Get ready to welcome fall with these irresistible sourdough apple fritters! Made with tangy sourdough discard or starter and juicy, fresh apples, these fritters capture the cozy flavors of the season in every bite.
Each mouthful delivers a perfect balance of warm spiced cinnamon apple and the signature tang of sourdough, all wrapped in a crispy, golden brown shell. It’s the ultimate autumn treat that will have you coming back for more!

Every autumn, Ruby Ann and I love getting together in our cozy cottage kitchen to whip up a batch of these irresistible sourdough apple fritters—and they never disappoint! The warm, spiced apple pie spice glaze combined with that crispy golden dough is simply amazing.
We even filmed a step-by-step video just for you, so you can follow along and make your own delicious fritters. You’ll find the video in the FAQ section below. Quick note: In the video, we mention using two cups of starter, but we’ve since adjusted the recipe for even better results. Now, with less starter and more milk or water, you’ll get the same amazing flavor with a lighter texture!
Happy fritter baking—enjoy every bite!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Perfect Fall Treat: Sourdough apple fritters are the perfect fall treat that you will love. Packed with fresh apples and warm spices like cinnamon, these fritters offer a comforting flavor that gives autumnal vibes. The tangy sourdough balances the sweetness of the apples perfectly. Fried in hot oil to a golden brown, these fritters have a crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy inside. It’s the perfect way to welcome fall and indulge in a sweet, satisfying treat.
Easy and Versatile Recipe: This recipe is super easy and versatile. The sourdough starter adds a unique flavor that you just can’t get with regular dough. Plus, you can use any type of apples, like Granny Smith or Gala apples, depending on what you like. The fritters can be topped with powdered sugar or a maple glaze, making them a fun recipe to customize. If you’re new to baking, don’t worry—this recipe is simple and yields delicious results every time. It’s the perfect way to try something new this fall!

Tips for Sourdough Apple Fritters
- Use Sourdough Starter or Discard: A sourdough starter or discard adds a special tangy flavor and fluffy texture to your fritters. If you don’t have your own sourdough starter, you can make one at home using just flour and water. It’s a great way to reduce waste while making something tasty.
- Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the fritters on paper towels to soak up any excess oil. This keeps them crispy without being greasy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Use a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven to fry the fritters in batches. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t stick together.
- Watch the Oil Temperature: The oil temperature is crucial for getting that perfect golden brown color. Keep the oil at medium heat, around 375 degrees F, for the best results.
- Add Warm Spices: For a comforting fall flavor, add cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter. These warm spices pair perfectly with the tart flavors of Granny Smith apples.
- Make a Maple Glaze: Mix equal parts maple syrup and powdered sugar to create a simple maple glaze. Drizzle it over the warm fritters for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding chopped nuts, cinnamon sugar, or even brown sugar on top of your fritters. The options are endless, so have fun making each batch unique!
FAQ
Can I make sourdough apple fritters without a sourdough starter?
Yes! You can use baking powder and an egg as a substitute for the sourdough starter. Just use 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 egg in place of the starter in this recipe.
What kind of apples should I use?
You can use any apples, but tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet apples like Gala work especially well. These varieties bring out the best apple fritters with a nice balance of flavors. But please use whatever varieties of apples you have on hand or can source locally.
What are sourdough apple fritters?
Sourdough apple fritters are a delightful mix of chopped apples, warm spices, and tangy sourdough discard or starter. The batter is fried in hot oil to golden brown perfection and often topped with a sweet glaze or dusted with powdered sugar. These fritters are a sweet treat that’s perfect for fall.
What is a sourdough starter?
A sourdough starter is a mix of flour and water that ferments naturally with wild yeast and bacteria. It’s used as a leavening agent in baking, giving recipes like sourdough bread their unique flavor and texture. If you keep it well-fed, you can use your sourdough starter to make all sorts of recipes, including this sourdough apple fritter recipe.
Can I make sourdough apple fritters without a sourdough starter?
Yes! You can use baking powder, baking soda, and an egg as a substitute for the sourdough starter. Just use 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of baking soda and 1 egg in place of the starter in this recipe.
What kind of apples should I use?
You can use any apples, but tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet apples like Gala work especially well. These varieties bring out the best apple fritters with a nice balance of flavors.
Can I freeze sourdough apple fritters?
Yes, you can freeze them! Let the fritters cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
How do I prevent greasy fritters?
Make sure your oil is hot enough—around 375 degrees F—before frying. Drain the fritters on paper towels to remove excess oil, ensuring they stay crispy.
How many fritters does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 18-36 fritters, depending on the size you cut put.
Tools you may need
- KitchenAid Mixer or a medium-sized mixing bowl
- Dutch Oven or Deep Fryer
- Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Danish Whisk
- Bench Scraper or Knife
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Ingredients you will need
Sourdough Starter or Discard: A mixture of flour and water that ferments naturally with wild yeast and bacteria. Perfect for sourdough bread and other sourdough recipes.
Water or Milk: Essential for hydrating the dough and creating the right consistency.
Apples: We used Granny Smith and Gala apples for this recipe, offering a nice balance of tart and sweet flavors.
Unbleached All-Purpose Flour: Versatile and commonly used in baking, cooking, and making bread.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the fritters and balances the sweetness of the apples.
Apple Pie Spice Seasoning: A blend of spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves that adds warmth to the fritters.
Cinnamon: A sweet and aromatic spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
Powdered Sugar: Used for making the glaze and for dusting the fritters.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds richness to the glaze and helps achieve a smooth consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the apples and spices.

