Cinnamon Apple Rings: A Delicious Fall Treat Recipe
If you are craving something sweet, warm, and perfectly spiced this season, you will absolutely adore this Cinnamon Apple Rings: A Delicious Fall Treat Recipe. These crispy, golden rings are the ideal way to celebrate the flavors of autumn, combining tart Granny Smith apples with a fluffy cinnamon-spiced batter. Fried to perfection and coated in a cinnamon-sugar blend, these apple rings bring a cozy comfort that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly tasty. Whether you want a quick snack or a dessert to impress, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create a stunning balance of flavor and texture. Each item plays an important role, from the crisp apples lending brightness to the cinnamon and sugars giving just the right amount of sweet spice.
- 4 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith): Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweet batter, and their firm texture holds up well during frying.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the batter, creating a light and crispy coating once fried.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps make the batter smooth and easy to coat the apple rings.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients in the batter, ensuring a tender finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends a lovely aromatic depth to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the batter puff up, giving a delightfully fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with warm fall spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the batter itself.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings caramel-like richness and moisture to the coating.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Creates that sweet, crunchy crust once mixed with cinnamon.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating): Boosts that classic cinnamon sugar flavor that makes these apple rings unforgettable.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Provides the ideal medium to crisp the batter without overpowering the apple’s flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Rings: A Delicious Fall Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your apples
Start by washing your Granny Smith apples thoroughly. Removing any wax or residue ensures a fresh canvas for your batter. Then gently core the apples, making sure to keep the rings whole, which is essential for even frying. Slice each apple into uniform 1/4-inch thick rings; this thickness is just perfect to achieve a tender inside with a crispy outer crust.
Step 2: Make the batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well mixed. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring gently—don’t worry if there are a few lumps; this helps keep your batter tender. Letting the batter rest for 10 minutes will make sure it puffs beautifully during frying.
Step 3: Prepare cinnamon-sugar coating
While your batter is resting, mix the 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This magic blend is what gives your apple rings that irresistible finishing touch and signature flavor.
Step 4: Fry the apple rings
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to about 350°F (175°C). Dip each apple ring fully into the batter, allowing excess to drip off so you don’t get a heavy coating. Fry the rings in the hot oil for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning once they turn a lovely golden brown. This frying process gives the batter a crisp exterior while keeping the apple inside tender and juicy. Place the fried rings on paper towels to drain any extra oil.
Step 5: Coat and serve
While still warm, toss each apple ring into the cinnamon-sugar coating so every bite has that sweet, spicy crunch. Serve these delightful cinnamon apple rings warm for the best experience, either by themselves or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to take them over the top.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Rings: A Delicious Fall Treat Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Cinnamon Apple Rings: A Delicious Fall Treat Recipe with a variety of garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy sweetness, or drizzle warm caramel sauce or maple syrup over the top for a decadent finish. A sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts brings a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing these cinnamon apple rings with fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy contrast. They also make a charming accompaniment to a hot cup of spiced apple cider or chai tea, making your fall snack truly comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Cinnamon Apple Rings: A Delicious Fall Treat Recipe into a showstopper by stacking them into a little tower on a dessert plate or threading them onto skewers for a fun party treat. You can also serve them in classic paper cones for a nostalgic fair-like vibe that’s sure to charm both kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. To maintain crispiness, avoid refrigeration as it can make the batter soggy. If you need to store them longer, consider freezing.
Freezing
Allow the fried apple rings to cool completely, then spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen apple rings will keep well for up to 2 months and are perfect for quick snacks on chilly days.
Reheating
To enjoy your stored Cinnamon Apple Rings: A Delicious Fall Treat Recipe, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore their crisp outer coating without drying out the apples inside.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firm texture, other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji work well too. Just remember that sweeter apples might change the overall flavor balance.
Is it possible to bake these apple rings instead of frying?
Yes, to make a healthier version you can bake the battered apple rings on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They will be slightly less crispy but still delicious.
What can I use if I don’t have vegetable oil?
Canola oil, sunflower oil, or any neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point will work well for frying the apple rings without interfering with their flavor.
How do I prevent the apple rings from turning brown before frying?
Sprinkling or briefly dipping the sliced apple rings in lemon juice prevents oxidation and keeps them looking fresh and appetizing before frying.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The result will be just as delicious and fall-ready.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Apple Rings: A Delicious Fall Treat Recipe bring together everything we love about the season—warm spices, crisp apples, and sweet indulgence in every bite. They are simple to make but so satisfying, perfect for sharing at family gatherings or enjoying as a cozy self-treat. I truly hope you try making this recipe soon and create your own little moment of autumn joy with every delicious apple ring.
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Cinnamon Apple Rings: A Delicious Fall Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cinnamon Apple Rings are a delightful fall treat featuring crisp apple slices dipped in a light cinnamon-spiced batter, then fried to golden perfection and coated with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Perfect for a cozy snack or dessert, these sweet and crispy apple rings are best served warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
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
Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Wash the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any wax or dirt. Using a sharp knife or an apple corer, carefully remove the core from each apple, keeping the apple intact. Slice each apple into 1/4-inch thick rings. Optionally, sprinkle the rings with lemon juice to prevent browning while you prepare the batter.
- Make the dry batter mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients until they are well combined, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Prepare the wet batter mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.
- Combine batter ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Avoid overmixing; it’s okay to have a few lumps to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Let the batter rest: Set the batter aside for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the batter to thicken slightly and results in a fluffier texture when fried.
- Prepare cinnamon-sugar coating: In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined. Set this mixture aside for coating the fried apple rings.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer ensures the oil is at the optimal frying temperature.
- Dip apple rings in batter: Take one apple ring and dip it into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Let excess batter drip off before frying to avoid clumps.
- Fry the apple rings: Carefully place the battered apple ring into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on one side until it turns golden brown. Then flip and fry the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes, until crispy and golden.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried apple ring from the oil and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil and keep the rings crisp.
- Coat with cinnamon-sugar: While still warm, toss the apple ring in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly. Repeat the frying and coating process with the remaining apple rings in batches, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon apple rings warm as a delicious snack or dessert. For an indulgent twist, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweet batter and cinnamon sugar.
- Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) is crucial to frying the rings properly without them absorbing too much oil.
- You can sprinkle the apple rings with lemon juice before slicing to prevent browning, though this is optional.
- Use a thermometer to accurately gauge oil temperature for best results.
- This recipe is best enjoyed fresh and warm for optimal crispness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American