There’s something so comforting about the aroma of warm cinnamon and apples wafting through your kitchen. These Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze are a perfect treat for crisp mornings, cozy afternoons, or really any time you’re craving a delightful, homemade dessert. With their fluffy texture, tender bites of apple, and a sweet vanilla glaze to top it all off, these fritters are guaranteed to bring smiles to your table!

If you’ve been looking for a recipe that’s as simple as it is scrumptious, you’re in for a treat. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to make these irresistible fritters—and don’t forget to subscribe to my email list to get more mouthwatering recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Apple Fritters

These fritters are the ultimate comfort food. Here’s why:

Packed with flavor: Juicy apple chunks paired with warm cinnamon create a match made in heaven.
Soft and fluffy texture: The batter comes together like magic, yielding fritters that are light, airy, and deliciously golden on the outside.
Easy to make: No fancy techniques or tools needed—just mix, fry, and enjoy!
Versatile treat: Perfect as a breakfast indulgence, dessert, or a quick snack to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The combination of the subtle vanilla glaze and the cinnamon-infused batter is absolutely divine. I dare you to stop at just one!

Ingredients for Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters

Let’s keep it simple. Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these soft cinnamon apple fritters:

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the fritters.
1/4 cup sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness.
1 tbsp baking powder: Ensures a light, fluffy texture.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances flavor.
1/2 cup milk: For a creamy, moist batter.
1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
2 tbsp melted butter: Adds richness to the batter.
1 tsp vanilla extract: A hint of warm, sweet flavor.
1 cup diced apples: The star ingredient—choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Cinnamon to taste: Warm spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
Vanilla glaze: Either store-bought or homemade (recipe below).

Necessary Tools for Preparation

A deep frying pan or Dutch oven for frying
A thermometer to monitor the oil temperature (aim for 375°F)
Mixing bowls and a whisk
A slotted spoon or spatula for flipping the fritters

How to Make Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters

Ready to get started? Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be enjoying warm, freshly made fritters in no time.

Preheat your frying oil in a deep pan to 375°F. Keeping the oil at this temperature ensures perfectly crisp fritters.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing—the batter should be slightly lumpy.
Gently fold in the diced apples and sprinkle in cinnamon to taste. The amount is up to you, but I recommend about 1 tsp for a warm, cozy flavor.
Using a spoon or small scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
While the fritters are still warm, drizzle them generously with vanilla glaze.
These fritters are best enjoyed warm, so dig in while they’re fresh!

How to Make a Simple Homemade Vanilla Glaze

If you prefer to make your glaze from scratch, here’s a quick recipe:

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth. Drizzle over your fritters for that perfect finishing touch!

What to Serve with Apple Fritters

While these fritters are delightful on their own, here are some serving suggestions to elevate the experience:

A steaming cup of coffee or hot apple cider
A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
A dusting of powdered sugar if you want a simpler topping than glaze

Tips for Making Perfect Apple Fritters

Keep the oil temperature steady. Too hot, and the fritters will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil. Use a thermometer for best results.
Choose the right apples. Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best, as they hold their shape during frying.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the fritters in small batches to ensure even cooking.
Serve immediately. These fritters are at their best when fresh and warm.

How to Store Apple Fritters

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them:

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.
Freeze the fritters for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives the best texture, you can bake them at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes on each side. They’ll be less crispy but still delicious!

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for similar results.

Can I add nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or raisins make excellent additions to the batter.

Wrap-Up

These Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze are everything you could want in a homemade treat: quick, easy, and absolutely heavenly. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch or enjoying them with family on a lazy weekend morning, these fritters are sure to become a favorite.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Leave a review, share your photos on Pinterest, and tag me so I can see your creations. If you’re in the mood for another fruity treat, try this Pineapple Cream Cheesecake for a tangy and sweet dessert experience.

Let’s get frying—your warm, cinnamon-spiced apple fritters await!