If you’re craving a warm, comforting treat that brings together the perfect blend of sweet spices and tender fruit, you’ve got to try this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe. These fritters are delightfully soft on the inside with a lightly crisp exterior, packed with tender diced apples and just the right amount of cinnamon. Topped with a smooth vanilla glaze that adds a luscious sweetness, this recipe feels like a cozy embrace on a plate and is sure to become one of your favorite go-to indulgences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe lies not only in its flavor but in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of texture, taste, and aroma that makes these fritters irresistible.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and helps your fritters stay soft yet firm enough to hold together.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that complements the apples and cinnamon perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for fluffiness; it helps the fritters puff up while frying.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the overall flavor.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and depth to every bite.
- 1/2 cup milk: Moisturizes the batter and aids in creating that tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the fritters’ rich texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and apples.
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced: The juicy pockets of flavor that make these fritters special and fresh.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Infuses richness and helps keep the fritters moist.
- Oil for frying: Crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for your glaze to add that sweet finish.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk: Adjusted to the desired glaze consistency—smooth and pourable.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: For the glaze’s aromatic, creamy touch.
How to Make Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. This blend sets the flavorful, aromatic foundation for your fritters and ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, so every bite is light and fluffy.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. This mixture brings moisture, richness, and a subtle hint of sweetness that complements the spices and apples perfectly.
Step 3: Blend Wet and Dry Components
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will help keep the fritters tender and soft.
Step 4: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples so that they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter, making sure not to break them up too much to keep some nice chunks of juicy apple in every fritter.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Using a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, working in batches. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. This frying step is essential for developing that crisp outer layer that perfectly contrasts the soft interior.
Step 6: Drain the Fritters
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. This keeps them light and ensures your Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe doesn’t feel oily when you bite in.
Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. This silky glaze adds the perfect final touch of sweetness and fragrant vanilla that makes the fritters irresistible.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze generously over warm fritters just before serving. The heat from the fritters will slightly melt the glaze, creating a beautifully shiny, sweet coating that pairs wonderfully with the soft cinnamon apple flavors.
How to Serve Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the glazed fritters or add a pinch of cinnamon dust. A few thin slices of fresh apple or a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans also make a crunchy contrast and elevate the presentation.
Side Dishes
These fritters shine best as a sweet treat, but you can serve them alongside a bowl of creamy vanilla yogurt or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. A cup of hot coffee or spiced chai on the side will balance the sweetness beautifully during breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the fritters into a small tower on a rustic wooden board, drizzling the vanilla glaze in flowing ribbons, and adding edible flowers for a stunning visual. For a party, serve individual fritters in mini muffin liners with glaze on top for a charming finger food version of this classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them from becoming soggy, avoid glazing them until just before serving again.
Freezing
If you want to save fritters for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month without losing their soft, tender texture.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen fritters in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crisp. Avoid microwaving to keep that delicious crunchy outside.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp add more sweetness. Feel free to choose your favorite or even a mix for subtle flavor layers.
Is frying the only way to cook these fritters?
Frying is key to achieving the fritters’ signature crispy outside and soft inside, but you could try baking them as a healthier option, though they won’t have quite the same texture.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to mix the batter and fry the fritters fresh to keep the apples from browning and ensure the texture stays soft. If needed, you can prepare the dry mix ahead and combine wet ingredients just before frying.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
The ideal temperature is 350°F (175°C). You can test this by dropping a small bit of batter into the oil—it should sizzle and rise to the top immediately without burning.
Can these fritters be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly for the perfect batter consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is one of those feel-good desserts that brings warmth and happiness in every bite. From the delightful warmth of cinnamon to the sweet, tender apple chunks and that luscious vanilla glaze on top, it’s a treat perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself. I can’t wait for you to try making these fritters and experience their cozy comfort—you’re going to love every single bite!
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
Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze are a delightful treat featuring tender, fluffy fritters packed with cinnamon-spiced apples, fried to a golden brown, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert, these fritters combine warm spices and fresh apple chunks for a comforting bite every time.
Ingredients
Fritters
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Oil for frying
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter thoroughly. Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, ensuring the batter remains thick but mixed well.
- Add Apples: Gently fold in the peeled and diced apples to the batter, being careful not to overmix to maintain a light texture.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C), ensuring enough oil to submerge the fritters partially for frying.
- Fry Fritters: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes or until the fritters turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm fritters just before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Make sure the oil stays at 350°F to ensure the fritters cook evenly without absorbing too much oil.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweet glaze.
- If batter is too thick, add a little more milk for easier spooning.
- Serve fritters warm for best texture and flavor.
- Oil can be reused after straining if cooled properly.
