Cinnamon Apple Rings are a delightful treat that perfectly blend the sweetness of apples with the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon. As I take a bite, I am instantly transported to cozy autumn days, where the aroma of baked apples fills the air. This recipe not only brings back fond memories but also has a rich history, often associated with fall harvest festivals and family gatherings. People love Cinnamon Apple Rings for their irresistible taste and tender texture, making them a favorite dessert or snack. Plus, they are incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Join me as we explore the simple steps to create these mouthwatering Cinnamon Apple Rings that are sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized apples (I prefer Granny Smith for their tartness)
- 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
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Preparing the Apples
First things first, let’s get our apples ready. I love the crunch and tartness of Granny Smith apples, but feel free to use your favorite variety!
- 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. You want to create a nice ring, so make sure to keep the apple intact.
- Once cored, slice each apple into 1/4-inch thick rings. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Set the apple rings aside on a plate or cutting board. If you want to prevent browning, you can sprinkle a little lemon juice over them.
Preparing the Batter
Now that our apples are prepped, it’s time to whip up a delicious batter that will coat our apple rings perfectly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Once combined, let the batter sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps to create a fluffier texture when frying.
Coating the Apple Rings
While the batter is resting, let’s prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating that will add a delightful sweetness to our apple rings.
- In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Set this mixture aside; we’ll use it after frying the apple rings.
Frying the Apple Rings
Now comes the fun part—frying! This is where the magic happens, and your kitchen will smell amazing.
- In a large, deep skillet or frying pan, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small amount of batter into it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, you’re good to go!
- Once the oil is hot, take an apple ring and dip it into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before placing it in the hot oil.
- Carefully place the battered apple ring into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on one side, or until golden brown.
- Using tongs or a slotted spoon, flip the apple ring and fry for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until it’s golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the apple ring from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- While the apple ring is still warm, immediately toss it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Repeat this process with the remaining apple rings, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Assembling and Serving
Now that all your apple rings are fried and coated, it’s time to serve them up!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- 4 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith)
- 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
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 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.
- Set the apple rings aside on a plate or cutting board. Optionally, sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are fine.
- Let the batter sit for about 10 minutes to create a fluffier texture when frying.
- In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Set this mixture aside for later use.
- 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 350°F (175°C).
- Dip an apple ring into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, and let excess batter drip off.
- Carefully place the battered apple ring into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Flip the apple ring and fry for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the apple ring from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- While warm, toss the apple ring in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat with remaining apple rings, frying in batches.
- Serve the fried apple rings warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
- Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties for varying flavors.
- Ensure the oil is at the right temperature for optimal frying; too hot can burn the batter, while too cool can make it soggy.
- These apple rings are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Conclusion:
In summary, these Cinnamon Apple Rings are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful and easy-to-make treat. The combination of sweet, juicy apples and warm, aromatic cinnamon creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, a dessert, or even as a breakfast side, these rings are versatile enough to fit any occasion. For serving suggestions, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how your Cinnamon Apple Rings turn out and any unique twists you might add. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the deliciousness that awaits! PrintCinnamon Apple Rings: A Delicious Recipe for Fall Treats
Description
Enjoy crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated apple rings made from tart Granny Smith apples and a fluffy batter, perfect for a delightful snack or dessert.
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