Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
If you’re searching for a treat that’s cozy, nostalgic, and utterly irresistible, you’ll fall in love with this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe. Imagine warm, pillowy fritters bursting with tender apple pieces and fragrant cinnamon, cloaked in a sweet vanilla glaze that perfectly balances every bite. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a chilly morning or dazzle guests at brunch, this recipe brings the comfort of a bakery classic right into your own kitchen—no deep fryer required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples come together in this recipe, but don’t let their simplicity fool you—each ingredient brings something delicious to the table! From the tangy apples to the aromatic cinnamon, every item plays a role in making these fritters so special.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your fritter dough, keeping each bite soft yet sturdy enough to hold those juicy apple pieces.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness inside every fritter and helps them brown beautifully.
- Baking powder: This little powerhouse keeps the fritters fluffy and light rather than dense.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers that cozy, spiced aroma and flavor you expect in every bite.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together, giving the fritters richness and structure.
- Whole milk: Keeps the batter moist for the perfect tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely depth of flavor both in the batter and the glaze.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and keeps the fritters moist.
- Peeled and diced apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp bring tartness and texture, making each fritter burst with real fruit flavor.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Gives the fritters that classic crisp golden exterior.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Melts into a luscious glaze for the perfect finishing touch.
- Milk (for the glaze): Thins out the glaze to just the right consistency to drizzle or dip.
- Vanilla extract (for the glaze): Rounds out the sweetness with a creamy, dreamy vanilla flavor.
How to Make Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl and whisking together your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This helps distribute everything evenly, ensuring that each bite is packed with the right amount of flavor and rise.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. This mixture will infuse the batter with richness and just the right hint of buttery vanilla in every bite.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Gently pour your wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix! A few lumps are absolutely fine and actually help keep your fritters soft and tender.
Step 4: Fold in the Apples
With a gentle hand, fold in your diced apples. Their tartness and juicy texture are the star of this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe, so don’t skimp.
Step 5: Heat Your Oil
Pour about two inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet and heat it to 350°F (175°C). A kitchen thermometer is handy, but you can also test with a small drop of batter—it should bubble and float to the top.
Step 6: Fry the Fritters
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning once, for 2–3 minutes per side until the fritters are golden brown and cooked through. Don’t crowd the pan; give them plenty of room to puff up!
Step 7: Drain and Cool
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps soak up any excess oil and keeps their outer texture just right.
Step 8: Make the Vanilla Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk to reach your desired glazing consistency—thick enough to coat, but thin enough to drizzle or dip.
Step 9: Glaze the Fritters
Once the fritters have cooled slightly (but are still warm), dip each one into the glaze or use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the top. Let them rest a few minutes for the glaze to set to that perfect, glossy finish.
How to Serve Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a handful of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts can take your Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe to the next level. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a warm fritter is pure heaven.
Side Dishes
These fritters shine with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or mulled cider. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit or a little dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream—a perfect balance if you’re serving them for breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these fritters stacked on a rustic platter or tiered cake stand for brunch gatherings. For a more playful presentation, thread mini fritters onto skewers and drizzle with glaze just before serving. They make adorable party bites and are just as delicious as a late-night sweet snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe in an airtight container. At room temperature, they’re best enjoyed within a day, but you can also refrigerate them for up to three days to maintain their freshness and softness.
Freezing
If you’d like to savor your fritters over time, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months; just be sure to freeze them before adding the glaze—glaze after reheating for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy that “just fried” flavor and texture, reheat fritters in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can; it softens the exterior too much. Dip or drizzle with glaze after reheating for the ultimate treat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are favored for their firm texture and tartness, any firm, sweet-tart apple will work for this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe—try Fuji or Pink Lady for a twist.
How can I tell if the fritters are cooked through?
Once golden brown on each side, insert a toothpick into the thickest part of a fritter. If it comes out clean and steam escapes, you’re good to go! Remember, over-frying can dry them out, so keep an eye on that lovely golden color.
Is it possible to bake these fritters instead of frying?
Though traditional fritters are fried for that irresistible crispness, you can bake spoonfuls of the batter at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 12–15 minutes. They won’t be quite the same, but they’re still a delightful, lighter treat.
Why is it important not to overmix the batter?
Overmixing develops more gluten and can make your Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe dense instead of tender. Stir just until the ingredients are combined, and your fritters will turn out light and fluffy every time.
How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. If you prefer a delicate drizzle, simply mix in a touch more milk. Glaze consistency is all about personal preference, and a quick adjustment makes it totally customizable.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe in your own kitchen. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a plateful of warm, bakery-style treats sure to bring a smile to everyone who tries them. Happy cooking—and don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe!
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Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these soft and flavorful Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with a delightful Vanilla Glaze. Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with sweet apple and aromatic cinnamon flavors.
Ingredients
Main Fritter Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Fritter Batter: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in diced apples.
- Fry the Fritters: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil, fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden, then drain on paper towels.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip or drizzle fritters with glaze and allow to set before serving warm.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in an air fryer or oven.
- For extra apple flavor, add a pinch of apple pie spice or swap in apple cider for some of the milk in the glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
