Sink your teeth into Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze and discover pure comfort in every bite. These golden, pillowy treats are packed with juicy apples, kissed with warm cinnamon, and finished with a luscious vanilla glaze that melts into every crevice. Whether you’re craving an indulgent weekend breakfast or need a showstopping dessert, this recipe will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy bakery and your family coming back for seconds (and thirds). Let’s get ready for a batch of irresistible fritters that are as fun to make as they are to eat!

Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze lies in their simplicity—each ingredient is essential and brings something special to the table. From the tart crunch of apples to the creamy richness of the glaze, every component works together to create a treat that’s both nostalgic and exciting.

Apples (2 medium, peeled and diced): Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the perfect sweet-tart bite and a texture that holds up during frying.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides structure and tenderness to the fritters, ensuring they’re fluffy rather than dense.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the fritters develop a beautiful golden crust.
Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Gives the batter its lift, creating those classic puffed fritter shapes.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the fritters with cozy, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Milk (1/3 cup): Helps bind the batter and keeps it moist and soft.
Large egg (1): Adds richness and helps with structure.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for fritters, 1/2 teaspoon for glaze): Brings a warm, comforting note that ties the whole recipe together.
Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Adds moisture and a hint of richness to the batter.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfectly crisp, non-greasy fritters.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): The base for a silky-smooth vanilla glaze that coats each fritter beautifully.
Milk (2 tablespoons, for glaze): Loosens the glaze so it flows and sets just right.

How to Make Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently mix until just combined—over-mixing can make the fritters tough. Gently fold in the diced apples, making sure every piece is coated in the batter.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy saucepan and heat it to 350°F (175°C). A thermometer is handy for accuracy, but if you don’t have one, drop a small bit of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and float to the top within seconds. Proper oil temperature is key for achieving fritters that are crisp outside and tender inside.

Step 3: Fry the Fritters

Carefully drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, working in batches of 3–4 fritters at a time to avoid crowding. Fry each fritter for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn a deep golden brown. Flip them gently with a slotted spoon for even cooking. Once done, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While the fritters cool just slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and glossy. The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to cling to the warm fritters. Adjust with a touch more milk if needed.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Dip the warm fritters into the vanilla glaze, or drizzle the glaze over them using a spoon for a more rustic look. Let the glaze set for a few minutes—you’ll see it turn into a sweet, crackly shell that’s absolutely irresistible. Your Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze are now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze

Garnishes

A little extra flourish goes a long way. Sprinkle your Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a handful of finely chopped toasted pecans for crunch. For a pop of color, a few apple slices or a mint sprig add a lovely touch to the platter.

Side Dishes

Pair these fritters with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream for a full-on dessert experience. If you’re serving them for brunch, a hot mug of spiced chai or a big pot of coffee makes the perfect companion. The warmth and sweetness of the fritters balance beautifully with your favorite morning beverage.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze into a party centerpiece by serving them on a cake stand, stacked high and drizzled with extra glaze. For family gatherings, pop each fritter into a cupcake liner for easy grab-and-go treats. Or, go café-style and serve two fritters in a bowl with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce—pure magic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze (they disappear quickly!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. Just keep in mind that fritters are always best enjoyed fresh, when their texture is at its peak.

Freezing

To freeze, let the glazed fritters cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, just reheat and enjoy—almost as good as freshly made!

Reheating

Bring leftover Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze back to life by warming them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8 minutes. This keeps the outside crisp and the inside soft. For a quick fix, a few seconds in the microwave will do, but the oven method really preserves that just-fried magic.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

For the best results, it’s best to fry the fritters soon after mixing the batter so the leavening agents work their magic. If you need to prep ahead, you can dice the apples and measure out the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine just before frying.

What type Dessert

Firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal for Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze. They hold their shape during frying and offer a wonderful balance to the sweet glaze and spiced batter.

Can I bake the fritters instead of frying?

While baking is possible, you won’t get that signature crispy exterior and fluffy inside that frying delivers. If you’d like a lighter option, consider using an air fryer for a similar effect without as much oil.

How do I keep the fritters from getting soggy?

Drain the fritters well on paper towels right after frying, and avoid covering them while they’re still warm. Enjoying them soon after glazing ensures they stay crisp and delicious.

Can I add extra spices or mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the batter for extra warmth. Chopped nuts or even a handful of raisins can also be folded in for a unique twist on classic Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that delivers pure comfort and joy, look no further than Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze. These homemade treats are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and once you taste that first warm, cinnamon-spiced bite, you’ll see why they’re a forever favorite. Grab your apples and get frying—you’re in for a seriously delicious adventure!

Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 10 fritters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these soft cinnamon apple fritters topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfectly spiced and lightly fried to golden perfection, these fritters make a comforting dessert or snack that captures the essence of fall with tender diced apples and warm cinnamon.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fritters:

2 medium apples (peeled and diced)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Vanilla Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the fritters tender.
Fold in apples: Gently fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter so they’re evenly distributed.
Heat oil for frying: In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature.
Fry the fritters: Carefully drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, frying 3 to 4 fritters at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain excess oil: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Make the vanilla glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
Glaze the fritters: Dip the warm fritters into the glaze or drizzle it over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use firm apple varieties such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
For added warmth, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or ground cloves to the batter.
These fritters are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made for optimal softness and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American