How To Make Sourdough Apple Fritters
Preparing the Dough
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm whole milk (110°F/43°C) or water, unbleached all-purpose flour, salt, and apple pie spice seasoning. Use a stand mixer with the whisk attachment or mix by hand with a Danish whisk until well combined.
Step 2: Add Remaining Flour
Switch to the paddle attachment on your stand mixer. Add the remaining flour and mix until a shaggy, wet dough forms.
Step 3: Rest the Dough
Remove the paddle attachment and cover the dough with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
After the rest period, attach the dough hook to the mixer and knead for 2-3 minutes until the dough is smooth and well-combined. If kneading by hand, knead for about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Oil the Bowl
Lightly oil a medium-sized bowl and transfer the dough into it. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Step 6: Bulk Rise
Let the dough rise at room temperature on your kitchen counter for 4-6 hours.

Step 7: Optional Overnight Fermentation in the Refrigerator
After the bulk rise, you can either proceed with baking or refrigerate the dough for overnight fermentation. If refrigerating, allow the dough to come back to room temperature before adding in the cinnamon-coated chopped apples.
Incorporating Apples, Shaping, and Frying
Step 8: Chop Apples
While the dough rests, chop the apples into small pieces. Coat them well with ground cinnamon.
Step 9: Incorporate Apples
Remove the dough from the bowl and stretch it into a rectangular shape. Spread the chopped cinnamon-coated apples over the dough, then fold and tuck the dough several times until the apples are well incorporated. Press any extra apples into the dough as needed.
Step 10: Shape the Fritters
Cut the dough into your desired fritter size using a bench scraper, pizza cutter, or knife. Smaller fritters, about 2×2 inches, work best.
Step 11: Let Fritters Rise
Place the fritters on parchment paper and let them rise for 1-2 hours.
Step 12: Heat Oil
In a Dutch oven, heat 2 inches of oil to 375°F (190°C).
Step 13: Fry the Fritters
Carefully place the fritters into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and float. Use a spider strainer or slotted spoon to turn them over, ensuring both sides cook evenly.
Step 14: Drain the Fritters
Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 15: Glaze Your Fritters
Glaze your freshly fried sourdough apple fritters with the apple pie spiced glaze. Serve warm with a mug of Hot Mulled Apple Cider.
Enjoy your scrumptious Sourdough Apple Fritters!
Storage Ideas
- Airtight container: Store your sourdough apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, wrap the fritters in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Sourdough apple fritters can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the fritters on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
For even more delicious, homemade treats, explore our favorite cozy recipes below;
- Cottage Inspired Sourdough Starter
- Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Muffins
- Sourdough Pumpkin Pie Spice French Toast
- Sourdough Cinnamon RollsHomemade Recipes
- Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Muffins
We hope you love this Sourdough Apple Fritters recipe as much as we do. It’s the perfect way to bring the flavors of fall into your own kitchen. If you decide to whip up a batch, please tag us @themoderndaycottage on Instagram and leave a comment below. And don’t forget to 📌 pin this recipe to your 📌 Pinterest board for future baking adventures. Happy baking!

