If you’ve been on the hunt for a cozy, delightful treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then let me introduce you to the Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters With Vanilla Glaze Recipe. These fritters bring together tender, pillowy bites packed with fresh apple pieces, gently spiced with cinnamon, and finished off with a luscious vanilla glaze that’s sweet, smooth, and simply irresistible. Whether you’re starting your day or looking for the perfect sweet snack, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, creating the perfect balance of softness, sweetness, and spice in the Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters With Vanilla Glaze Recipe. From the flour that forms the base to the fresh apples that add juicy bursts of flavor, each component is simple but essential.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, fluffy fritter texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to complement the apples without overpowering them.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the fritters rise and stay soft inside.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives the fritters their warm, comforting aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure to the batter.
- 3/4 cup milk: Moistens the batter, contributing to that tender crumb.
- 2 cups diced apples: Fresh apples provide juicy pockets of flavor and texture.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with subtle sweetness and depth.
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut): For perfectly crisp and golden exteriors.
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted: The base for a smooth, sweet vanilla glaze.
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Creates the perfect glaze consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for glaze): Boosts the flavor, making the glaze shine.
How to Make Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters With Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and finely dicing your apples into uniform 1/4-inch pieces. This size ensures they cook through just right inside the fritters, giving you those juicy bursts in every bite without overpowering the batter’s soft texture.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This mix is where the fritter’s structure and signature warmth begin to form. Make sure everything is well combined for an even flavor base.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and uniform. This wet mixture is where all the moisture and flavor start to come together, preparing to join the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Mix Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir with a spatula until just combined. A slightly lumpy batter is exactly what you want here—overmixing can lead to tough fritters. Finally, fold in the diced apples evenly so every fritter gets a generous apple hit.
Step 5: Set Up for Frying
Heat 2 to 3 inches of your chosen frying oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). Having the right oil temperature is key to achieving golden, crisp fritters without soaking up too much oil. Prepare a plate lined with paper towels and place a wire rack on top for draining the fritters after frying.
Step 6: Fry Fritters
Using two spoons, scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until deeply golden brown and cooked through. This method ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.
Step 7: Drain Fritters
Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon, letting any excess oil drip off, and transfer them to your wire rack–lined plate. This step keeps them from getting soggy, ensuring they stay as light and soft as you want.
Step 8: Craft Vanilla Glaze
Whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and pourable. You can adjust the consistency by adding a splash more milk if too thick or a bit more powdered sugar if too thin. This glaze is the luscious finishing touch that elevates these fritters above ordinary.
Step 9: Glaze and Serve
While the fritters are still warm, either dip each one into the vanilla glaze or drizzle it generously on top while they rest on the wire rack. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. This final step guarantees you get every bite coated in that sweet, silky glaze you’re dreaming of.
How to Serve Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters With Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar on top for a festive touch. For added texture and flavor, chopped toasted pecans or walnuts bring a wonderful crunch that pairs beautifully with the fritters’ softness and vanilla glaze.
Side Dishes
These fritters make a fantastic companion to a cup of steaming coffee or chai tea. If you want to keep things light, a simple side of fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt balances the sweetness perfectly and keeps the meal fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few fritters on a rustic wooden board, drizzle with extra vanilla glaze, and add edible flowers or fresh apple slices around for a stunning brunch centerpiece. Alternately, serve in a small basket lined with parchment paper for a casual, cozy vibe that’s perfect for sharing at family gatherings or a weekend treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping them out at room temp helps maintain their soft texture without becoming soggy from refrigeration.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the fritters after they’ve completely cooled. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To refresh your Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters With Vanilla Glaze Recipe leftovers, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes on a baking sheet. This method restores crisp edges without drying out the tender center. You can also briefly microwave them but watch closely to avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for the fritters?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith maintain a nice balance against the sweetness, you can use sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp if you prefer a milder apple flavor. Just make sure to dice them finely so they cook through evenly inside the fritters.
Is it necessary to deep fry the fritters, or can I bake them?
Deep frying gives these fritters their signature crisp exterior and soft interior, but baking is an option for a lighter version. Bake at 400°F on a greased tray for about 12-15 minutes or until golden. Keep in mind the texture will be different from the traditional fried fritters.
How thick should the vanilla glaze be?
The glaze should be thick enough to coat the fritters but still fluid enough to drizzle or dip easily. Think of a pourable syrup consistency. You can always thin it with a bit more milk or thicken with extra powdered sugar to get it just right.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to mix the batter and fry the fritters fresh for optimal texture and flavor, especially because the apples release moisture. However, you can dice the apples a day ahead and keep them refrigerated to speed up prep time when you’re ready to cook.
What oil is best for frying these apple fritters?
Use oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils fry crisply without burning or imparting unwanted flavors, making them perfect for Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters With Vanilla Glaze Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters With Vanilla Glaze Recipe that makes it a standout on any menu or kitchen table. The combination of tender fritters bursting with apple and a sweet vanilla glaze brings joy with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a beloved classic in your own home—it’s absolutely worth every delicious step!
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Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters With Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 fritters
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze are a delightful treat featuring tender apple-filled doughnuts fried to golden perfection and topped with a smooth, sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these fritters combine warm cinnamon-spiced apples with a luxuriously soft texture, finished with a luscious vanilla glaze that adds a perfect sweet touch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Fruit
- 2 cups diced apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced)
Frying
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil recommended), about 2-3 inches depth
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and finely dice apples into 1/4-inch pieces. Set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute all the dry components.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until smooth and uniform in texture.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently mix with a spatula just until combined—it’s important not to overmix, so a slightly lumpy batter is desirable. Carefully fold in the diced apples so they are evenly distributed without crushing them.
- Set Up for Frying: Heat 2-3 inches of frying oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). Prepare a plate lined with paper towels and place a wire cooling rack on top for draining the fritters after frying.
- Fry Fritters: Using two spoons, scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Fry the fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until deep golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Drain Fritters: Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drip back into the pot, then transfer them to the wire rack to drain and cool slightly.
- Craft Vanilla Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding a bit more milk if the glaze is too thick or more powdered sugar if it is too thin.
- Glaze and Serve: While the fritters are still warm, dip each one into the glaze to coat or drizzle the glaze over them directly on the wire rack. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these warm soft cinnamon apple fritters for a comforting sweet treat.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays steady at 350°F (175°C) for even frying and to prevent greasy fritters.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pot to allow proper cooking and browning.
- For best flavor, use fresh, crisp apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Overmixing the batter can lead to tough fritters; mix gently and just until combined for soft texture.
- The glaze can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; rewarm gently before use if necessary.
- These fritters are best enjoyed fresh and warm as they can lose their soft texture over time.

