If you are looking for a sweet treat that is simply irresistible, look no further than this Crispy Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe. These little golden bites are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with juicy apple flavor and warm cinnamon spice. The cinnamon sugar glaze adds that perfect touch of sweetness and shine, making these fritters a delightful snack or dessert that’s perfect for any time of day. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is all you need to create some magic. Each component plays an essential role, from the fluffy batter texture to the crisp apples that add sweetness and moisture, and finally, the irresistible glaze that brings everything together with a beautiful finish.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for tender, fluffy fritters with just the right structure.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that balances the tartness of the apples.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Key to making the fritters light and airy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors for a well-rounded taste.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warm, fragrant spice to every bite.
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and intensifies the apple flavor.
- ½ cup milk: Helps create a smooth, pourable batter that’s easy to work with.
- 2 large apples (diced): The star ingredient that provides juicy chunks and fresh texture.
- Vegetable oil: For frying – choosing the right oil helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: The sweet base of the delightful cinnamon sugar glaze.
- â…“ cup milk: To thin out the glaze to the perfect pourable consistency.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and a lovely aromatic note to the glaze.
How to Make Crispy Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by combining all the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce and milk until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together just until combined – don’t overmix! Finally, fold in the diced apples, which will give bursts of juicy sweetness when fried.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet with about two inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is crucial to get your fritters crispy on the outside but fully cooked and tender inside. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy — frying at lower temps can make the fritters greasy and soggy.
Step 3: Fry the Fritters
Use a small scoop or spoon to carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan — work in batches to keep the temperature steady. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are a beautiful golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, â…“ cup milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to cling to the fritters nicely. Taste and adjust with a little more milk if needed for consistency.
Step 5: Coat the Fritters
While the fritters are still warm, dip them individually into the cinnamon sugar glaze or drizzle generously over the top. The warm fritters absorb some of the glaze, making them extra moist and indulgent. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving so you get that delightful sticky shine.
How to Serve Crispy Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of extra cinnamon on top for added sparkle and aroma. Fresh apple slices or a small sprig of mint on the plate make a charming touch that brightens up the presentation while complementing the apple theme.
Side Dishes
These fritters are wonderful on their own but also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a warm apple cider also creates a perfect cozy accompaniment that enhances the cinnamon and apple flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the fritters stacked like a mini tower with layers of glaze and caramel sauce in between. You can also add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for crunch or serve them in a basket lined with a colorful napkin to impress guests at brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover fritters (unlikely, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them crisp, place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze these delicious fritters by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 1 month. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat fritters in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best as they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness to the fritters.
Is it possible to bake the fritters instead of frying?
While frying gives the best crispy texture, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter but less crunchy version.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?
The best way is to use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, test by dropping a small bit of batter into the oil – it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly without browning too fast.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the glaze can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just whisk it again before using to ensure it’s smooth and pourable.
Are these fritters suitable for a breakfast treat?
Definitely! Crispy Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze have all the cozy breakfast vibes and pair beautifully with coffee or tea for a special morning indulgence.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe is one of those dishes that brings joy and warmth to your kitchen. It’s simple enough to whip up any time yet feels like a special occasion treat every time you bite into that crispy, sweet, cinnamony goodness with juicy apple bits. I can’t recommend making these enough – whether for a weekend brunch, an afternoon snack, or dessert, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Give it a try and let the fun and flavor begin!
Print
Crispy Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious homemade apple fritters featuring a spiced batter with diced apples, fried to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect as a breakfast treat or dessert, these fritters are crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large apples, diced
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)
Glaze
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- â…“ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, combine the all purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. In a separate bowl, mix the unsweetened applesauce and milk. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there is enough oil for the fritters to float and cook evenly.
- Fry the fritters: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop dollops of the batter into the hot oil. Fry the fritters for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Make the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters or dip each fritter into the glaze before serving. Enjoy your apple fritters fresh for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the oil temperature is steady at 350°F to avoid soggy or burnt fritters.
- Diced apples can be peeled or unpeeled based on preference.
- For a thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly or add more powdered sugar.
- Fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Adjust cinnamon amount according to your taste preference.
