Yeasted Apple Fritters (Racuchy z Jabłkami )

Racuchy z jabłkami (apple fritter) is the Polish version of an apple pancake or apple fritter. One variety consists of flour and baking powder. Another type, like this one, is a yeasted flour batter. You would fry racuchy until crispy and fluffy. This dessert or snack was what hooked me into Polish cuisine. Naturally, I wanted to try making some at home, and I dedicate this apple fritter recipe to my first bite of racuchy z jabłkami. 

A winter visit to Krakow, Poland, is an unforgettable experience. Of course, it's cold, and the weather could be dreary. But it's also a time when Polish cuisine shines, warming you straight to the bones. 

Last year, I had an opportunity to visit during the holiday season, and there was no shortage of local food to try. A Krakow resident told me that Polish food is good because it is made simply with high-quality ingredients. Every Polish dish I tried proved that statement time and time again!

What is Polish Apple Fritter?

From my research, I learned that racuchy means pancake, and you can add different types of fruits to the pancake batter. It would be mixed and then fried in a shallow pool of hot oil to be served immediately, with powdered sugar or a sweetened sour cream sauce.

How to Make Racuchy z Jabłkami

This Polish apple fritter recipe is simple and you don't need to set aside a lot of time. You basically toss ingredients into a bowl, mix them, and fry. 

Add the flour, active dry yeast, vanilla extract, warm milk, and egg to a bowl. 

Using an electric beater, mix all these ingredients until you get a smooth consistency. Cover the bowl with a towel. Let it sit for up to twenty minutes or until it has doubled in size.

While the yeast is blooming with the other ingredients, take your apple and peel it. Slice it thin and then cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Once the yeast has bloomed, punch out the air with a wooden spoon and mix it. It should look like a very bubbly dough with the consistency of lumpy pancake mix. Add the apples to the bowl and gently fold them into the batter. 

Pour some neutral oil (such as vegetable) into a frying pan and set it to medium heat. 

Tip You don't want your oil to be too hot because the outer part of the dough will brown way faster than the middle part has time to cook. 

Spoon about a third cup of the batter into the hot oil at a time. Fry each side until it is a little darker than golden brown. 

Prepare a plate lined with a paper towel or use a large strainer. Place the finished racuchy z jabłkami on the prepared plate or strainer so it drains the oil out of the fritters. 

How to Serve Apple Fritters Fresh

Serve the pancakes immediately after most of the oil has been drained so it's still crispy. You can top it with powdered sugar or a sweetened sour cream topping. 

Racuchy z jabłkami is best eaten when it is still warm and crispy. My favorite way to eat it is with a sour cream topping, but powdered sugar is popular too. I love biting into its pillowy yeasted texture! Try this racuchy recipe for a sweet breakfast, dessert, or snack. But if it was up to me, you should choose to eat it whenever you feel like it. It's easy enough to make!