These Boozy Bourbon Apple Fritters are a special fall treat that combine the softness of brioche dough with a pre-cooked spiced apple filling, creating a delicious apple pie flavor in donut form. The dough is enriched and pillowy, while the bourbon glaze adds a grown-up twist with warm spiced apple notes. Perfect for a cozy autumn morning or dessert, these fritters bring a unique, bakery-style flair that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the brioche dough:

113 g (½ cup) whole milk, warmed to 110°F (40°C)
7 g (2 ¼ tsp) active dry or instant yeast
20 g (1 ½ tbsp) granulated sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
300 g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
85 g (6 tbsp) unsalted butter, room temperature

For the spiced apples:

300 g (about 2) honeycrisp apples, peeled & diced
15 g (1 tbsp) lemon juice
106 g (½ cup) dark brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp allspice
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp cloves
¼ tsp ginger
¼ tsp cardamom
1 tsp vanilla extract
12 g (1 tbsp) bourbon (optional)
28 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
15 g (2 tbsp) all-purpose flour

For frying:

48-64 oz (1 ½ – 2 quarts) neutral oil (canola or vegetable)

For the bourbon glaze:

170 g (1 ½ cups) powdered sugar, sifted
42 g (3 tbsp) leftover apple filling sauce
24 g (2 tbsp) bourbon

Directions

Activate yeast and mix wet ingredients: Heat milk to 110°F, stir in sugar and yeast. Let active dry yeast activate for 15 minutes (skip if instant yeast). Mix in eggs and vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: In a mixer bowl, combine flour and salt. Slowly add wet ingredients and mix on low-medium speed for 3 minutes until dough forms around hook.
Add butter: Incorporate butter in small pieces, mixing until fully combined. Increase mixer speed to medium-high and knead 8-12 minutes until dough is silky and smooth.
Windowpane test: Tear a small piece of dough and stretch to see if light passes without tearing. If it tears, knead a bit longer.
Proof dough: Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours). Alternatively, proof 1 hour at room temp until doubled.
Prepare spiced apples: Toss apple cubes with lemon juice, brown sugar, spices, vanilla, and bourbon. Melt butter in skillet over medium heat until browned, add apples and cook 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in flour and cook 2-3 minutes until thickened. Cool completely.
Roll out dough: Roll dough on floured surface to ¼” thickness. Sprinkle flour on dough. Spread apples (reserve most sauce) on half the dough, dust apples with flour, fold dough over. Cut into 1” pieces, gently toss to separate.
Shape fritters: Divide pieces into 9 portions (~100g each). Knead gently with flour to bind. Place on parchment squares and pat to 1” thick. Cover and proof 30 minutes until nearly room temp but still slightly cool.
Heat oil: Heat neutral oil to 355°F (180°C).
Fry fritters: Fry 2-3 fritters at a time for 2 ½ minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on wire rack. Let oil return to temp between batches.
Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, reserved apple sauce, and bourbon until smooth. Dip warm fritters in glaze. Serve warm alone or with vanilla ice cream.

Nutrients (per 1 fritter)

Calories: 399 kcal
Carbohydrates: 65 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0.4 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg
Sodium: 155 mg
Potassium: 138 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 37 g
Vitamin A: 406 IU
Vitamin C: 2 mg
Calcium: 45 mg
Iron: 2 mg

The Unique Appeal of Brioche Dough

What makes these fritters stand out is the use of brioche dough. Brioche is a French bread known for its rich and buttery flavor and delicate crumb. It’s made with a higher proportion of butter and eggs than typical bread dough, giving it a tender, almost cake-like texture. In the fritters, the brioche dough acts as a fluffy canvas that complements the apple filling, creating a balance of textures. This dough also has the advantage of being enriched, which means it holds up well during frying without becoming greasy or heavy. The slow overnight refrigeration of the dough enhances its flavor and texture, allowing the yeast to ferment gently and develop subtle, complex notes.

