There’s something truly special about sinking your teeth into a warm, freshly made fritter, especially when it’s a Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritter. The gentle sweetness of the apples mingles beautifully with the warmly spiced batter, creating a cozy hug for your taste buds. They are fluffy on the inside and ever-so-slightly crisp on the outside, lightly kissed by a rich drizzle of vanilla glaze. I often make these to welcome autumn, or simply when I’m craving that nostalgic comfort of homemade goodness on a chilly evening.
These fritters come together surprisingly fast! Perfect for busy weekends or as a delightful treat to impress guests at brunch. And while they disappear quickly, if there are any leftovers, they make a delicious breakfast with a cup of coffee to start your day off right.
WHY I LOVE SOFT CINNAMON APPLE FRITTERS
Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters hit that sweet spot where comfort food meets a sense of elegance. They’re incredibly easy and undeniably delicious, a true winner at my table, impressing everyone from family to friends. Plus, the aroma that fills the kitchen while they cook is like a warm blanket on a cold day—you can’t help but smile!
SOFT CINNAMON APPLE FRITTERS INGREDIENTS
The magic of this recipe truly lies in the simple yet harmonious ingredients that come together to create a delightful treat. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
Essential Components
- 2 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: These are the stars! The base that holds everything together, giving our fritters that lovely fluffiness.
- 1 TABLESPOON BAKING POWDER: This little gem helps our fritters rise beautifully, making them tender and light.
- 1 TEASPOON CINNAMON: A warm hug of flavor that makes every bite taste like fall.
- 1/2 TEASPOON SALT: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, making them pop!
- 1/4 CUP SUGAR: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
- 1 LARGE EGG: This adds richness and helps bind all our ingredients together.
- 1 CUP MILK: Our moisture hero, keeping the batter just the right consistency.
- 2 APPLES, PEELED AND DICED: Fresh and vibrant, these bits of apple add that delightful burst of flavor in every fritter.
- OIL FOR FRYING: Essential for that crispy exterior—purchase a neutral oil for the best results.
- 1 CUP POWDERED SUGAR: A sweet finishing touch that makes our glaze irresistibly indulgent.
- 2 TABLESPOONS MILK (FOR GLAZE): Adjusting the consistency for drizzling perfection.
- 1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT: Adds a warm note that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
Need a swap? If you’re out of all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour for an earthier taste (though it won’t be quite as fluffy). For a dairy-free version, try using almond milk in place of regular milk. Want to switch things up with flavor variations? Add a pinch of nutmeg or even some chopped pecans for a little crunch.
A practical tip: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying! You want that perfect, golden-brown exterior. No one wants soggy fritters, right?
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon or spider (for removing fritters)
- Tongs or a fork (to flip fritters)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for glaze
HOW TO MAKE SOFT CINNAMIN APPLE FRITTERS
Let’s dive into creating this wonderfully comforting Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps. Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time. We’re aiming for soft, pillowy fritters that are beautifully glazed and ready to impress!
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR, BAKING POWDER, CINNAMON, SALT, and SUGAR. Whisk them together until evenly distributed. This step is key, as it ensures that your fritters will rise evenly and be bursting with flavor.
Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the EGG and MILK until well combined. You’ll love how this creates a smooth mixture to fold into our dry ingredients.
Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. We’re looking for a slightly lumpy batter here, so be careful not to overmix. The flour should be incorporated without big dry pockets, but little lumps are perfectly fine!
Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the DICED APPLES, being careful not to squish them. You want those little apple gems to be scattered throughout the batter, ready to bring bursts of juicy sweetness to each bite.
Heat the Oil
In a deep pan over medium heat, add enough OIL FOR FRYING to cover the bottom by about an inch. You’ll want the oil to reach around 350°F; if you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small spoonful of batter in—if it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to go!
Fry Until Golden Brown
Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are a golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; this helps them cook evenly and not stick together. This is where the magic happens!
Drain on Paper Towels
Once golden, remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels. Trust me, they need just a moment to lose any excess oil and become that perfect texture.
Create the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix POWDERED SUGAR, MILK, and VANILLA EXTRACT until smooth. You want a lovely drizzle-able consistency. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk!
Drizzle and Serve
Finally, while the fritters are still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Serve them immediately for the best experience, and watch as everyone dives in!
HOW TO STORE SOFT CINNAMON APPLE FRITTERS
If you have any leftover fritters (which rarely happens!), store them at room temperature in an airtight container for a day. Alternatively, in the fridge, they’ll last about 3-4 days—just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up! If you want to save some for another day, freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. This will help create that crispy exterior.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep fritters soft and fluffy.
- Use fresh apples for the best flavor; Granny Smith offers a nice tartness.
- Drizzle the glaze just before serving for maximum sweetness!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with freshly brewed coffee or chai tea for a cozy pairing.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra touch of flavor.
- Pair with a fresh fruit salad for a bright contrast.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar for lovely presentation!
Enjoy these Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters as a sweet treat that fills your home with warmth and love, because there’s truly nothing like sharing homemade goodies with family and friends!
