If you have a soft spot for comforting, slightly spiced treats that feel like a warm hug on a plate, then this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe will be your new go-to. Imagine tender, pillowy fritters bursting with sweet apple bits, infused with the perfect amount of cinnamon, and finished with a luscious vanilla glaze that melts into every nook and cranny. Perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or even dessert, these fritters bring the essence of fall and home-baked goodness together in a way that’s impossibly delicious. Once you try this recipe, I’m betting these fritters will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully to create fritters with just the right balance of flavors and textures. Each one plays a crucial role, whether adding fluffiness, sweetness, warmth, or that irresistible hint of vanilla that ties it all together.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft, tender fritter with just enough structure.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a mild sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps these fritters rise to light, airy perfection.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warm, spicy notes that make each bite irresistible.
- ½ cup milk: Moistens the batter to keep the fritters soft and tender.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): A subtle but fragrant touch that elevates the flavor.
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced: The star ingredient, providing sweetness and a juicy burst in every fritter.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Ensures a crispy golden outside while keeping the inside scrumptiously soft.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Forms the sweet base of the vanilla glaze.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts glaze consistency to a smooth drizzle.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the glaze for a flawless finish.
How to Make Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Begin by whisking together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. These dry ingredients need to be well combined to ensure even flavor distribution. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then mix in the milk and vanilla extract. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—a few lumps are perfectly okay here, as overmixing can toughen the fritters. Finally, fold in the peeled and diced apples, making sure every bite promises that juicy apple goodness.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or medium-sized pot until it’s about 2 inches deep, and warm it over medium heat. The ideal frying temperature is around 350°F (175°C). To test, drop a small bit of batter into the oil—if it bubbles up steadily and floats, you’re set to fry. Maintaining this temperature is key to getting fritters with crisp outsides and soft, fluffy insides without absorbing too much oil.
Step 3: Fry the Fritters
Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, carefully drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow even cooking. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, turning once they turn golden brown and firm enough to flip. When cooked through, transfer the fritters to a wire rack or a paper-towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. They should be soft and almost cake-like inside with a perfectly crisp outer layer.
Step 4: Make the Vanilla Glaze
While the fritters cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Add more milk if needed to reach a smooth, pourable glaze consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the fritters without running off immediately, creating a lovely glossy finish and a sweet vanilla accent that complements the cinnamon and apples.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over warm fritters, letting it slowly seep into every soft crevice. The combination of warm fritters covered in sweet vanilla glaze is nothing short of magical and best enjoyed immediately while the fritters are still tender and fresh.
How to Serve Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To take these fritters over the top, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dash of cinnamon on top adds a pretty finishing touch. Some chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can add delightful crunch, while a few fresh apple slices on the side echo the flavors inside the fritters beautifully.
Side Dishes
These fritters are fantastic on their own but also crave a companion. Serve with a cup of hot spiced apple cider or a steaming mug of your favorite coffee for a cozy combo. If you want to turn it into a full brunch, try them alongside scrambled eggs or turkey bacon for a sweet-savory balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive brunch centerpiece, stack the fritters into a rustic tower and drizzle with extra vanilla glaze, then garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of edible flowers. Another fun idea is to serve them in a basket lined with parchment paper for that charming, homemade vibe that makes guests feel instantly welcomed.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra fritters (though, honestly, that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep their softness, avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out quickly, but if your kitchen is warm, the fridge is better than spoilage.
Freezing
Want to enjoy these delicious treats later? Freeze the fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid before transferring them to a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them at room temperature for 20 minutes or so before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to bring your fritters back to life is by warming them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes. This method keeps them crispy outside and warm and soft inside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make textures rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Tart varieties like Granny Smith hold up nicely in the fritters and provide a lovely tart contrast to the sweet glaze, but sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp work wonderfully if you prefer a naturally sweeter bite.
Is it possible to bake the fritters instead of frying?
You can bake them, although the texture will be a bit different. To bake, spoon batter onto a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes or until golden and cooked through. The outside won’t be as crispy, but they’ll still be soft and delicious.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the batter fresh to take advantage of the baking powder’s full rise. However, you can dice the apples ahead and store them in lemon water to prevent browning, then mix the batter just before frying.
What can I substitute for the vegetable oil?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like canola or sunflower oil are great alternatives. Avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and may impart a strong flavor not suited to fritters.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. You might notice slight texture differences, but the fritters will still be beloved.
Final Thoughts
Making Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe at home is truly a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with the most enticing aromas and delivers irresistible flavors that warm your heart and soul. Whether you’re sharing these with family, friends, or indulging solo, each bite is a celebration of simple ingredients turned into something delightfully special. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and savor every soft cinnamon-sweet moment.
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Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 – 10 fritters 1x
Description
Delight in these soft cinnamon apple fritters, perfectly spiced and tender, finished with a smooth vanilla glaze for a sweet breakfast treat or snack. Crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, they combine warm cinnamon and fresh apples in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Main Flavorings
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with milk and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the diced apples gently to distribute them evenly without overmixing.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or cast iron skillet to a depth of about 1 to 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C), ready for frying.
- Form and fry fritters: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop 8–10 spoonfuls of batter carefully into the hot oil. Fry the fritters in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon, letting excess oil drip back into the pan. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining oil and keep them crisp.
- Make the vanilla glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Add an extra tablespoon of milk if the glaze is too thick to drizzle.
- Glaze the fritters: Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the slightly cooled fritters. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the apples with pears or peaches for a different fruity twist.
- To make gluten-free fritters, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
- Serve these fritters immediately to enjoy their crisp exterior; they can be reheated gently in a skillet or oven.
- Leftover fritters can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days but are best fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
