September 22, 2024

Cinnamon Spice Apple Berry Fritters: The Perfect Cozy Fall Treat

As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisp, there's a certain magic in the arrival of fall. It’s the season of cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and, of course, the comforting flavors of spice. Among the many treats that perfectly capture the essence of this time of year are Cinnamon Spice Apple Berry Fritters. These indulgent fritters are a celebration of the season, combining the sweetness of apples and berries with the warm, aromatic notes of cinnamon. Sweetened with Mānuka honey, these fritters offer a sophisticated twist on a classic fall favorite, making them an irresistible treat as the weather cools.

The Allure of Cinnamon and Spice

Fall is synonymous with spice, and cinnamon is the star of the season. The warm, earthy flavor of cinnamon not only adds depth to baked goods and desserts, but it also evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia. When combined with the natural sweetness of apples and berries, cinnamon transforms simple ingredients into a decadent treat that’s perfect for fall.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a spice that’s been cherished for centuries, not only for its flavor but also for its potential health benefits. It adds a warmth and complexity to dishes, making it an ideal companion for the sweet and tart flavors of apples and berries. The aromatic quality of cinnamon also enhances the overall sensory experience, filling your kitchen with an inviting fragrance that’s hard to resist.

Apples and Berries: Apples are a quintessential fall fruit, known for their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor. When paired with berries, which add a burst of color and a slightly tangy contrast, the combination creates a balanced flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Together, apples and berries bring a natural sweetness to the fritters, complemented by the rich flavor of Mānuka honey.

Mānuka Honey: A Natural Sweetener with a Twist

Mānuka honey, derived from the nectar of the Mānuka tree in New Zealand, is no ordinary honey. Known for its unique flavor and potential health benefits, Mānuka honey adds a layer of richness and depth to the fritters. Its distinct taste, which is slightly earthy with a hint of caramel, pairs beautifully with the cinnamon spice and fruit, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Unlike refined sugars, Mānuka honey offers a more complex sweetness that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients without overwhelming them. Its thicker consistency also helps to create a golden, slightly crisp exterior on the fritters, making each bite a perfect blend of crunchy and soft textures.

The Perfect Fall Indulgence

As the temperature drops, there’s nothing quite like indulging in warm, freshly made fritters. Cinnamon Spice Apple Berry Fritters are the perfect embodiment of fall indulgence, offering a comforting and satisfying treat that’s best enjoyed fresh from the pan. The combination of warm spices, sweet fruit, and Mānuka honey creates a fritter that’s both rich and flavorful, making it an ideal dessert or snack as the season transitions into cooler weather.

Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside: The beauty of these fritters lies in their texture. The exterior is golden and crispy, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite. Inside, the apples and berries remain soft and juicy, creating a delightful contrast that’s both comforting and indulgent. The warmth of the spices and the sweetness of the honey make these fritters a treat that’s hard to resist.

Versatile and Customizable: While Cinnamon Spice Apple Berry Fritters are delicious on their own, they can be elevated with a variety of accompaniments. For those who want to indulge further, serving the fritters with a side of warm custard or a dollop of whipped cream can take this treat to the next level. The creamy texture of custard or cream complements the crispness of the fritters, creating a well-rounded dessert that’s perfect for fall.

Seasonal Enjoyment: Embracing the Season of Spice

Fall is a season that invites us to slow down and savor the simple pleasures in life, and there’s no better way to do that than with a warm, spiced treat. Cinnamon Spice Apple Berry Fritters are a reflection of the season, capturing the essence of fall with their warm, comforting flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re enjoying them as a cozy afternoon snack or serving them as a dessert at a fall gathering, these fritters are sure to bring a touch of seasonal magic to your table.

Perfect for Gatherings: Fall is a time for coming together with friends and family, and these fritters make an excellent addition to any gathering. Their warm, spiced aroma fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for sharing. Serve them at brunch, a fall-themed dinner party, or as a sweet treat after a day of apple picking. The fritters can be made in advance and warmed up just before serving, making them a convenient and crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.

A Cozy Treat for Chilly Evenings: As the evenings grow cooler, there’s something incredibly comforting about curling up with a warm treat. Cinnamon Spice Apple Berry Fritters are the perfect companion for a cozy evening at home, whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or paired with a warm beverage like hot apple cider. The combination of warm spices, sweet fruit, and crisp exterior makes these fritters a go-to comfort food for fall.

