If you’re on the hunt for a truly irresistible treat to brighten up your dessert table, these Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze are a must-try. Imagine tender, pillowy fritters packed with juicy apple bits and cozy cinnamon, all draped in a sweet vanilla glaze that melts slightly into every golden nook. They’re the kind of homemade delight that makes the kitchen smell like a bakery and brings everyone running for seconds. Perfect in any season, but especially magical as a fall dessert, this recipe is easy enough for a spontaneous weekend baking session yet special enough to please a crowd at brunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of pantry staples and fresh apples can transform into something so dangerously delicious. Every ingredient in these Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze plays a key role–from the apples that give a fresh tartness to the cinnamon that adds nostalgic warmth, right down to the creamy vanilla essence in both the batter and the glaze.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for fluffy, tender fritters without making them heavy.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the batter and helps caramelize the edges just right.
- Baking powder: Ensures each fritter puffs up with the perfect airy texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers that classic, fragrant warmth in every bite.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights every flavor in the fritter.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to a rich, cake-like crumb.
- Whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender while adding subtle richness.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the exterior crisp up perfectly after frying.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses both the batter and glaze with delicious, aromatic vanilla flavor.
- Peeled and finely chopped apples: Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for just the right amount of tartness and texture—don’t skip this step.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): A neutral oil with a high smoke point gives the fritters their irresistible crunchy exterior.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Sifts down to a perfectly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth vanilla glaze.
- Milk (for glaze): Loosens the sugar for that drizzle-able, glossy finish.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): Ties the whole experience together with its intoxicating aroma.
How to Make Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mix will ensure your Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze have a light, fluffy crumb and just the right balance of sweetness and spice.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly, then whisk in the whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients create a rich, flavorful batter that clings beautifully to every bite of apple.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make fritters tough. Then, fold in the finely chopped apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed for bursts of tart, juicy flavor in every fritter.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying only 2 or 3 at a time to avoid crowding. Cook the fritters for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until they’re temptingly golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Make the Vanilla Glaze
While the fritters rest, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. You’re aiming for a luscious glaze that generously coats the fritters without being too runny.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
While the fritters are still warm (but not piping hot), drizzle or dip them in the glaze. The vanilla glaze will set slightly as it cools, creating a subtle sheen and sweet finish on your fresh-baked Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze.
How to Serve Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze
Garnishes
Transform your fritters into a bakery-worthy treat by dusting lightly with extra powdered sugar or sprinkling with a pinch of cinnamon on top. A few curls of apple peel or a light zest of lemon can add an elegant touch—because we all eat with our eyes first!
Side Dishes
Serve these Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cool, tangy crème fraîche for ultimate indulgence. Freshly brewed coffee or hot apple cider makes a perfect pairing, enhancing the fritters’ comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try threading smaller fritters onto skewers and serving them at brunch buffets. Stack several fritters high, drizzle with extra glaze, and finish with a scattering of chopped nuts for an impressive dessert centerpiece. Or serve with warm caramel sauce for dipping—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll lose a little crispness over time but will still taste delicious with a quick warm-up.
Freezing
For longer storage, place cooled (unglazed) fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Glaze them after reheating for the freshest taste and texture.
Reheating
To bring your fritters back to life, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through. This helps restore some crispness. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze just before serving and enjoy them almost as if they’re freshly fried!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their flavor and texture, you can use other tart, crisp apples like Pink Lady or Fuji. Softer varieties may break down more during frying, but you’ll still get delicious results.
Is it possible to bake these fritters instead of frying?
While traditional fritters are deep-fried for that signature texture, you can bake small spoonfuls on a greased baking sheet at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes. They won’t be quite as golden or crisp, but you’ll still enjoy all the flavor.
Can I make the Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze gluten free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may change slightly, but you’ll still get wonderful cinnamon-spiced, glazed apple fritters.
How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
A kitchen thermometer is the most reliable way—look for 350°F. If you don’t have one, drop a bit of batter into the oil; it should sizzle instantly and float to the surface, turning golden within a couple of minutes.
What’s the best way to prevent fritters from becoming greasy?
Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cool, the fritters absorb excess oil and get greasy. Fry in small batches to maintain the right temperature, and always drain fried fritters on paper towels.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze from scratch—each bite is packed with homemade warmth and joy. Whether it’s your first batch or your tenth, don’t be surprised if the scent draws the whole family into the kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and create your own sweet memories, one glazed fritter at a time!
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Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze are a delightful treat perfect for fall. Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, these fritters are a must-try dessert for apple lovers.
Ingredients
Main Fritter Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Fritter Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then mix in milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then gently fold in chopped apples.
- Fry the Fritters: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil, frying 2–3 fritters at a time for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Vanilla Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle or dip the warm fritters in the glaze.
- Serve: Enjoy the fritters while warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of apple cider to the batter.
- Best served fresh, but can be reheated in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
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