Let's start with the apples. Peel and dice 4 Granny Smith apples and place into a bowl. Toss apples with cinnamon and maple syrup. Next up, place a frying pan oven medium high heat and drop in butter. Once butter is melted add apples and allow to saute for around 6 minutes or until slightly softened. Remove from heat and transfer apples to a baking sheet to allow to cool fully. Set off to the side.
Now, let's make the donut batter. In a large bowl add in all of the dry ingredients. Flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give that a quick whisk.
On to the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl mix together the milk, eggs, apple sauce, and vanilla. Whisk until everything is incorporated.
Now combine the wet and dry ingredients together. Make sure to not over mix as that will result in dense donuts.
If the apples have cooled, you can now pour them into the batter and fold everything together. I suggest popping the whole bowl of the batter into the fridge for 10 minutes while the oil heats up (next step).
Now time to get to the frying. Heat oil to 350. Once temperature has been reached, grab yourself a 2 standard kitchen spoons. Now with one of the spoons take a scoop of the batter and gently drop it into the oil. I use the second spoon to help get the batter off the first spoon. Once in the oil I will pat the fritter with the back of a spoon to flatten it out slightly. You are looking for lots of nooks and crannies so don't stress if the shape looks crazy. That's kinda the point of these.
Fry each side for 4-6 minutes or until golden brown. Once golden remove from oil and allow to drain on wire rack or paper towel.
Let's prep the glaze. This can be done at any point. In a bowl whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Once the fritter has slightly cooled drop it into glaze and flip. Place back onto the wired wrack to allow the glaze to harden.
You made it!!! Now, find a quiet place in your house, grab a coffee, and enjoy!
