If you’ve ever wanted a cozy, sweet treat that wraps you in warm, comforting flavors, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe. These fritters are beautifully tender, bursting with tender apple pieces and just the right amount of cinnamon, all topped with a silky vanilla glaze that makes each bite feel like a hug from the inside. It’s like autumn on a plate any time of year, and once you try them, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple for breakfasts, snacks, or even dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe comes from a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create incredible flavor and texture. From the soft apples to the fragrant cinnamon and the sweet vanilla glaze, each element is essential and delivers on taste and satisfaction.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your fritters, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives your fritters a light, airy texture that’s anything but dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making each bite pop.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: The star spice that infuses warmth and a little kick into the batter.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile with a sweet, fragrant note.
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced: Juicy and crisp, they bring delightful texture and freshness.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Adds richness and keeps the fritters tender.
- Oil for frying: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the silky vanilla glaze.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with a lovely aromatic sweetness.
How to Make Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients
Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. This combination is the foundation of your fritters, ensuring every bite is fluffy with a cinnamon-spiced warmth.
Step 2: Combine the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, gently mix the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. When poured into the dry ingredients, this mixture brings everything together, creating a soft batter that’s ready to be fruity and fabulous.
Step 3: Fold in the apples
With care, fold the diced apples into the batter. This step is key—you want those juicy apple bits to be evenly distributed without overmixing, so your fritters stay tender and full of flavor.
Step 4: Heat the oil and fry the fritters
Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or pot. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Step 5: Drain the oil
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to paper towels. This will soak up any excess oil and keep your fritters light and not greasy.
Step 6: Prepare the vanilla glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. This sweet glaze adds that perfect finishing touch to your warm fritters, making them irresistibly luscious.
Step 7: Glaze the fritters
Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over your warm fritters right before serving. The glaze melts slightly on the fritters, adding a glossy, sweet layer that’s just heavenly.
How to Serve Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your presentation and flavor, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar over the finished fritters or add a few thin apple slices on top for a fresh touch. A dusting of powdered sugar can also make them look stunning and add a subtle sweetness.
Side Dishes
These soft, sweet fritters go wonderfully alongside a cup of hot coffee or chai tea for a cozy morning. For a more indulgent serving, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn breakfast into dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few fritters on a pretty plate and drizzling the glaze in a zigzag pattern for a charming look. Place them in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin for a casual brunch vibe. You can even serve them skewered with fresh fruit for an easy-to-share party treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra fritters, no worries! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them from becoming soggy, place a paper towel in the container to absorb any moisture.
Freezing
Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe leftovers freeze beautifully. Just cool them completely, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and make a quick, cozy snack when reheated.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer crispness, reheat your fritters in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make fritters chewy. You can drizzle more glaze after reheating if desired.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for these fritters?
Absolutely! Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape during frying and add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
You can bake them, but frying gives the fritters their signature crispy exterior and soft interior. Baking might result in a less crispy texture, but if you want to try, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes and watch them closely.
How thick should the batter be?
The batter should be thick enough to hold the diced apples and spoon easily into the hot oil without spreading too much. If it’s too runny, the fritters won’t hold their shape well.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! The vanilla glaze can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Give it a good whisk before using as it may thicken up over time.
What kind of oil is best for frying?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils fry the fritters evenly without imparting any unwanted flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe—it’s like a warm invitation to slow down and enjoy sweet, simple pleasures. Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a cozy dessert, these fritters have a way of making every moment feel a little more delicious. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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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 fried to golden perfection and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. These fritters combine warm cinnamon-spiced apples with a tender batter, making a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Fritters
- 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
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender batter consistency.
- Add Apples: Gently fold in the peeled and diced apples to evenly distribute throughout the batter.
- Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot enough for frying but not smoking.
- Fry Fritters: Drop spoonfuls of batter carefully into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each fritter for 2–3 minutes on each side until a golden brown crust forms and they are cooked through.
- Drain Fritters: Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil for a crisp yet tender finish.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (2 to 3 tablespoons), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Fritters: Drizzle the warm fritters generously with the vanilla glaze before serving for a sweet and creamy touch.
Notes
- Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Maintain the oil temperature to ensure fritters cook evenly without absorbing excess oil.
- Don’t overmix the batter as it can make the fritters tough.
- Adjust the glaze milk quantity to achieve your desired consistency.
- Serve fritters warm for the best taste and texture.
