Apple Fritters (Apfelküchle)
These apple fritters start with fresh apple rings soaked in rum, lemon juice and sugar then dipped into the lightest and airiest of batters and pan-fried to golden crisp perfection. Serve as a finger food snack dusted with confectioners sugar or cinnamon sugar or present with a bowl of ice cream for a wonderful dessert. Known as Apfelküchle or Apfelbeignets these treats are one of the most popular pastry desserts in Germany, especially in fall and during the Oktoberfest.
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Servings: 14 -16 apple rings
Calories: 153kcal
Ingredients
Apple Rings
- 4 apples medium sized, such as Gala or Pink Lady
- 2 tablespoon cane sugar
- 2 tablespoon rum
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Apple Batter
- 1 cup +2 tablespoon flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- ⅔ cup or about 5 oz of wheat beer recommend German style hefeweizen*
- 2 eggs
For Frying
- vegetable oil enough to fill frying pan 1 inch deep
Instructions
- 1. Core, peel and slice the apples into rings (½ to ¾ inch thick). Place them into a glass container or plastic freezer bag and sprinkle with sugar. Add rum and lemon juice, mix together and coat the rings evenly. Let them soak for 30 to 60 mins. **
- 2. Measure the flour then sift it. Add the baking soda, salt and cinnamon and mix. Set aside.
- 3. Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Beat the yolks lightly and the whites to stiff peaks. Set aside.***
- 4. Measure out the beer. If using actual hefeweizen pour just over half the 12 oz bottle into a glass and save about 5 oz from the bottom. The dregs have banana/clove smelling yeast you want to capture. If using another beer or white wine or cider simply measure out ⅔ cup. Feel free to enjoy the beer you did not use.
- 5. Add the beer to the flour mixture, whisk. Add the egg yolks and whisk to incorporate. Fold in the beaten egg whites. *** Rest the batter for 30 to 60 mins.
- 6. Heat enough vegetable oil in a pan to cover the bottom about 1 inch deep. Heat to 350 F.
- 7. Dip the apple rings into the batter and let excess drain. Fry for a couple of minutes per side until they puff up and turn golden-brown. Do not overcrowd the pan. Place the fried rings onto a cooling rack placed on top of a baking sheet.
- Serve while still hot/warm.
Notes
*You can use a different beer, balanced or skewed to the malty side. Oktoberfest lager or pumpkin lagers are especially fragrant. You can also use cider or sweet white wine.
**If you do not want to soak the apple rings simply slice them just before you are about to fry them.
***The beaten egg whites will make the batter airier. While you do not have to let the batter rest nor soak the apple rings as described doing so will give you more flavorful and puffier fritters.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 89mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 17g
