These Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters are a cozy and indulgent treat, featuring tender apple pieces, a cinnamon-spiced batter, and a sweet vanilla glaze. Light, fluffy, and fried to golden perfection, these fritters are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside – Perfectly golden and fluffy with a tender apple-filled center.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep time.
- Sweet & Spiced – Cinnamon and apples are a classic, comforting combination.
- Versatile – Great for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack.
- Homemade Goodness – No need for a trip to the bakery when you can make these fresh at home!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the 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
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—a few lumps are fine.
- Fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
2. Heat the Oil
- In a deep skillet or large pot, heat about 2–3 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
3. Fry the Fritters
- Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, carefully drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry each fritter for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip them gently with a slotted spoon or tongs.
- Remove the fritters and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Vanilla Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for a thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze).
5. Glaze the Fritters
- While the fritters are still slightly warm, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top or dip each fritter into the glaze for full coverage.
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8–10 fritters
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per fritter
Variations
- Caramel Apple Fritters – Drizzle with warm caramel sauce instead of vanilla glaze.
- Nutty Crunch – Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- Spiced Twist – Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Replace the glaze with melted chocolate for a richer finish.
- Baked Version – Instead of frying, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, then glaze.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work best for their sweet-tart balance.
How do I prevent the fritters from getting too greasy?
Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) before frying, and drain on paper towels after cooking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then fry when ready.
Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?
Yes! Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and makes the fritters even more tender.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
What oil is best for frying fritters?
Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, as they have high smoke points.
Can I make mini fritters?
Yes! Use a teaspoon-sized scoop for bite-sized fritters and reduce frying time to 1–2 minutes per side.
What’s the best way to serve these fritters?
Enjoy warm with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Can I air-fry these fritters instead of deep-frying?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Conclusion
These Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze are a delicious, homemade treat that brings together warm cinnamon, juicy apples, and a sweet glaze. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Try them today and enjoy a taste of fall any time of year!
Print
Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 fritters
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters are packed with juicy apple pieces and warm cinnamon spice, then fried to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze. The perfect cozy treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined (do not overmix).
- Fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
2. Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet or large pot, heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) for even frying.
3. Fry the Fritters:
- Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, carefully drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil. (Avoid overcrowding the pan.)
- Fry each fritter for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping gently with a slotted spoon or tongs, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the fritters and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Vanilla Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for a thinner glaze) or more powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze).
5. Glaze the Fritters:
- While the fritters are still slightly warm, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top or dip each fritter into the glaze for full coverage.
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Apple Variety: Use Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Extra Flavor: Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for a spiced kick.
- Crispier Fritters: Fry in small batches and avoid flipping too early.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Brunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