How to Enjoy Cinnamon Spice Apple Berry Fritters

There are many ways to enjoy Cinnamon Spice Apple Berry Fritters, depending on your mood and the occasion. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

With Warm Custard: Drizzle warm custard over the fritters for a rich, creamy finish that complements the cinnamon spice and fruit. The custard adds a luxurious touch, making the fritters feel even more indulgent.

With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, crispy fritters. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of Mānuka honey to the whipped cream.

With Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve the fritters with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm fritters, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.

On Their Own: Of course, these fritters are also delicious on their own. Their warm, spiced flavor and satisfying texture make them a perfect standalone treat, whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert.

Savor the Season with Cinnamon Spice Apple Berry Fritters

As fall settles in, there’s no better way to embrace the season of spice than with a batch of Cinnamon Spice Apple Berry Fritters. These fritters capture the essence of fall with their warm, comforting flavors and indulgent textures, making them the perfect treat for the cooler months. Sweetened with Mānuka honey and filled with the natural goodness of apples and berries, these fritters are a delicious way to celebrate the season. So whether you’re enjoying them with a side of custard, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply on their own, take a moment to savor the cozy, comforting flavors of fall with every bite.

Ingredients

Fritter Dough

3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
1/2 cup apple cider, warmed
2 (1/4 ounce) packages baking yeast
3 tablespoons brown sugar, divided
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 egg, at room temperature
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
canola oil, as needed, for frying

Spiced Apples and Cranberries

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 medium granny smith apples, peeled and diced
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider
1 cup dried cranberries
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Maple Cinnamon Glaze

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup raw Manuka honey
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Method

Warm your milk and apple cider in the microwave until warm to the touch, but not too hot. If your milk is too hot is could run the risk of killing the yeast. You just want it to be warm (about 110-115°F on an instant read thermometer).

In a large bowl combine the warm milk,1 tablespoon of brown sugar and the yeast. Whisk together to combine gently and allow to stand for 5-10 minutes or until frothy.

Meanwhile, whisk together flour, spices and salt.
Next add your lemon zest, egg, softened butter, vanilla and remaining brown sugar to the milk and yeast mixture. Combine the mixture slowly. Add in 1 cup of the dry ingredients, and continue to slowly mix. Add in the remaining dry ingredients in two additions, allowing the flour to incorporate a bit after each addition.

Once all your flour is incorporated, work the dough for about 5 minutes with your hands– you want the dough to appear smooth and elastic. **Note: If after a few minutes your dough is a bit wet and sticking to the bottom of the bowl, add in an additional tablespoon of flour at a time until this stops, adding up to an additional 1/4 cup of flour only.

Remove the dough from the bowl and turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface, and knead the dough with your hands for another few minutes. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a buttered bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and set it in a warm place to rise until it has doubled in size - about 30 - 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, make your apple mixture. Peel, core and cut the apples. In a pan, melt the butter until it starts to brown; add all remaining ingredients, except for the cranberries and cook for 6-7 minutes until apples are caramelized and softened. Add in cranberries and allow to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and place in the fridge to cool completely before use.

Once your dough has risen, punch it down and turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 1/2″ thick square. Spread the cooled apple mixture onto half of the dough and fold the other half over top. Gently seal the edges with your fingers.

Using a bench scraper or large sharp knife, cut the dough into 1/2″ strips horizontally. Don’t worry if apple pieces start to fall out. Use the bench scraper or knife to cut the dough again, at a 45º angle across the horizontal pieces so you have a criss cross pattern. Sprinkle some flour over top of your cut up dough and flour your hands well. Use your floured hands to start to bring the dough pieces together to form a log - about 12″ long and 3″ wide.

Sprinkle the log lightly with flour and again, slice horizontally, into 8-10 pieces - depending on how large you want your fritters. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper & sprinkle with flour.

Flour your hands well again and form each piece of dough into a ball shape, pushing apples into the dough, as needed. It’s important to get the apples as incorporated into the dough ball as possible so they don’t escape the dough when you go to fry them.

Set the fritters onto your parchment lined and floured tray; Gently pat the top to flatten them slightly. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and let rise for an additional, 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a pot filled with about 3 inches of canola oil to 350˚F degrees and prepare your glaze by whisking all of the ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl. Place a cooling rack over a paper-towel lined baking sheet.

Gently lower fritters into the hot oil. Depending on the size of your pot you don’t want to overcrowd the pot, so try not to cook more that 2-3 at a time. Cook fritters until golden-brown - usually about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon; allow excess oil to drip off and place fritters on prepared cooling rack. Repeat until all your fritters are fried.