The Apple Fritter from Tim Hortons features tender chunks of sweet apple and warm cinnamon spices baked into a golden, crispy dough, topped with a glossy sugar glaze for a delightful combination of soft, chewy, and crunchy textures.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Dough scraper
- Rolling pin
- Knife or apple corer
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Deep fryer or large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Cooling rack
- Small saucepan (for glaze)
- Pastry brush (optional)
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled, diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of tartness and sweetness, which enhances the flavor of your fritters. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are essential to replicate the warm spice profile characteristic of Tim Hortons' Apple Fritter. Ensure the dough is properly mixed to achieve a tender, yet crispy texture once fried. Vegetable oil should be heated to the correct temperature for frying to avoid soggy or greasy fritters. Your homemade Apple Fritter can closely mimic the Tim Hortons copycat menu by following these ingredient tips precisely.
Instructions
- Preheat the deep fryer or large pot with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
- Fold in diced apples with spatula.
- Using dough scraper or spoon, drop dollops of batter (about 1/4 cup each) onto prepared baking sheet.
- With slotted spoon, carefully lower several spoonfuls of batter into hot oil; do not overcrowd.
- Fry fritters 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove fritters using slotted spoon; transfer to cooling rack lined with paper towels.
- Repeat frying with remaining batter.
- In small saucepan, whisk powdered sugar, milk (start with 2 tbsp), and vanilla extract to make smooth glaze.
- While fritters are still warm, drizzle or brush glaze over each with pastry brush.
- Let glaze set before serving.
Substitution
The Apple Fritter from Tim Hortons copycat recipe replicates tender apple chunks and warm cinnamon baked in crispy dough, finished with a sweet glaze. If Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples aren't available, try using Fuji or Pink Lady for a similar balance of sweetness and tartness. When deep frying, maintain oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) to ensure a golden crust without absorbing excess oil. You can substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a richer, tangier dough texture. For a dairy-free option, replace butter with coconut oil and milk with almond or oat milk to suit your dietary needs.
Tips
Ensure the vegetable oil maintains a consistent temperature of 350degF (175degC) during frying to achieve the perfect golden-brown and crispy texture without absorbing excess oil. When mixing wet and dry ingredients, combine just until incorporated to avoid overworking the batter, which can result in tough fritters. Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for optimal flavor and texture, cutting them into uniformly small pieces for even cooking. Carefully lower fritters into the oil one at a time to prevent splattering, and use a slotted spoon to remove them promptly once golden to keep them from becoming greasy.
Nutritions
The Apple Fritter from Tim Hortons provides a combination of carbohydrates, fats, and sugars primarily from its all-purpose flour, granulated and powdered sugars, and vegetable oil used in frying. The inclusion of diced apples contributes fiber, vitamin C, and natural sugars, while spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add flavor without adding calories. Each fritter contains moderate protein from eggs and some calcium from whole milk and butter, but it is relatively high in calories and sugar content due to the glaze and frying process. You should enjoy this treat in moderation as part of a balanced diet to avoid excessive intake of sugars and fats.
Storage
To store your Apple Fritters, place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and maintain crispiness. Keep the container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate if you intend to store them longer, up to 4 days. Reheat fritters in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crunchy texture before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples with tart pears or peaches for a different yet equally delicious fruit flavor. For a gluten-free alternative, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, ensuring the same texture and taste. If you prefer baking over frying, bake the fritters at 375degF (190degC) for 15-18 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet until golden brown, which reduces oil absorption and results in a lighter treat. Consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the spice mix to enhance the warmth and complexity of your Apple Fritter.
Allergies
The Apple Fritter contains common allergens such as eggs, milk, and wheat flour, which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The presence of cinnamon and nutmeg spices could also cause issues for those with spice allergies. You should always check ingredient lists carefully and consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific food allergies.
Why this recipe?
Tim Hortons' Apple Fritter menu is beloved for its perfect balance of crispy, golden-fried dough combined with tender chunks of spiced apple, delivering a delightful mix of sweetness and texture. The distinct aroma of cinnamon and the rich glaze make it a comforting treat that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Attempting a copycat ensures you can enjoy this seasonal favorite fresh and customized to your taste preferences anytime. Your homemade Apple Fritter captures the essence of Tim Hortons' iconic recipe while allowing for creative tweaks that elevate the experience.