If you’re craving a treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, look no further than this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe. These fritters combine the comforting sweetness of tender apples with the cozy spice of cinnamon, all wrapped in a soft, pillowy batter that’s fried to golden perfection. Topped with a luscious vanilla glaze, every bite offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that’s impossible to resist. Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack, these fritters will quickly become your go-to comfort food delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of soft texture, warm spice, and sweet finish that make these fritters unforgettable.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the fritters structure yet keeps them tender.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that complements the cinnamon and apples.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that helps create a light and airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: The star spice that infuses warmth and aroma into every bite.
- 1/2 cup milk: Provides moisture for a soft batter.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and sweetness, pairing perfectly with cinnamon and apples.
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced: Fresh fruit that brings natural sweetness and juicy bursts in every fritter.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Infuses richness and helps keep the fritters soft inside.
- Oil for frying: Essential for achieving that irresistible golden crust.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the smooth vanilla glaze.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency to silky perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Completes the glaze with a sweet and fragrant note.
How to Make Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. This mixture ensures every bite has an even spread of sweetness and cozy spice, setting the stage for the perfect fritter base.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined. This mixture brings moisture and richness, crucial for achieving a soft, tender crumb in your fritters.
Step 3: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as a light batter will give you those delightfully fluffy fritters.
Step 4: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the peeled and diced apples. These little pockets of juicy sweetness will break up the batter and add bursts of fresh flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying in manageable batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until a gorgeous golden crust forms. This frying step locks in the softness inside while giving you the perfect crispy edge outside.
Step 6: Drain Excess Oil
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters onto paper towels. Let them rest briefly to wick away extra oil, ensuring they’re not greasy but still wonderfully moist.
Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. This glaze is the sweet, silky finish that elevates the fritters to pure indulgence.
Step 8: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the warm fritters. The warm fritters help the glaze soak in slightly, marrying the flavors perfectly for an unforgettable treat.
How to Serve Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For a fun touch, sprinkle some extra cinnamon or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top. A dusting of powdered sugar adds visual appeal and an extra hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
These fritters pair beautifully with a simple bowl of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more decadent brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the sweet and spicy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the fritters for a playful fritter tower drizzled with glaze and topped with apple slices. Alternatively, turn them into mini sandwiches by spreading cream cheese or apple butter between two fritters for a lovely finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them at their best, you might want to add a paper towel inside to absorb any moisture.
Freezing
Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters freeze well! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month for a quick and delicious treat anytime cravings strike.
Reheating
For reheating, warm the fritters in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on the edges again. Reheat the glaze separately and drizzle it fresh before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for the fritters?
Absolutely! Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their texture well when fried, providing a nice contrast to the soft batter.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
While peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and a bit of color. Just make sure to wash the apples well before dicing.
Can I bake the fritters instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden. However, frying gives the distinctive crispy exterior and soft interior that make this recipe so special.
How thick should the batter be?
The batter should be thick enough to hold the apple pieces but still soft enough to drop easily from a spoon. If it’s too thick, a splash more milk can help loosen it up.
Can I make the vanilla glaze ahead of time?
You can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Give it a good stir and add a bit more milk if it thickens before drizzling over the fritters.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is truly one of those comforting, delicious dishes that warms your heart and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas. It’s easy enough to whip up any day but special enough to impress friends and family. So go ahead, dive into these soft, sweet, cinnamony fritters with that irresistible vanilla glaze—they might just become your new favorite treat!
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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 with Vanilla Glaze are a delightful, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside treat bursting with warm cinnamon and fresh apple flavor. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they are fried to golden perfection and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze.
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 (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
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 evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and well blended.
- Form Batter: Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the fritters light.
- Add Apples: Gently fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter to distribute them evenly.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil for shallow frying to allow fritters to float and cook evenly.
- Fry Fritters: Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fritters and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep them crisp.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Adjust milk to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm vanilla glaze over the fritters and serve immediately for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature stays steady at 350°F to avoid greasy fritters.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance against the sweetness.
- Do not overmix batter; it will keep fritters tender.
- Glaze consistency can be adjusted with more or less milk depending on preference.
- Fritters are best served warm but can be reheated gently in a skillet or oven.
