Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients

 

Canola oil, for frying

1/2 c. granulated sugar

1 tsp. apple pie spice, divided 

1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

2 tbsp. packed light brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 c. fresh apple cider

1 large egg

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 large Granny Smith apple

Directions

1. Fill a large Dutch oven with 1 1/2 inches oil and heat to 350°F. Set a cooling rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Combine granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon pie spice in a bowl; set aside. 
2.  Whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pie spice in a bowl. Whisk together cider, egg, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Peel and core apple. Coarsely grate half the apple and cut the other half into 1/4-inch pieces. Gently fold into batter.
4. Working in batches, drop spoonfuls of batter (about 2 tablespoons each) into oil. Fry, turning once, until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes.
5. Toss warm fritters in sugar- spice mixture. Transfer to the cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Source: https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a23390937/pie-spiced-apple-fritters-recipe/