If you’re on the hunt for that irresistible treat that straddles the line between cozy comfort and show-stopping delight, look no further than Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze. Imagine chunks of tart apple wrapped in a pillowy, cinnamon-kissed batter, fried until perfectly golden, and coated in a dreamy vanilla glaze that shatters just slightly between your teeth. This is the fritter that vanishes in minutes, whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or a cheeky midnight snack.

Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the greatest charms of Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze is just how simple the ingredient list is. Each item brings something essential: crispness, fluffiness, a pop of apple flavor, or that signature aromatic sweetness from the glaze. Here’s why each ingredient matters:

All-purpose flour: The backbone of our fritter, providing sturdy-yet-tender structure to hold those juicy apples in place.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough to let the natural flavor of apples shine without overdoing it.
Baking powder: Adds that must-have lift, creating fluffy fritters instead of dense dough balls.
Salt: Just a touch sharpens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
Ground cinnamon: Injects warmth and coziness, essential for that classic autumn appeal—even if you bake these in July.
Milk: Loosens the batter, ensuring every bite is soft and moist inside.
Large egg: Binds everything together and enriches the texture with a bit of richness.
Vanilla extract: Doubles down on flavor, making both the batter and vanilla glaze fragrant and inviting.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds a subtle buttery note and makes the fritters delectably tender.
Peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith): The star of the show! Their tartness keeps things fresh and lively even after frying.
Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral in flavor and perfect for high-heat frying, ensuring crackly fritter exteriors.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Dissolves silkily for that luscious glaze, never grainy or clumpy.
Milk (for glaze): Brings the glaze together to your preferred drizzling consistency.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Melds perfectly with the powdered sugar for a heavenly finishing touch.

How to Make Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl. This not only evenly distributes the baking powder (for that beautiful lift), it also ensures the cinnamon coats every bite, giving your Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze their classic flavor from the inside out.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and that lovely melted butter. This combo helps guarantee a rich, moist batter and infuses each fritter with subtle layers of flavor.

Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour your wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir just until no big streaks of flour remain. Don’t over-mix! The batter should look a bit lumpy; that’s the secret to tender fritters, rather than chewy ones.

Step 4: Fold in the Apples

Now, it’s apple time. Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, making sure each piece is well coated. The apples should peek out from the batter, promising bites of juicy sweetness throughout every fritter.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Pour 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy pot and heat to 350°F. Use a thermometer if you can; perfect temperature is crucial for getting that shatteringly crisp outside without greasy insides.

Step 6: Fry the Fritters

Scoop heaping spoonfuls (a big, rounded tablespoon works great) of batter into your hot oil, working in batches of 2 or 3 to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping once, until each fritter is gloriously golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels right away to keep them light and crunchy.

Step 7: Make the Vanilla Glaze

While the fritters cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Aim for a glaze that’s smooth but pourable—it should ribbon off your spoon. Adjust with another spoonful of milk if you like it thinner, or use less for a thick, bakery-style topping.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Arrange the warm fritters on a plate and drizzle generously with your vanilla glaze. The glaze will set just enough to form a sweet shell, contrasting beautifully with the soft, warm center. These Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze will fill your kitchen with an aroma that’s simply impossible to resist!

How to Serve Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, try a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a bit of finely chopped toasted pecan on top. A light drizzle of the vanilla glaze across a pile of fritters makes them even more inviting and photo-worthy.

Side Dishes

These Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze are stunning solo, but they also shine alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a cup of strong coffee. For brunch, serve with fresh fruit and breakfast sausage for a sweet-and-savory moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these fritters into a dessert board with caramel and chocolate dipping sauces, or stack them in a tall tower drizzled with extra glaze for a striking centerpiece. For parties, skewer mini-fritters with cocktail sticks—a bite-sized treat that’s as darling as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, lay them in a single layer so their glaze doesn’t get sticky or smeared.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your fritters, let them cool completely and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll be happiest for up to a month—just skip the glaze and add it fresh after reheating.

Reheating

To revive that just-fried taste and texture, pop unglazed fritters in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or air fry until warmed through and crisp. If you’ve already glazed them, a few seconds in the microwave will work, but the oven will keep their outsides crispy.

FAQs

What are the best apples to use for Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze?

Granny Smith is a top choice for its tartness and firmness, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples work beautifully, too. Just pick apples that keep their shape during cooking and provide a balance of tart and sweet.

Can I make these fritters gluten-free?

Absolutely! Try substituting your favorite 1-for-1 gluten-free flour blend. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well for a fully celiac-friendly treat.

Do I need a deep fryer to make these?

No special equipment necessary—a heavy skillet or Dutch oven does the trick just fine. Just be sure to use enough oil for the fritters to float and flip easily for even cooking.

How do I know when the fritters are fully cooked?

The outside will be deep golden brown and crisp, but the easiest way to check is to cut one open. The inside should be light and fluffy, with no gooey or raw batter. The apples should be tender but not mushy.

Is it possible to make the vanilla glaze ahead of time?

Definitely. Mix up your glaze a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, give it a quick stir or whisk—if it thickens, add a few drops of milk to loosen it up.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze at home, now’s your moment! Each bite is a burst of warm, sweet comfort, and the effort is oh-so worth it. Share a fresh batch with someone you love and prepare for lots of smiles and empty plates.

Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 10–12 fritters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these soft and flavorful Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with a sweet Vanilla Glaze. Perfect for a cozy dessert or a special treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Fritters:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith)
vegetable oil for frying

Vanilla Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Main Fritters: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, combine milk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F. Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying 2–3 at a time. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels.
Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over slightly cooled fritters and serve warm.