If you have a soft spot for cozy, comforting treats, I am beyond excited to share this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe with you. These fritters are pure golden perfection, boasting a tender, fluffy interior bursting with tender apple pieces and warm cinnamon spice. And just when you think they couldn’t get any better, they’re drizzled with a luscious vanilla glaze that’s sweet but not overpowering. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack, these fritters feel like a warm hug on a plate, and I promise they’ll have your kitchen smelling heavenly from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list to make these delicious fritters; simple, everyday ingredients come together to create magic here. Each element plays an important role, from the cinnamon infusing gentle spice, to the apples adding natural sweetness and moisture, and the vanilla tying all those flavors together beautifully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure while keeping the fritters soft and tender.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the spices and apples.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the fritters rise light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Loads of comfort and warmth in every bite.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
- 2 large eggs: Provides richness and helps bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrant depth.
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced: Adds juicy bursts of fruity sweetness and texture.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Adds richness and helps with that golden exterior.
- Oil for frying: Essential for that crisp, irresistible outer layer.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base of our smooth, sweet glaze.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency to perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Completes the glaze with a creamy vanilla note.
How to Make Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until they’re perfectly combined. This blend is the backbone of flavor and texture, so take a moment to appreciate that warm cinnamon scent blossoming already.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. These rich and creamy ingredients will give the fritters their delightful softness and subtle sweetness. Once combined, slowly add the wet mix into the dry ingredients, stirring just until everything is moistened. Be gentle here to avoid overmixing; tender fritters come from a light touch.
Step 3: Fold in the Apples
Now for the fruity goodness: gently fold in the diced apples. These little bursts of juicy apple are what make this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe stand out. The apple chunks bring freshness and a natural hint of sweetness in every bite, making each fritter a tiny treasure.
Step 4: Heat Oil and Fry the Fritters
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Using a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, but don’t crowd the pan. Fry in batches, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown. The sizzling sound at this step is music to any food lover’s ears!
Step 5: Drain Excess Oil
Once cooked, remove the fritters using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to soak up any extra oil. This keeps the exterior crisp without becoming greasy, ensuring a perfect balance between crunchy and soft.
Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and lump-free. This glaze is sweet but delicate, complementing rather than overpowering the apple and cinnamon flavors. You can tweak the milk quantity to make it thicker or thinner depending on your glazing preference.
Step 7: Drizzle the Glaze Over Warm Fritters
Pour the glaze generously over your still-warm fritters just before serving. The warmth helps the glaze set slightly while creating a glossy, irresistible finish. This final touch truly makes the Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe feel like a little celebration on a plate.
How to Serve Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon or powdered sugar on top for added visual appeal and flavor depth. A few small apple slices or a touch of chopped nuts create a lovely contrast in texture and an inviting presentation that’s both rustic and elegant.
Side Dishes
These fritters pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want a cozy breakfast vibe, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea to complement the cinnamon and vanilla notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the fritters like mini pancakes on a pretty serving plate and drizzle the glaze in a zigzag pattern for a fun twist. For a festive touch, add some pomegranate seeds or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be tough!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To keep them tasting fresh, let them come to room temperature before reheating.
Freezing
Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe fritters freeze wonderfully if you want to make a batch in advance. Freeze them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To revive that crispy exterior while warming them through, reheat fritters in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them from becoming soggy or rubbery, unlike microwaving, which I don’t recommend here.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for the fritters?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples work great for a tart contrast, while Fuji or Honeycrisp add more natural sweetness. Just choose apples that hold their shape well when cooked to avoid mushy fritters.
Is it possible to bake the fritters instead of frying?
Yes, although frying gives a crispier exterior. To bake, drop spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll be softer but still delicious.
Can I make the glaze dairy-free?
Definitely! Simply swap the milk in the glaze for any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. The glaze will still be creamy and sweet but dairy-free.
How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
Use a kitchen thermometer to reach 350°F (175°C), or drop a small bit of batter in—if it bubbles and rises to the surface quickly, you’re good to go. Maintaining the right temperature is key for perfectly cooked fritters.
Can I add other spices to the batter?
Feel free to experiment! Nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger compliment the cinnamon and apples beautifully. Just start with small amounts to keep the balance right in the Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Making this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is truly a delight from start to finish. The simple ingredients transform into a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to impress family and friends, or just satisfy your own cravings on a cozy afternoon. Give it a try and enjoy that perfect blend of warm spices, tender apples, and sweet vanilla glaze in every bite. Happy cooking!
Print
Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously soft and fluffy cinnamon apple fritters, perfectly fried to a golden brown and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. These homemade fritters combine tender diced apples with warm cinnamon-spiced batter, making them a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
Fritter Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 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 mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined, ensuring your fritters have a perfect balance of flavors and leavening.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter thoroughly. Gradually stir this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to keep the batter light and tender.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing, to maintain soft fritters with bursts of apple flavor.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the temperature is ideal for frying so the fritters cook evenly and develop a crispy golden crust.
- Fry Fritters: Drop spoonfuls of batter carefully into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until they become golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fritters from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain off excess oil, keeping them crisp yet light.
- Prepare Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the warm fritters with the vanilla glaze before serving, adding a sweet finishing touch that complements the cinnamon and apple flavors beautifully.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F to avoid greasy fritters.
- You can substitute apples with pears or peaches for a different fruit twist.
- For a thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly; for thinner, add a bit more milk.
- Serve fritters warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in an oven for crispiness.
