Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, bite-sized treat that tastes like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than these Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites. Each tender morsel delivers the sweet-tart flavor of fresh apples wrapped in a cinnamon-spiced batter and finished with a dreamy glaze. Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend brunch, a family gathering, or just because, these fritter bites will instantly earn a spot in your dessert rotation. Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites are irresistibly golden, easy to make, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simple lineup—each ingredient here plays a starring role in making your Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites unforgettable. The right balance of apples, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla make every bite pop, while the glaze ties it all together in sweet harmony.
- All-purpose flour: Gives these fritters their light, fluffy structure—don’t substitute with cake or bread flour for best results.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the apples and spice.
- Baking powder: Helps the fritter bites puff up beautifully in the hot oil.
- Ground cinnamon: Supplies that signature warmth and aroma that makes these bites so inviting.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Milk: Brings the batter together and keeps it moist—whole or 2% milk works best.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor and brings a lovely, bakery-style finish.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Makes the crumb tender and adds a buttery flavor.
- Peeled and finely diced apples: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are perfect for their firm texture and bright flavor—don’t cut the pieces too big or too small.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable with a high smoke point for the best, crisp results.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that sets perfectly on the fritters.
- Ground cinnamon (for the glaze): Echoes the spice in the batter and gives the glaze a lovely color.
- Milk (for the glaze): Helps achieve that drizzle-worthy glaze consistency—add a little at a time.
- Vanilla extract (for the glaze): Rounds out the flavors and makes the glaze irresistible.
How to Make Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a big mixing bowl and whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This creates a fragrant, fluffy base for your Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites and ensures every bite has an even distribution of flavor and rise.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. This mixture brings moisture, richness, and that subtle hint of vanilla to the party.
Step 3: Make the Batter and Fold in Apples
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined—don’t overmix! Next, fold in those diced apples so they’re nicely distributed. The batter should look thick and studded with bits of apple.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour 2 to 3 inches of oil into a deep pot or heavy skillet and heat it to 350°F (175°C). A thermometer is your friend here, but if you don’t have one, drop in a bit of batter—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, you’re good to go.
Step 5: Fry the Fritter Bites
Using two spoons or a small cookie scoop, carefully drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the oil, working in batches. Let them fry for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they’re puffed and golden. Don’t crowd the pan—give the fritters space to brown evenly.
Step 6: Drain and Cool
Once each batch is golden and cooked through, use a slotted spoon to move the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate. This step helps wick away any excess oil so the Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites stay perfectly crisp on the outside.
Step 7: Glaze the Fritter Bites
For that signature finish, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip each warm fritter bite into the glaze or drizzle it generously over the top. Let them set on a wire rack for a few minutes so the glaze firms up just enough to crackle when you take a bite.
How to Serve Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites
Garnishes
Sometimes, a little extra flourish makes all the difference. Lightly dust your Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites with a touch more powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving for a bakery-style look. If you’re feeling playful, try a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-indulgent treat.
Side Dishes
These fritter bites pair beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea, making them the star of any breakfast tray. For a light brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a creamy vanilla yogurt—the contrast of flavors and textures is simply divine.
Creative Ways to Present
Have fun with your presentation! Pile the Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites high on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, communal snack, or skewer them on sticks for a playful party platter. They’re also adorable served in mini cupcake liners or tucked into parchment cones for a grab-and-go snack at fall gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites (a rare event!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze helps keep them moist, but they’re best enjoyed within the first day for ultimate freshness.
Freezing
To freeze, let the fritters cool completely and skip glazing them until after thawing. Place the unglazed bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature before glazing.
Reheating
For that freshly made taste, reheat fritter bites in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This restores a bit of their crisp exterior. If they’ve already been glazed, you can warm them gently, but avoid microwaving as it can make the glaze melt and the fritters soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert, Snack
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are favorites for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can use any firm, crisp apple you love. Just avoid overly soft varieties, as they can get mushy during frying.
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
For the classic texture and golden crunch, frying is the way to go, but you can try baking them in a mini muffin tin at 375°F for 12–15 minutes. The result will be more like a soft muffin bite than a crisp fritter, but still delicious and a bit lighter.
Can I make Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well for a treat everyone can enjoy.
What’s the secret to keeping the fritters from getting greasy?
Make sure your oil is at the right temperature—350°F is ideal. If the oil is too cool, the fritters will soak up excess oil; if it’s too hot, they may brown too quickly on the outside while staying raw inside. Work in small batches and drain well on paper towels for the best texture.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
For the freshest results, mix the batter and fry right away. If you need to prep in advance, you can combine the dry and wet ingredients separately and store them covered in the fridge, then mix and fold in apples just before frying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that’s as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing, these Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites are sure to become a new favorite. Whether you share them at brunch or sneak a few with your afternoon coffee, their warm flavors and tender texture are simply irresistible. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!
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Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 fritter bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites, a perfect blend of crispy, tender fried dough bursting with juicy, cinnamon-infused apples and finished with a sweet cinnamon glaze. Ideal as a cozy dessert or a comforting snack during fall and holiday seasons.
Ingredients
Fritter Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- Oil for frying
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted unsalted butter until smooth and homogenous.
- Create batter: Gradually stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture. Gently fold in the finely diced peeled apples.
- Heat oil for frying: In a deep pot or heavy skillet, heat 2 to 3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) ensuring the oil maintains temperature throughout cooking.
- Fry fritter bites: Carefully drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil in batches, frying for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain fritters: Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried fritter bites onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, milk (start with 2 tablespoons adding more if needed), and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Glaze fritters: Dip each fritter bite into the glaze or drizzle glaze generously over them. Place glazed fritters on a wire rack to allow glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- These fritters are best served fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- To speed up glaze setting, refrigerate fritters for 10 to 15 minutes after glazing.
- For an added warm flavor, include a pinch of nutmeg in the batter or glaze mix.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
