If you love indulging in warm, cinnamon-spiced treats that melt in your mouth, then this Homemade Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe is going to be your new favorite indulgence. Crisp apple chunks enveloped in a tender, lightly spiced batter, gently fried to golden perfection, and finished with a luscious cinnamon glaze make these apple fritters a delightful comfort food that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Whether you’re whipping them up for a weekend breakfast or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these fritters bring out the best flavors of fresh apples combined with a classic, warming sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture — from the tartness of Granny Smith apples to the warmth of cinnamon, and the golden-frying process that results in irresistibly soft interiors and crisp exteriors.
- 1 ¼ cups all purpose flour: The foundation for a tender yet sturdy batter that holds the apple pieces just right.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the fritters puff up lightly, giving them that airy, golden texture we love.
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that complements the apples perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors in the batter.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Brings subtle sweetness and a hint of caramel depth.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness and binds the batter for a smooth, cohesive texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a fragrant aroma that elevates the overall flavor.
- â…“ cup milk: Gives the batter just the right moisture to stay light and tender.
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into small cubes: Their tartness balances beautifully with the sweet glaze.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Enough to fill about ¼ inch deep in your skillet to achieve that perfect crispy coating.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: The star of the cinnamon glaze, providing sweet smoothness.
- 2-3 tablespoons water: Adjusts the glaze to just the right consistency for dipping and drizzling.
How to Make Homemade Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by sifting together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon into a large bowl. Then add your salt and brown sugar. Whisking these dry components thoroughly ensures that the spices and leavening are evenly distributed, giving each fritter consistent flavor and texture.
Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract until frothy. This little step is key for incorporating air into the batter, which will help keep your fritters light as they fry.
Step 3: Combine Batter
Gently fold the dry mixture into the beaten eggs, then pour in the milk and continue folding until just combined. It’s so important not to overmix here—too much stirring can lead to tough fritters instead of tender ones.
Step 4: Add Apples
Now fold the cubed Granny Smith apples into the batter. Be gentle to evenly distribute those crisp, tart apple bits without breaking them up too much.
Step 5: Prep Frying Station
Line a baking tray with paper towels and place a wire rack on top. This setup will help drain excess oil after frying and keep your fritters from getting soggy.
Step 6: Heat Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to create a ¼ inch layer and heat it over medium. Test readiness by dipping a wooden spoon in—if bubbles form quickly, you’re good to go.
Step 7: Fry Fritters
Carefully drop ¼ cup portions of batter into the hot oil, frying 3 to 4 at a time to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The smell at this stage is just heavenly!
Step 8: Drain
Transfer the cooked fritters to the wire rack to drain off excess oil and cool slightly before glazing.
Step 9: Make Glaze
Sift powdered sugar into a small bowl, then stir in water one tablespoon at a time until the glaze reaches a smooth, runny consistency perfect for dipping your fritters.
Step 10: Glaze Fritters
Dip the top of each fritter into the cinnamon glaze, then return them to the wire rack glaze side up. Let the glaze set for a couple of minutes—it clings beautifully, adding a shiny, sweet finish to every bite.
How to Serve Homemade Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To bring even more charm to your fritters, sprinkle some extra ground cinnamon or a pinch of powdered sugar on top after glazing. For a fresh twist, add finely chopped toasted pecans or a few crisp apple slices for garnish that also add texture.
Side Dishes
Serve these fritters alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee for breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your fritters into mini-dessert platters by stacking a few and drizzling extra glaze and caramel sauce on top. For a festive touch, add some edible flowers or a dusting of nutmeg. These ideas make the Homemade Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe feel special for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This prevents them from becoming soggy while maintaining their crispness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. This way, you can enjoy these treats anytime without losing quality.
Reheating
Rewarm fritters in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them softer and less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a perfect balance of tartness and firmness, you can swap in Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples for a sweeter or slightly softer texture.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended to keep the texture of the fritters smooth and tender, but if you prefer a more rustic feel, you can leave the skins on. Just be sure to wash the apples thoroughly first.
Can I make these fritters baked instead of fried?
While frying is traditional for that crispy exterior, you can bake the batter in mini muffin tins at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. The texture will differ but still be delicious.
How thick should I make the cinnamon glaze?
The glaze should be thin enough to drizzle or dip easily but not so runny that it drips off immediately. Adjust water gradually until it flows smoothly off a spoon.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins add wonderful flavor and texture. Just fold them in along with the apples for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making warm, freshly fried treats from scratch, and this Homemade Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe hits all the right notes of sweetness, spice, and comforting texture. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how simple ingredients turn into little golden treasures that bring smiles at the table. Once you make them, I bet they will become a beloved go-to whenever you crave a cozy, homemade delight.
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Homemade Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade apple fritters with a warm cinnamon glaze, combining tender fried dough and juicy Granny Smith apples for a perfect sweet snack or breakfast treat. This easy recipe yields golden, crispy fritters dipped in a smooth, sugary glaze that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- â…“ cup milk
Other Ingredients
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into small cubes
- Vegetable oil, enough for ¼ inch deep frying
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Add salt and brown sugar, then whisk all the dry ingredients together thoroughly.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract until frothy to incorporate air for a light texture.
- Combine Batter: Fold the dry flour mixture into the beaten eggs gently, then add milk and continue to fold until just combined. Avoid over mixing to keep fritters tender.
- Add Apples: Carefully fold in the cubed Granny Smith apples into the batter, making sure to distribute evenly without over stirring.
- Prep Frying Station: Line a baking tray with paper towels and place a wire rack over it for draining the fried fritters.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a medium skillet to a depth of ¼ inch and heat over medium heat. The oil is ready when bubbles form around a wooden spoon dipped in the oil within a few seconds.
- Fry Fritters: Drop ¼ cup portions of batter into the hot oil, frying 3-4 at a time without overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain: Transfer the cooked fritters to the wire rack to drain excess oil and cool for a few minutes.
- Make Glaze: Sift powdered sugar into a small bowl, then gradually add water by tablespoons until the glaze becomes a smooth, runny consistency perfect for dipping.
- Glaze Fritters: Dip the top of each cooled fritter into the glaze, then place them back on the wire rack glaze side up to set for a couple of minutes.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor and firmness, which holds up well during frying.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep fritters light and tender.
- The oil temperature is important; if too hot, fritters will burn on the outside and be raw inside; if too cool, fritters will absorb excess oil and be greasy.
- Drain fritters on a wire rack over paper towels to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust the glaze thickness by adding water a little at a time; too thin and it won’t stick, too thick and it will clump.
- Serve fritters warm for the best flavor and texture.