The Spiced Apple Filling: A Burst of Autumnal Flavor

The pre-cooked apple filling is central to the fritters’ flavor profile. Using honeycrisp apples, which are crisp, sweet, and slightly tart, ensures the filling remains tender yet intact. Cooking the apples with a blend of warm spices—cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom—infuses the filling with the comforting essence of apple pie. The addition of bourbon to the filling and glaze brings a sophisticated warmth that lifts the dish beyond traditional sweet fried dough. The butter and flour help create a thick, luscious apple sauce that holds together inside the fritter without leaking during frying, making every bite moist and flavorful.

Bourbon Glaze: A Decadent Finish

The glaze is the final flourish, tying together the flavors of the dough and the spiced apples. Made with powdered sugar, leftover apple sauce, and bourbon, it is smooth and glossy with a balanced sweetness and a gentle boozy note. Dipping the warm fritters in this glaze gives them a shiny finish and an extra layer of taste that complements both the crisp exterior and soft interior. This glaze is what elevates these fritters from a simple fried treat to an indulgent, bakery-style dessert.

Why These Fritters Work So Well as a Fall Treat

Boozy Bourbon Apple Fritters are the epitome of fall indulgence. The combination of apples and warm spices evokes the comforting nostalgia of apple pie, while the bourbon adds a touch of autumnal elegance. Their rich brioche base offers a satisfying heft that makes them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, particularly during chilly mornings or cozy evenings by the fire. The fritters’ golden-brown exterior and warm interior create a delightful contrast that is both pleasing to the palate and the eye.

Moreover, they fit a range of occasions. Served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, they are perfect for a weekend breakfast treat alongside coffee or cider. Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of the bourbon glaze, they transform into a sophisticated dessert suitable for dinner parties or holiday gatherings. The recipe’s flexibility and the ability to prepare parts of it ahead of time also make it a practical choice for entertaining.

The Technique Behind the Perfect Fritter

Achieving the perfect fritter involves some careful technique. The dough must be kneaded thoroughly to develop the gluten, which gives the fritters their structure. The windowpane test—stretching a piece of dough to see if light passes through without tearing—is an essential step that indicates whether the dough is properly kneaded.

Refrigerating the dough overnight is a key to developing flavor and texture. This slow fermentation allows the yeast to work gradually, creating a dough that is light, airy, and full of nuanced taste.

When it comes to frying, temperature control is crucial. The oil should be hot enough (around 355°F/180°C) to quickly create a golden crust while preventing the fritters from absorbing too much oil. Frying in small batches ensures the temperature stays consistent and the fritters cook evenly. The fritters must be drained properly to maintain their crispness without becoming soggy.

Health and Nutritional Perspective

While these fritters are undoubtedly indulgent, they also provide some nutritional value. The brioche dough offers protein from the eggs and milk, while the apples contribute fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. The spices used are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties and digestive benefits. Of course, as a fried and sweetened treat, they are best enjoyed in moderation, especially given their calorie and sugar content. They strike a perfect balance for those looking for a special treat without venturing into overly heavy territory.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

One of the appealing aspects of this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can experiment with different apple varieties to tweak sweetness and tartness according to preference. Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling could provide extra crunch and texture contrast. The bourbon in the glaze can be substituted with other spirits such as spiced rum or maple whiskey for a different flavor profile.

Serving suggestions include pairing the fritters with a hot beverage like spiced tea, coffee, or cider. For an extra luxurious dessert, serve them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Leftovers can be reheated gently in an oven or air fryer to restore their crispness.

Conclusion

Boozy Bourbon Apple Fritters are a remarkable fusion of classic fall flavors and sophisticated baking techniques. The luxurious brioche dough, combined with the richly spiced apple filling and the warm bourbon glaze, creates a treat that is both comforting and elegant. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or special occasions, these fritters showcase how traditional recipes can be transformed into something extraordinary with a few thoughtful twists. Their delightful balance of textures and flavors makes them an ideal addition to any autumn culinary repertoire. Whether served warm on a crisp morning or as a sweet finale to an evening meal, these fritters are sure to impress and satisfy.