If you’re craving a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and fresh apples, you’re going to adore this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe. These fritters are wonderfully tender on the inside, with just the right hint of crispness outside, swimming in a luscious vanilla glaze that adds a perfect sweet finish. They are incredibly satisfying, perfect for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a comforting dessert to share. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a beloved classic in your home too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe plays an essential role in building flavor, texture, and that inviting golden color. These basics make the recipe straightforward but delightfully effective, perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the fritters their soft, cakey texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the apples.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for a light and fluffy batter.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice that pairs perfectly with the apples.
- ½ cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and smooth.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Adds a lovely depth of flavor in the batter.
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced: The star ingredient, bursting with juicy sweetness.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Provides even frying for crisp edges and tender insides.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for a smooth, sweet vanilla glaze.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts glaze consistency to your liking.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the glaze with fragrant, classic flavor.
How to Make Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by whisking the dry ingredients — flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon — in a large bowl until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, folding gently just until combined; overmixing will toughen your fritters. Finally, fold in your diced apples so that every bite gets a juicy surprise.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot until it’s about 2 to 3 inches deep. Heat it over medium until a thermometer registers 350°F (175°C) — this temperature is key to frying your fritters to a perfect golden brown without absorbing too much oil.
Step 3: Fry the Fritters
Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, carefully drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, but don’t crowd the pan. Fry each fritter for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping gently once they’re a beautiful golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fritters and drain them on paper towels. This step ensures they’re not greasy and have a light crunch.
Step 4: Make the Vanilla Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth and pourable. If you want a thinner drizzle, add a bit more milk. For a thicker dip-worthy glaze, add a touch more powdered sugar. The vanilla glaze will add a heavenly sweet coating that perfectly balances the warmth of the cinnamon.
Step 5: Glaze the Fritters
While the fritters are slightly warm, either drizzle the vanilla glaze over them or dip each one to coat completely. Leave them for a few minutes so the glaze can set ever so slightly—this makes them irresistible to bite into.
How to Serve Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle your fritters with a bit of extra cinnamon or powdered sugar right before serving. Fresh apple slices or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add both a burst of color and a delightful crunch that complements the soft fritters beautifully.
Side Dishes
These fritters are fantastic on their own but pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms them into a stunning dessert. For a breakfast twist, serve alongside crispy bacon or a slightly tart fruit compote to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe in a basket lined with a cozy linen napkin for a charming brunch centerpiece. Or stack them on a dessert plate with a drizzle of extra glaze and a cinnamon stick tucked beside, perfect for impressing guests or making family breakfast a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and delicious, but for best texture, enjoy them fresh or reheat before serving.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container for up to a month. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick sweet treat whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat fritters in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to revive their crisp edges and tender centers. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. Once warm, give a fresh drizzle of vanilla glaze and you’re all set!
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully for balance, sweet varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp also add lovely flavor. Just keep the pieces diced evenly for uniform cooking.
Is it necessary to peel the apples before adding to the batter?
Peeling is recommended for this recipe because it keeps the texture soft and prevents any chewiness from the skin. However, if you prefer extra fiber and texture, you can leave the skins on—just make sure to wash the apples well.
Can I bake the fritters instead of frying them?
Frying gives the fritters their signature crispy outside and tender inside, but if you want a lighter version, baking in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes on a greased baking sheet may work. Just know the texture will be different.
What can I substitute if I don’t have baking powder?
You can use a mix of baking soda and an acid like lemon juice or vinegar, but for best results and proper rise, stick with baking powder if possible. It’s crucial to the lightness of these fritters.
How thick should the vanilla glaze be?
The glaze should be pourable but not runny, similar to a light syrup. You want it to cling to the fritters without sliding right off, so adjust milk and powdered sugar gradually until you get that perfect drizzle consistency.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe, you’ll keep coming back for more. They’re a warm hug in dessert form, combining soft, tender bites with that irresistible cinnamon-apple combo and a luscious vanilla finish. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the pan or share them with friends and family, this recipe is sure to brighten any day. So heat your oil, chop your apples, and let the deliciousness begin!
Print
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
These Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters are a delightful treat combining tender apple pieces with a spiced cinnamon batter, fried to golden perfection and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, these fritters offer a warm, flavorful bite with a sweet, creamy finish.
Ingredients
Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough for 2–3 inches depth)
Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined to keep the batter light and fluffy. Fold in the diced apples evenly, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the batter.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 2–3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or large pot and heat over medium heat. Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C), which ensures the fritters cook evenly without absorbing too much oil.
- Fry the Fritters: Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, carefully drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan to prevent temperature drops. Fry the fritters for 2–3 minutes on each side, turning gently with a slotted spoon or tongs, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through inside. Remove the fritters and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for thicker consistency to your preference.
- Glaze the Fritters: While the fritters are still warm, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top or dip each fritter into the glaze for full coverage. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving to enjoy a sweet, smooth finish.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors in the fritters.
- Make sure the oil stays at 350°F to avoid greasy fritters and ensure they cook evenly.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the fritters light and soft.
- You can prep the batter and glaze ahead of time but fry the fritters just before serving for best texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free powdered sugar glaze.
