Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, bakery-style treat that fills your kitchen with the irresistible scent of apples and cinnamon, you’ll absolutely adore these Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze. Imagine soft, pillowy bites of fritter studded with juicy apples, lightly crisped on the outside, and finished with a dreamy drizzle of vanilla glaze. This recipe brings the best of fall flavors right to your table, but honestly, they’re too good to save for just one season. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or as a sweet afternoon snack, these apple fritters are pure comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze plays a starring role, creating layers of flavor and texture that make these fritters unforgettable. Let’s break down why each one matters and how it contributes to that signature homemade taste.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the batter, giving the fritters structure and a light, tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the batter and helps with browning.
- Baking powder: Essential for lift, making the fritters beautifully puffy and soft.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: The warming spice that brings classic coziness to the fritters.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter and provide richness, ensuring a moist interior.
- Whole milk: Creates a silky, smooth batter and contributes to tenderness.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and a subtle buttery flavor throughout.
- Vanilla extract: Delivers fragrant vanilla notes in both the batter and the glaze.
- Peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): The star ingredient, lending tartness, sweetness, and juicy bursts in every bite.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral in flavor, perfect for achieving golden, crispy fritter exteriors.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Dissolves into a silky glaze that coats each fritter.
- Milk (for the glaze): Thins the powdered sugar for that drizzle-worthy consistency.
How to Make Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. This ensures every bite of your fritter is perfectly spiced and evenly textured. The cinnamon is key for that deep, homey aroma that makes these Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze so comforting.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is beautifully blended. This mixture is what brings richness and moisture, making your fritters soft and tender.
Step 3: Bring the Batter Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing here—stirring until you no longer see streaks of flour is perfect. This light touch keeps your fritters fluffy instead of dense.
Step 4: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter. Every piece of apple will become a sweet, juicy pocket inside the finished fritter. If you like a little crunch, feel free to toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage.
Step 5: Fry the Fritters
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or deep saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the oil, frying just a few at a time for even cooking. Let them fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until they’re golden brown and irresistibly fragrant. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.
Step 6: Make the Vanilla Glaze
While the fritters are still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable, ready to cascade over your fritters in sweet, glossy ribbons.
Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy
Drizzle the warm fritters with your homemade vanilla glaze or dip the tops directly into the glaze for extra coverage. Let the glaze set for a minute, then dig in while they’re still slightly warm for the ultimate Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze experience.
How to Serve Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze
Garnishes
A classic finish is a dusting of extra cinnamon or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the set glaze. For a touch of crunch, scatter a few toasted pecans or walnuts over the glazed fritters. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side instantly transforms these into a showstopping dessert.
Side Dishes
Serve your Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze alongside a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit, a tangy yogurt parfait, or even a sharp cheddar cheese for a sweet-savory twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack fritters high on a pretty cake stand for a brunch table centerpiece, or arrange them in parchment-lined baskets for sharing at gatherings. For a fun twist, skewer smaller fritters and serve as party bites, with glaze for dipping. Kids especially love them as a lunchbox surprise or after-school treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra fritters (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or refrigerate for up to three days. The glaze may soften as they sit, but the flavor remains just as delightful.
Freezing
Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze can be frozen for up to two months. Arrange cooled, unglazed fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Glaze after reheating for the freshest taste and texture.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-fryer magic, reheat fritters in a 300°F oven for about five minutes. This gently warms them through and restores a bit of their exterior crispness. If reheated from frozen, add a couple more minutes, and glaze just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith add a lovely contrast, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples all work beautifully. Choose apples that hold their shape when cooked for the best Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze.
Is it okay to bake instead of fry the fritters?
While frying gives the fritters their signature crisp edges and soft centers, you can bake them at 375°F on a lined baking sheet for about 15–18 minutes. The texture will be a bit different, but they’ll still taste delicious.
How can I prevent the fritters from absorbing too much oil?
Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F) before frying. If the oil is too cool, the fritters will soak up more oil. Fry in small batches and drain well on paper towels right after cooking.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to fry the fritters shortly after mixing the batter, as the leavening works right away. For convenience, you can prep the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine just before frying.
What’s the best way to apply the vanilla glaze?
You can drizzle the glaze with a spoon for an artful look, dip the tops for maximum coverage, or even toss the warm fritters gently in a bowl of glaze. No matter the method, the glaze is what makes Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze so irresistible.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special, these Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze are your ticket to pure comfort and joy. They’re easy to make, impossible to resist, and sure to become a new favorite in your home. Give them a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say “just one more!”
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Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 fritters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters, featuring tender chunks of apples infused with warm cinnamon and coated in a light, crispy fried batter. Finished with a sweet and creamy vanilla glaze, these fritters make a perfect cozy dessert or snack, especially during the fall season. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they bring the comforting flavors of homemade baked goods with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Fritters
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined to ensure a consistent flavor base.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate all the liquids smoothly.
- Combine Batter: Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing, then gently fold in the peeled and diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy pot and heat to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain consistent frying temperature for perfect results.
- Fry Fritters: Carefully drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, frying 2-3 fritters at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, turning once.
- Drain Fritters: Use a slotted spoon to transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, keeping them crisp on the outside.
- Make Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Fritters: Drizzle the warm fritters with the vanilla glaze or dip the tops directly into the glaze, then let them set briefly before serving.
Notes
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and a nutty flavor.
- These fritters are best enjoyed warm on the day they are made for optimal softness and flavor.
- To reheat, place fritters in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes to refresh their crispiness without drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
