Apple Cinnamon Fritters with Vanilla Glaze 🍎🍯 – Sweet, Spiced & Totally Addictive
If warm apples, cinnamon spice, and sweet vanilla glaze could hug your taste buds, these Apple Cinnamon Fritters would be it. Inspired by classic apple fritters but baked instead of fried, these golden treats are tender inside, slightly crisp around the edges, and finished with a silky drizzle of icing that makes everyone reach for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
Perfect for lazy mornings, holiday brunches, or anytime you want something comforting and sweet, these fritters bring together the best parts of breakfast and dessert in every bite.
Let’s dive into how to make them!
🥣 Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Fritters
- Tender & moist : Loaded with diced apples and warming spices.
- Lightly sweetened : Natural apple flavor shines through without being overly sugary.
- Baked not fried : A healthier twist with all the comfort of classic fritters.
- Great for sharing : Kids, spouses, grandparents — everyone loves them!
- Make-ahead magic : Keeps well and reheats beautifully.
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 12–14 Fritters)
For the fritters:
- 2 medium apples , peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon (plus optional 1 tsp for tossing apples)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ¼ cup melted butter , cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the vanilla glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional for extra warmth)
🔪 Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spatula
- Measuring tools
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Wire cooling rack
- Toothpick or cake tester
- Spoon or cookie scoop
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Toss Apples With Cinnamon (Optional Tip!)
For extra flavor:
- In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with 1 tsp cinnamon before adding to the batter.
- This boosts the cozy flavor and helps prevent browning.
Set aside while preparing the rest of the batter.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
- Whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Nutmeg
Mix until fully combined and evenly distributed.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
- Crack in eggs and beat lightly.
- Whisk in milk , melted butter , and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.
Step 5: Bring Everything Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.
Gently stir until just combined — do not overmix , or the texture will suffer.
Fold in the cinnamon-tossed apples and mix until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Scoop Onto Baking Sheet
Using a ¼-cup cookie scoop or spoon:
- Drop mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing at least 2 inches apart .
- The fritters won’t spread much, so shape them slightly with your fingers if desired.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes , or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes , then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 8: Make the Vanilla Glaze
While the fritters bake:
Whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or cream
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Add more milk, 1 tsp at a time , until you reach a pourable consistency.
Step 9: Drizzle & Devour
Once the fritters have cooled slightly (still warm is ideal):
Drizzle each fritter generously with the smooth vanilla glaze .
Let the glaze set for 10 minutes , then serve and enjoy!
🍯 Serving Suggestions
- With a side of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for breakfast balance.
- Drizzled with maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness.
- Try them with a dollop of whipped ricotta or mascarpone .
- Stack with fresh berries and whipped cream for dessert-style bites.
- Serve with strong coffee, tea, or hot cider for ultimate comfort.
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooled fritters in an airtight container for up to 4 days .
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed fritters in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months . Thaw and re-glaze when ready to eat.
- Make Ahead: Batter can be refrigerated overnight — just give it a gentle stir before scooping.
- Reheating: Warm in a toaster oven or microwave (with a damp paper towel) for fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.
✅ Expert Tips for Success
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp — they hold their shape and add brightness.
- Don’t skip the egg wash — it gives structure and helps them rise.
- Want them extra crispy? Bake on a cast iron skillet for better heat distribution.
- Swap some flour with oats for a rustic, muffin-like texture.
- Make a spiced version by adding a dash of ginger or allspice to the batter.
🧠 Nutritional Highlights
These fritters offer more than just flavor:
- Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants.
- Eggs and milk deliver protein and essential vitamins.
- Cinnamon supports digestion and blood sugar balance .
- Enjoy in moderation — especially with a balanced morning routine.
📝 Final Thoughts
These Apple Cinnamon Fritters with Vanilla Glaze prove that sometimes the best recipes come from simple ingredients and a little kitchen love.
With their soft crumb, warm spices, and dreamy glaze, they’re the kind of treat that brings smiles, moans of joy, and requests for seconds — even from the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re making them for breakfast, dessert, or snack time — one bite, and you’ll know exactly what your husband meant when he said, “Did you just invent the best thing ever?”
So grab your whisk, peel those apples, and treat yourself to a batch of fritters that feel like a warm hug from Grandma herself.
