Imagine biting into a warm, golden fritter—crisp at the edges, unbelievably soft inside, and packed with tender, cinnamon-kissed apples. That’s exactly what Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze deliver: a magical combination of comfort and nostalgia, each one finished with a luscious, sweet glaze that soaks beautifully into every nook and cranny. Whether you’re searching for an indulgent breakfast treat or a dessert that tastes like a cozy autumn day, these fritters are absolutely irresistible.

Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze couldn’t be easier—each one serves a purpose, from building fluffy structure to providing bursts of juicy apple flavor. Don’t overlook the quality of your apples and vanilla extract, as small upgrades here make a world of difference.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of tender, pillowy fritters—be sure to spoon and level for accuracy.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps the exterior crisp up beautifully.
Baking powder: Gives the fritters their classic puff and soft bite by creating lift in the batter.
Ground cinnamon: Warm, cozy spice that makes the apples shine—you’ll taste it in every bite.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and provide subtle richness.
Whole milk: Ensures a moist, smooth batter and that coveted soft interior.
Vanilla extract: Infuses both the batter and glaze with gorgeous aroma and flavor depth.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds buttery richness and keeps the fritters supremely soft.
Peeled and diced apples: Choose vibrant, tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a fresh, juicy burst in every bite.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil for crisp, golden-brown fritters without any aftertaste.
Powdered sugar: The base of that dreamy vanilla glaze—sift for extra smoothness.
Milk (for glaze): Loosens the powdered sugar for a silky pour or dip.

How to Make Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk them together until everything is perfectly blended, guaranteeing your fritter batter will be smooth and the flavors well distributed.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. This mixture will bring moisture, richness, and those signature vanilla notes to your Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—overmixing can make fritters tough. A few streaks of flour are okay; the batter should be thick and lumpy. Now, delicately fold in the diced apples so every spoonful is studded with apple bits.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, add 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the right temperature is key—too hot and they burn, too cool and they’ll absorb oil instead of crisping up.

Step 5: Fry the Fritters

Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, working in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until each fritter is deep golden and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 6: Make the Vanilla Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and dreamy. The glaze should be thin enough to coat but thick enough to cling luxuriously to the fritters.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

While the fritters are still warm (not hot!), generously dip each one into the vanilla glaze or use a spoon to drizzle it over the top. The residual heat lets the glaze soak in just right, yielding the ultimate Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze experience.

How to Serve Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze

Garnishes

If you want to add a playful or elegant touch, dust your fritters with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, a few curls of lemon zest, or a scattering of finely chopped toasted nuts. A dash of extra cinnamon over the glaze is a classic, too.

Side Dishes

Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze pair beautifully with fresh fruit, creamy Greek yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delectable dessert. For breakfast, serve alongside hot coffee or spiced chai—pure heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your fritters on a pretty pedestal dish for a centerpiece-worthy brunch, arrange bite-sized pieces on skewers for parties, or layer the fritters with whipped cream and apple compote for a striking deconstructed trifle. These fritters are as fun to show off as they are to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze left over, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. They’ll keep in the fridge for 2–3 days, though the texture is best fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months—just glaze after thawing for the best flavor and appearance.

Reheating

For a just-fried taste, warm fritters in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes or pop them in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but can soften the crispy edge; finish with a fresh drizzle of glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert, Breakfast

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples give a great balance of tartness and sweetness, you can use Gala, Fuji, or any firm variety you prefer. Just avoid softer apples, which may get mushy when fried.

Do I really need to fry the fritters, or can I bake them?

Frying is traditional for that signature crisp edge and soft middle, but you can bake spoonfuls of batter at 375°F (190°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The result will be more cakey and less crispy, but still delicious.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes—simply substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or similar so the fritters hold together well and rise nicely.

Why did my apple fritters turn out oily?

This usually happens if the oil wasn’t hot enough. Always preheat your oil to 350°F (175°C) and use a thermometer to keep it steady. Crowding the pan can also cool down the oil—fry in batches for best results.

Is it okay to skip the glaze?

The vanilla glaze truly sets Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze apart, but if you prefer, you can simply dust with powdered sugar after frying for a lighter treat. For more decadence, try a caramel or maple glaze!

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about making Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze at home—every bite wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try, share it with friends or family, and enjoy the simple joy that only freshly fried apple fritters can bring.

Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 fritters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and apple in a sweet, fried pastry. The crispy fritters are generously studded with diced apples and finished with a luscious vanilla glaze, making them perfect for a cozy breakfast or a special dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the fritters:

2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
2/3 cup (160 ml) whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups (180 g) peeled and diced apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
vegetable oil for frying

For the glaze:

1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, frying 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate.
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Dip each warm fritter into the glaze or drizzle it over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra apple flavor, toss the diced apples with a teaspoon of cinnamon sugar before adding them to the batter.
These fritters are best enjoyed the day they’re made.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert, Breakfast
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American