If you have a soft spot for warm, comforting treat that perfectly balances spice, sweetness, and a touch of crispness, you are going to fall head over heels for this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe. Each bite offers tender pockets of cinnamon-spiced apple goodness wrapped in a golden, lightly crisp fried dough, finished with a smooth vanilla glaze that melts into every nook and cranny. It’s an easy yet indulgent delight that feels special enough for weekend brunch or an anytime dessert that brings cozy vibes and smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right starts with simple, kitchen-staple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch when combined. Each plays a crucial role whether it’s lending structure, sweetness, spice, or that irresistible glaze that ties everything together.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the fritter batter, giving it the perfect soft yet sturdy texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the cinnamon and apple tang.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the fritters rise fluffily on frying without becoming dense.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, a little goes a long way.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: This warm spice is essential for that signature apple-cinnamon combination.
- ½ cup milk: Helps create a smooth batter with just the right consistency.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Elevates the batter with a delicate floral note.
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Fresh apple chunks are the star, adding juiciness and natural sweetness.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Choose a neutral oil for crisp, evenly browned fritters.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the creamy, luscious vanilla glaze.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts glaze thickness for perfect drizzle consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with a comforting vanilla flavor that complements the fritters perfectly.
How to Make Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by whisking together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and fragrant ground cinnamon. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients—milk, eggs, and vanilla extract—until combined. Slowly add the wet into the dry, stirring gently just until no dry spots remain; avoid overmixing to keep the fritters tender. Finally, fold in the diced apples so they’re evenly distributed, promising bursts of apple flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Properly heating your oil is key to flawless frying. Use a deep skillet or large pot and pour in 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil. Heat over medium until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small scoop of batter in—the batter should sizzle and float to the surface fairly quickly without burning.
Step 3: Fry the Fritters
Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, carefully drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning gently with a slotted spoon or tongs, until each fritter is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Remove them and place onto a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. This step guarantees a light, non-greasy texture you’ll love.
Step 4: Make the Vanilla Glaze
While the fritters fry, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy, adjusting the milk or powdered sugar to reach your glaze preference—thinner for drizzling or thicker for dipping. This luscious glaze creates the perfect sweet finish, complementing the cinnamon apple flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Glaze the Fritters
Dip or drizzle the glaze over the fritters while they’re still a bit warm to let the flavor soak in. The glaze will set in just a few minutes, adding a shiny, irresistible coating that makes these fritters extra special.
How to Serve Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair, consider dusting the glazed fritters with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon. Fresh apple slices or a few chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add texture and a pop of color that will catch your eye before you even take a bite.
Side Dishes
Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or chai tea for breakfast or brunch. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to transform this snack into an afternoon delight or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the fritters on a pretty plate, drizzle generously with glaze, and place fresh apple wedges and cinnamon sticks around the edges. Alternatively, try serving individual fritters in small bowls with a side of warm maple syrup or honey for dipping, turning each bite into a warm, cozy experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover fritters—and fingers crossed you do—they keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This way, you can enjoy them without losing their soft interior or crispy edges.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well up to a month. Just thaw before reheating so they retain their fresh, soft texture and don’t turn soggy.
Reheating
The best way to bring your fritters back to life is to warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. This method crisps the edges nicely without drying out the soft, cinnamon-spiced interior. Avoid microwaving, which can make them rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for the fritters?
Absolutely! Crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully as they hold shape during frying and balance the sweetness in the batter.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling apples is recommended for a smoother batter and tender fritters, but if you prefer a bit of extra texture and nutrients, leaving the peel on is fine too.
What if I don’t have a thermometer for the oil?
You can test if the oil is ready by carefully dropping a small dollop of batter in; it should sizzle immediately and float to the top within seconds without browning too fast.
Can these fritters be baked instead of fried?
While baking is healthier, the traditional crisp outside and soft inside texture of these cinnamon apple fritters is best achieved through frying. Baking will yield a softer exterior and different texture.
How thick should the vanilla glaze be?
Your glaze should be thick enough to coat a spoon but thin enough to drizzle smoothly. Adjust by adding a little more milk to thin or powdered sugar to thicken until you get the perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
Making these Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is like capturing a bit of fall magic any time you want. They’re easy enough to whip up on a whim yet special enough to impress friends and family. Trust me, once you try these fritters with their warm cinnamon apples and luscious vanilla glaze, you’ll want to keep this recipe close and share it over and over. So go ahead, grab those apples, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a little sweet, cozy happiness.
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Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with a sweet vanilla glaze are a delightful treat combining warm spices and tender apples in a light, fried dough. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these fritters are crispy on the outside and soft inside, drizzled with a creamy vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
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)
Fruit
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying (2-3 inches deep)
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and optional vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the diced apples gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 2–3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or large pot and heat over medium heat. Use a thermometer to bring the oil to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even frying and crispy fritters.
- Fry the Fritters: Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, carefully drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding to maintain the proper oil temperature. Fry each fritter for 2–3 minutes on each side, flipping gently with a slotted spoon or tongs, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the fritters and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker drizzle to your preference.
- Glaze the Fritters: While the fritters are still warm, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top or dip each fritter into the glaze to coat fully. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of warm, spiced apple fritters with a sweet vanilla finish.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the fritters tender and light.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for crispy, evenly cooked fritters.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove fritters to drain excess oil and keep them from getting soggy.
- You can substitute apple varieties depending on your sweetness preference—Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for sweeter fritters.
- The vanilla glaze can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; stir well before using.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
