Soft, sweet, and spiced to perfection, these cinnamon apple fritters are the ultimate indulgence. With a golden-brown exterior and tender, apple-filled interior, they are finished with a luscious vanilla glaze that takes them over the top. Whether for breakfast, a mid-day treat, or dessert, these fritters are always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Bursting with flavor: Packed with cinnamon-spiced apples, each bite is a delight.
- Versatile treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Crowd-pleaser: The combination of sweet apples and vanilla glaze is universally loved.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Whole milk
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze)
Directions
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Incorporate the apples: Fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the fritters: Scoop small portions of the batter (about 2 tablespoons each) into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Drain and cool: Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly.
- Make the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a small amount of milk until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the fritters: Drizzle or dip the cooled fritters in the vanilla glaze. Let the glaze set before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 10-12 fritters.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Apple variety: Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for a sweeter bite.
- Add-ins: Enhance the batter with raisins or chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Spice it up: Incorporate nutmeg or allspice for additional warmth.
- Glaze options: Swap vanilla glaze for caramel or maple glaze.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
Yes, pears or peaches can be a great substitute for apples in this recipe.
2. Can I make the fritters gluten-free?
You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these fritters gluten-free.
3. How do I prevent the fritters from being greasy?
Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (375°F) before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.
4. Can I bake the fritters instead of frying them?
While traditional fritters are fried, you can bake them at 375°F on a greased baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for fritters.
6. Can I freeze the fritters?
Yes, freeze the cooked fritters (without glaze) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven and glaze before serving.
7. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to make the batter fresh, but you can prepare it up to 1 hour in advance and refrigerate it.
8. How do I know when the fritters are fully cooked?
The fritters should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
9. Can I use a different glaze?
Yes, caramel, chocolate, or a maple glaze would all be delicious alternatives.
10. Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smooth texture, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer.
Conclusion
Soft cinnamon apple fritters with vanilla glaze are a simple yet indulgent treat perfect for any occasion. With their fluffy texture, warm spices, and sweet glaze, they are sure to become a family favorite. Try them today and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade goodness!
Print
Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Soft, fluffy apple fritters infused with warm cinnamon flavor and studded with fresh apple chunks. These fritters are fried to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze, making them the perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Fritters
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
To Make the Fritters
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the diced apples gently.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, drop the batter into the hot oil in small mounds. Fry 3–4 fritters at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate.
To Make the Vanilla Glaze
- In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar if needed.
- Drizzle the glaze over warm fritters or dip the tops of the fritters into the glaze. Allow to set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the batter.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure your oil stays at the proper temperature.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat fritters in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.