Apfelküchlein
German Apple Fritters
This easy recipe for golden Apfelküchlein will quickly become a favorite, and you’ll make it again and again!
Apfelküchlein is a delicious treat we love to prepare as the leaves start to fall and the temperature drops... This recipe is so easy to prepare while the smell of warm apple and cinnamon fills the air... And that's what makes these crispy and comforting golden apple fritters perfect for sharing with friends and family during the cozy winter and holiday season!
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Apfelküchlein is a delicious treat we love to prepare as the leaves start to fall and the temperature drops... This recipe is so easy to prepare while the smell of warm apple and cinnamon fills the air... And that's what makes these crispy and comforting golden apple fritters perfect for sharing with friends and family during the cozy winter and holiday season!
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Why We Love It!
- Comforting: We just love the combination of warm apples and cinnamon - it's just so comforting, especially when it’s cold outside...
- Easy: With just a few basic ingredients and easy steps to follow, you can whip these up whenever you’re in the mood for something satisfyingly sweet.
- Great Texture: The outside is golden crispy, and the inside is soft and juicy - it’s the perfect contrast in every bite.
- Versatile: We top Apfleküchlein with cinnamon sugar for a cozy treat, or we go all out with a scoop of ice cream to make a family or friends gathering extra special!
What Are Apfleküchlein?
Apfelküchlein, also known as apple fritters in English, are a beloved treat in Germany and also Austria, where they’re affectionately called 'Apfelradln' or apple rounds. They’re enjoyed in cozy restaurants and at lively festivals and markets. Apfelküchlein consist of delightful slices of apple, lightly coated in a sweet, vanilla-scented batter and deep-fried to a perfect golden brown, then dusted with heavenly cinnamon sugar. We prefer to pan-fry the apple slices to keep things simple and reduce excess grease. With their irresistible aroma, delicious flavor, crispy exterior, and tender, juicy fruit inside, these warm and comforting Apfelküchlein are sure to be a hit on colder days!
Ingredients
Apfleküchlein
left to right top to bottom - check 'Recipe' below for adjustable quantity info
- Apples: Light sour and crisp varieties, like Boskoop apple, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Pink Lady are perfect. We used Boskoop apple for this recipe.
- Lemon: Lemon prevents browning of the apples and enhances flavor with its acidity.
- Cinnamon powder: This warm spice is delicious with apples.
- Seasalt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors.
- Baking powder: This makes a lighter batter.
- Eggs
- Vanilla: We use a vanilla pod for the purest vanilla flavor.
- Milk: We make this recipe with whole milk for a creamier batter.
- Butter: Will be added to the baking oil for a nutty taste.
- Cornstarch: This will improve the texture and will stabilize moisture.
- Flour: We use all-purpose flour to wrap the apple slices.
- Powdered sugar: This, with cinnamon sugar, is for sweetening the Apfleküchlein.
- Baking oil: The oil will prevent the butter from burning. We use peanut oil but any normal baking oil will do.
How To Make Apfleküchlein
Mix
Start by mixing the milk, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and sugar together in a large bowl.
Whisk
Scrape & Stir
Slice the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the dull side of a knife.
Squeeze
Squeeze the lemon through a sieve and pour the juice into a large bowl.
Peel & Slice
Peel the whole apples and slice them into rounds about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) thick.
Core
Remove the cores using an apple corer for each slice to ensure clean cuts, and place them in the bowl with lemon juice.
Toss
Mix Cinnamon & Sugar
Mix the powdered sugar and cinnamon together, and set this cinnamon sugar aside for later.
Heat
Meanwhile, the batter should have rested for about 30 minutes, and we can begin baking. Heat the frying pan over medium heat with oil and butter, and wait until the butter has completely melted and is foamy and yellow.
Coat & Fry
Coat each apple slice individually in the batter using a fork, then place it in the pan. Ensure the slices have enough space around them, we fry them in batches for the best result.
Flip
After about 2 minutes, or when they are golden brown on the bottom, flip the slices and cook for a few more minutes on the other side.
Sprinkle & Serve!
Serving Tips & Pairings
- Ice cream: Top Apfleküchlein with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.
- Toast: Put a few slices of apple fritters on warm toast for a delicious breakfast.
- Bacon: Serve them with crispy bacon for a complete breakfast feast!
- Mint: Top it off with fresh mint or lemon balm for a delightful pop of color and a refreshing touch.
- Raspberry Coulis: Add a spoon of fresh raspberry coulis for a delicious tart contrast.
- Drinks:
Substitutions & Variations
-
Fruit Twist: Get creative with this recipe by using other fruits like pears, firm peaches, or pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Honey: Replace the cinnamon sugar with honey for a different twist.
- Ginger: Swap out cinnamon for ginger for a zesty kick and warmth.
- Heat: Add a pinch of allspice to the batter, to up the heat of the Apfleküchlein.
FAQs
The way to pronounce it is ‘ah-pfel-kooch-line’, with the stress on ‘ah’ and ‘kooch’, de ch is a soft sound.
We save the empty vanilla pod in a jar with sugar, to make vanilla sugar.
Certainly, you can prepare the batter up to 1 day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator. Just allow the batter to come to room temperature before cooking. It’s best to prepare the apples just before using them.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Recipe
Apfelküchlein
Ingredients
- 1 kg apples
- 1 piece lemon
- 3 g cinnamon powder
- 1 pinch seasalt
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 pieces eggs
- 1 piece vanilla pod
- 125 g whole milk
- 30 g butter
- 60 g cornstarch
- 100 g all-purpose flour
- 40 g powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons baking oil
Instructions
- Start by mixing the milk, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and sugar together in a large bowl.
- Then, add the eggs and whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Slice the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the dull side of a knife.Stir the vanilla seeds into the batter and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Squeeze the lemon through a sieve and pour the juice into a large bowl.
- Peel the whole apples and slice them into rounds about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) thick.
- Remove the cores using an apple corer for each slice to ensure clean cuts, and place them in the bowl with lemon juice.
- Toss the apple slices well in the lemon juice, because this will prevent them from browning.
- Mix the powdered sugar and cinnamon together, and set this cinnamon sugar aside for later.
- Meanwhile, the batter should have rested for about 30 minutes, and we can begin baking. Heat the frying pan over medium heat with oil and butter, and wait until the butter has completely melted and is foamy and yellow.
- Coat each apple slice individually in the batter using a fork, then place it in the pan. Ensure the slices have enough space around them, we fry them in batches for the best result.
- After about 2 minutes, or when they are golden brown on the bottom, flip the slices and cook for a few more minutes on the other side.
- Remove the Apfleküchlein from the pan, place them on a plate and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Serve them warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Black Pepper: Use fresh coarsely ground black pepper.
- Kosher Salt: Flaky or sea salt adds a crunchy texture and looks great.
- Beef Cut: Top sirloin is our preference cut for Beef Tagliata because it’s flavorful, tender and delivers that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Zucchini: One fresh and firm zucchini as it gives the salad more panache and crunch.
- Lemon: Lemon juice helps to cut through the richness of the meat and parmesan cheese.
- Olive Oil: We use a fruity extra virgin olive oil but you can use any quality olive oil you have at hand.
- Balsamic Vinegar: This dark and fruity vinegar goes so well with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Parmesan Cheese: The nutty flavor of the parmesan, combined with arugula is a match made in heaven.
- Garlic: We use one fresh clove.
- Arugula: This leafy green or 'rocket', is an Italian favorite, and brings a fresh and peppery kick to the dish.
Nutrition
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