Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze a Light and fluffy apple fritters packed with warm cinnamon flavor and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. These fritters are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with juicy apple bits. They make a perfect breakfast treat or a cozy snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how these apple fritters bring together simple ingredients to create something so comforting. The combination of cinnamon and apples gives them a classic fall flavor, but they are delicious any time of the year. The vanilla glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness, making them irresistible. Plus, they are quick to make and don’t require any yeast, so I can whip up a batch whenever a craving strikes.
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
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
For the Vanilla Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Gently fold in the diced apples.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 fritters
Calories: 290 kcal per fritter
Variations
Apple Choice: I like using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice gives an extra depth of flavor.
Baked Version: Instead of frying, I bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Glaze Options: A caramel or maple glaze works beautifully as a twist on the classic vanilla.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: To get them crispy again, I warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes. A quick microwave reheat works too, but they won’t be as crispy.
Freezing: I freeze unglazed fritters in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, I reheat them in the oven and glaze them fresh.
Related Recipes:
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
Yes! Pears or bananas work well as a substitute. Just make sure they are ripe but not overly soft.
Why are my fritters greasy?
If the oil temperature is too low, the fritters will absorb too much oil. I always make sure the oil is at 350°F before frying.
Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
They taste best fresh, but I sometimes make them ahead and reheat them in the oven before serving.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional. I like peeling them for a softer texture, but leaving the skin on adds a bit of chewiness.
Can I air-fry these fritters?
Yes! I air-fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as deep-fried, but they are still delicious.
Conclusion
These soft cinnamon apple fritters with vanilla glaze are a perfect balance of crispy, fluffy, and sweet. They are easy to make and packed with warm flavors that make any morning feel special. Whether I’m making them for a weekend breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, they never last long.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 fritters
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Light and fluffy apple fritters bursting with warm cinnamon flavor and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with juicy apple bits, these homemade fritters are perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. No yeast required, making them quick and easy to whip up anytime!
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Vanilla Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, mix milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- For the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over warm fritters before serving.
Notes
Apple Choice: Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra depth of flavor.
Baked Version: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Glaze Options: Swap the vanilla glaze for a caramel or maple glaze for a tasty twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 fritters
- Calories: 290 kcal
