Description
These Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters are a delightful treat featuring tender, lightly spiced fritters loaded with sweet diced apples and a dusting of cinnamon. Fried to a perfect golden brown and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, they offer a comforting, homemade dessert or breakfast option perfect for chilly mornings or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Fritter Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 cups diced apples (peeled, cored, cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil), about 2-3 inches deep
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and finely dice the apples into 1/4-inch pieces. Set aside so they are ready to fold into the batter later.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy; avoid overmixing to keep the fritters tender. Fold in the diced apples evenly throughout the batter.
- Set Up for Frying: Heat 2 to 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 to drain the cooked fritters.
- Fry Fritters: Using two spoons, scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry in batches, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until fritters are deep golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain Fritters: Remove each fritter with a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drip back into the pot. Transfer them to the wire rack set over the paper towels 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 glaze consistency by adding a little more milk if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
- Glaze and Serve: While the fritters are still warm, dip each into the vanilla glaze to coat thoroughly or drizzle the glaze over them on the wire rack. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the warm, soft cinnamon apple fritters fresh.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture that holds during frying.
- Maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F to ensure fritters cook evenly and absorb minimal oil.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep fritters light and tender; lumps in the batter are desirable.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness depending on your preference for dripping or dipping.
- These fritters are best enjoyed fresh and warm for optimal softness and flavor.
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature if possible for consistent results.