Sourdough Apple Fritters Recipe (discard or starter)
Get ready for fall with our delicious sourdough apple fritters recipe. Made with a tangy sourdough starter and juicy grated apples, these fritters are the perfect treat for apple season!
Ingredients
- Dough
- 1 cup of Sourdough Starter
- 1 1/2 c. Warm Milk (or Water) 110F/43C
- 4 cups of Unbleached All Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 1 Tbsp. Apple Pie Spice Seasoning
- Additions Added After Bulk Rise
- 2 Apples Finely Chopped (add after first bulk rise)
- 1 tsp. Cinnamon
- Glaze
- 3/4 c. Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 c. Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/2-1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 tsp. Apple Pie Spice Seasoning
Instructions
- Combine sourdough starter, warm whole milk at 110 degrees F/ 43C (or water), 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, salt, and apple pie spice seasoning in a mixing bowl in a stand mixer using the whisk attachment. Or you can use a Danish whisk.
- Switch to a paddle attachment to mix the other 2 cups of the flour, making a shaggy wet dough.
- Take off the paddle attachment, cover the shaggy wet dough, and let rest for 30 minutes
- Once the shaggy dough has rested, you will attach the dough hook and mix for 2-3 minutes until the dough is smooth and well combined, making one solid mass of dough. If doing this by hand, knead for 5 minutes.
- Once your dough is mixed well, oil a medium-sized bowl, place sourdough into the bowl and cover it.
- Let the dough sit out at room temp on your kitchen counter, covered well for 4-6 hours. This is the Bulk Rise.
- After the bulk rise, you have two options. 1) You can follow the next step and continue to bake the same day, or 2.) Transfer the covered bowl to the refrigerator and let the dough ferment overnight. If you choose to refrigerate the dough, take the dough out from the refrigerator the next day and let it come to room temperature before stretching it into a rectangle.
- Chop up apples and coat them with ground cinnamon add the chopped-up apples to the dough by folding them in. Although it might be a bit challenging, here's how to do it: remove the dough from the bowl and stretch it into a rectangular shape. Place the apples on top of the dough, then fold and tuck the dough, repeating the process several times until the apples are well incorporated. Don't worry if they all won't fit into the dough; just take them and press them into the dough.
- Cut fritters into your desired size with a bench scraper, pizza cutter, or knife. You can create fritters of any size you like, but we prefer smaller ones, 2x2 inches, that can be easily dipped into apple butter. Place the fritters on parchment paper and let them rise for 1-2 hours.
- Prepare a Dutch oven with 2 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 375 F. Cook the fritters in the oil for 2-3 minutes or until they become golden brown and start to float. Carefully turn the fritters over in the oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer.
- Once cooked, remove the fritters from the oil using a spider strainer or slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Prepare the glaze; mix up powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and apple pie spice seasoning to pour over the fritters.
- Once the fritters are freshly fried and still piping hot, spread the glaze or sprinkle powdered sugar on top.
- Enjoy your scrumptious Sourdough Apple Fritters!
Notes
- Use a sourdough starter or discard: A sourdough starter adds a unique flavor and texture to your fritters. If you don't have a sourdough starter, you can make one at home with flour and water and let it ferment for a few days.
- Grate the apples: Grating the apples instead of chopping them ensures that they cook evenly and are distributed throughout the fritter. But we like them chunky:)! You can do either chop or shred the apples.
- Use a thermometer: Use a thermometer to ensure that the oil temperature is around 375°F(190C). This will ensure that the fritters cook evenly and are crispy on the outside.
- Drain excess oil: After frying, place the fritters on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When frying the fritters, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that they cook evenly and don't stick together.
- Keep an eye on the oil temperature: The oil temperature may drop as you fry the fritters. Adjust the heat as necessary to maintain the proper temperature.
- Add warm spices: Add warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to your fritter batter for a comforting fall flavor.
- Make a glaze: A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk is the perfect finishing touch for your fritters.
- Serve warm: Sourdough apple fritters are best served warm and fresh out of the fryer.
- Experiment with toppings: Try topping your fritters with chopped nuts, caramel sauce, or whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 36 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 116Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 114mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 2g
“The Modern Day Cottage” are not dietitians or nutritionists, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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