Ring, ring, ring—autumn called and wants you to flip this fantastic recipe into your kitchen lineup! These apple fritters are a nutritious twist on traditional pancakes, and they’re truly next-level.

Think of them as the love child between pancakes and fritters: fresh apple rings dipped in pancake batter, skillet-cooked until golden and fluffy, then brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Softer and cakier than a deep-fried fritter, they still deliver that irresistible apple-cinnamon magic.

Why you’ll love these apple fritters

  • Cozy apple goodness: More pancake than fritter, with tender apple centers.
  • Family-friendly: Perfect for cooking (and snacking) with kids.
  • Quick and easy: Pancake mix keeps things simple and foolproof.

Joy tip: Serve them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt!

More apple recipes that are good to the core!

If this recipe has you hooked, try these other fall-inspired favorites on my site: 

Cue the apple-ause—I think you’re going to love these recipes!

Try these Banana Fritters!

(5 stars) 3 ratings

Apple Fritter Pancakes with Sweet Cinnamon Glaze

Fresh apple rings dipped in pancake batter, skillet-cooked until golden, and finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping… need I say more?!
Yield: 20 fritters
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Leave a Review

Ingredients
 

  • 2 apples, cored and cut in rings ⅛-¼ inch thick
  • 1 cup prepared pancake mix

Cinnamon-Sugar Glaze

  • 2 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon sugar, or sugar substitute
  • ¼-½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Liberally coat a skillet with non-stick oil spray and warm over medium-high heat.
  • Using tongs, dip one apple slice at a time into the batter, generously coating all sides. Place into the hot skillet and cook each side for about 2 minutes, or until they’re nicely browned.
  • Transfer apple fritters to plate and set aside. (NOTE: If your “apple middles” are still too firm for your liking, place them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until they’re exactly what you’re looking for. I prefer them soft and melt-in-your-mouth, but Ian prefers them on the crisper side!).
  • Brush the melted butter on apple fritters and sprinkle on the sugar & cinnamon.

Notes

• The trick is cutting the cored apples thin enough; cutting them ~⅛-¼ inch thick is optimal.
• Any apple will work, from Granny Smith and Gala, to Red Delicious and Fuji.
• You can make your own pancake batter or choose your favorite pre-made mix. I like to use a whole grain mix or one with protein for added nutrition.
• When it comes to the pancake batter, follow package instructions but keep liquid to a minimum— the thicker the batter, the better it will coat the apples. A thicker layer of batter will also render a fluffier pancake.
• When it comes to the glaze, I like to keep the cinnamon and sugar separate so everyone can sprinkle on their desired amounts of each, but if you want to mix them together, start with ¼ teaspoon cinnamon.
• You want a nice cakey exterior and soft apple to bite into; if your apple is a little hard, pop your fritter in the microwave for 30-60 seconds to soften.
• If you’re making a big batch, keep the finished fritters on a baking sheet on low heat in the oven to keep them warm as you make the rest. This way when you serve them, they will all be warm.
• You can skip the glaze and opt for a dollop of meaty nut butter or vanilla yogurt, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition Information per serving

Serving Size: 1 fritter with cinnamon-sugar glazeCalories: 40Carbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gTotal Fat: 1.5g— Unsaturated Fat: 1g— Saturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 110mgFiber: 0gTotal Sugar: 3g— Natural Sugar: 2g— Added Sugar: 1g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!