There is nothing quite as cozy and inviting as Cinnamon Apple Rings: A Delicious Recipe for Fall Treats Recipe, perfect for capturing the essence of autumn in every bite. This dish combines crisp apple slices dipped in a lightly spiced batter, fried to golden perfection, and coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend that instantly transports you to crunchy leaves and crisp air. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a comforting dessert, these apple rings offer a delightful balance of tart, sweet, and spice that’s irresistible any day of the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking magic. Each component here is simple but essential, contributing to the perfect harmony between flavor, texture, and that stunning golden hue.
- 4 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith): Their tartness holds up perfectly when fried, balancing sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structural base for a light, crispy batter coating.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter for a tender fry.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the batter while adding fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Imparts a warm, inviting aroma that complements the cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the batter a light, airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Layers subtle warming spice in the batter itself.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds gentle sweetness within the batter.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Ensures a sweet, crunchy exterior once fried.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating): The final touch that gives each ring its classic fall flavor.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral oil essential for crisp frying without overpowering the apples.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Rings: A Delicious Recipe for Fall Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Begin by washing your apples thoroughly to remove any wax or residues. Then, carefully remove the core while keeping the shape intact. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rings to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine your flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Whisking these first ensures all the dry spices and leavening are evenly dispersed for a consistent batter flavor and rise.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth. This mixture brings moisture and richness to your batter, making every bite tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine to Create the Batter
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently just until combined. A few lumps are okay—they help ensure the batter cooks fluffy, not tough.
Step 5: Let the Batter Rest
Allowing the batter to sit for about 10 minutes before frying lets it thicken slightly and helps develop a fluffier texture in the final apple rings.
Step 6: Prepare Your Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple coating will add that signature sweet-spicy crunch right after frying.
Step 7: Frying Time
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a skillet, then dip each apple ring into the batter, letting excess drip off before carefully frying for 2-3 minutes per side. Work in batches to keep the oil temperature steady for perfect crispiness.
Step 8: Coat and Cool
Once golden and crispy, transfer the apple rings onto paper towels to drain excess oil, then toss them immediately in your cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm. This ensures the coating sticks and provides that irresistible sugar crunch.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Rings: A Delicious Recipe for Fall Treats Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle powdered sugar over your warm apple rings or add a drizzle of caramel sauce. A dollop of whipped cream also pairs beautifully, elevating that cozy fall vibe.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a lovely contrast of temperatures and textures. Cinnamon Apple Rings can also complement a morning spread with warm coffee or tea, making them versatile enough for dessert or a sweet snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the apple rings on a rustic wooden board dusted with cinnamon sugar or placing them in a paper cone for a charming street-fair style treat. Adding edible flowers or fresh herbs like mint can also brighten the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any uneaten cinnamon apple rings in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within 1-2 days to keep their crispness and flavor fresh.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze the apple rings by laying them flat on a baking sheet first, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick treat later.
Reheating
To revive that crispy crunch, reheat apple rings in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F until warmed through rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firm texture, you can experiment with Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter, softer alternative.
Is it possible to bake the apple rings instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier option. Coat your apple rings with batter, place on a lined baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
How do I prevent the apple slices from browning before frying?
Sprinkling or brushing the slices lightly with lemon juice helps prevent oxidation and keeps them looking fresh and appetizing.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to mix the batter just before frying for optimal rising and texture, as the baking powder loses effectiveness if it sits too long.
What can I serve with cinnamon apple rings for a party?
They pair wonderfully with dips like caramel sauce, cream cheese frosting, or even chocolate ganache, making them a versatile party favorite.
Final Thoughts
Ready to fall in love with fall all over again? Cinnamon Apple Rings: A Delicious Recipe for Fall Treats Recipe brings together simple ingredients for an unforgettable snack. Whether you’re sharing with family or treating yourself after a busy day, these crispy, cinnamon-spiced delights are bound to become a seasonal staple. Go ahead, grab some apples, and let the cozy magic begin!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Rings: A Delicious Recipe for Fall Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Apple Rings are a delightful fall treat featuring tender apple slices dipped in a cinnamon-spiced batter and fried to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mix that perfectly complements the tartness of Granny Smith apples. This easy recipe yields a warm, comforting snack or dessert that’s perfect for cozy autumn days.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith)
Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Other
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Wash Apples: Thoroughly wash the apples under running water to remove any wax or dirt from the skin, ensuring they are clean for preparation.
- Core Apples: Using a sharp knife or apple corer, carefully remove the core from each apple while keeping the apple rings intact for frying.
- Slice Apples: Slice each apple into 1/4-inch thick rings, creating the perfect size and shape for frying and serving.
- Prevent Browning: Optionally, sprinkle the apple rings with lemon juice to prevent browning while you prepare the batter and frying.
- Prepare Dry Batter Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them together until evenly mixed.
- Prepare Wet Batter Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Batter: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing; a few lumps in the batter are fine for light texture.
- Rest Batter: Let the batter sit for about 10 minutes to thicken slightly, which helps create a fluffier texture when fried.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; set aside for coating the fried apple rings.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to cover the bottom by about 1/2 inch and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), ready for frying.
- Coat Apple Rings: Dip an apple ring into the prepared batter, ensuring it is fully coated, then let excess batter drip off before frying.
- Fry First Side: Carefully place the coated apple ring in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on one side until it turns golden brown and crispy.
- Fry Second Side: Flip the apple ring and fry for another 2-3 minutes until both sides are evenly golden and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the apple ring from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil for a less greasy finish.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, toss the apple ring gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat it evenly and add sweetness and spice.
- Repeat: Continue frying the remaining apple rings in batches, repeating the coating and frying process until all are cooked.
- Serve: Serve the warm fried apple rings on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for fall.
Notes
- You can use other apple varieties if you prefer sweeter or softer rings, but Granny Smith apples give a nice tart balance.
- To prevent apple rings from browning while prepping batter, toss them lightly in lemon juice.
- Monitor oil temperature carefully to avoid burning the batter or undercooking the apples.
- If you want to make this recipe a bit healthier, consider shallow frying or using an air fryer for a crisp texture with less oil.
- These apple rings are best enjoyed fresh and warm to maintain their crispy exterior and tender inside.
- Keep an eye on oil quantity and replenish as needed during frying to maintain consistent cooking temperatures.
