowd: Fry fritters in batches to prevent temperature drops that cause soggy results.
  • Medium Heat: Using medium flame ensures fritters cook through evenly without burning.
  • Drain Excess Oil: Drain fritters on paper towels after frying to keep them crisp.
  • Baking Alternative: For a healthier option, bake at 375°F (190°C) on parchment paper for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and cooked through.

Following these steps guarantees beginner bakers consistent success making delicious, crispy apple fritters suitable for breakfast, snacks, or gatherings.

Easy Ways to Personalize and Upgrade Your Apple Fritters

  • Add a Sweet Drizzle: Drizzle warm honey, maple syrup, or a simple powdered sugar lemon glaze over fritters for an extra flavor boost.
  • Incorporate Nuts or Seeds: Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds before frying for added crunch and texture (watch for allergies).
  • Spice It Up: Enhance warmth by mixing a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom into the batter and cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Try Alternative Coatings: Replace cinnamon sugar with powdered sugar, crushed freeze-dried fruit, or cocoa powder for a fun variation.
  • Seasonal Fruit Substitutions: Swap or combine apples with diced pears or peeled quince for different seasonal flavors.
  • Serve with Dips: Complement fritters with easy yogurt or vanilla bean sauces for creamy balance.
  • Make Vegan or Dairy-Free: Substitute egg with flaxseed meal and use plant-based milk options without sacrificing taste.
  • Freeze for Convenience: Double the batch and freeze fried fritters in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven for quick snacks anytime.

These simple upgrades help beginner bakers customize flavor and presentation, impressing family and friends with minimal effort.

Related Articles

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

More Recipes

Explore more recipes you may like.

Reviews

Rate this recipe and share a photo of your result.

Sign In To Review

No reviews yet.

Newsletter

Stay In The Loop

Get fresh recipes, articles, and updates from Beginnerbakes.