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Crispy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Apple Fritters Easy Homemade Recipe with Vanilla Glaze

brown sugar cinnamon apple fritters - featured image

These crispy brown sugar cinnamon apple fritters with vanilla glaze are a quick and easy treat that combines a caramelized crust with tender apple chunks, perfect for cozy mornings or sweet snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Fuji or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk like oat or almond milk)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying (about 1 inch deep in pan)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (any kind, for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • A pinch of salt (optional, for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Peel, core, and dice 2 medium apples into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  3. In a separate small bowl, beat 1 large egg with 3/4 cup whole milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. The batter should be thick but scoopable.
  5. Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed without squishing them.
  6. Pour vegetable or canola oil into a frying pan to about 1 inch depth and heat over medium heat to around 350°F (175°C).
  7. Carefully drop spoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons) of batter into the hot oil, spacing them apart. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Flip gently.
  8. Remove fritters and place on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
  9. While fritters cool slightly, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust milk quantity if glaze is too thick or thin.
  10. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over warm fritters or dip each one individually before serving.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) to avoid greasy or undercooked fritters. Fry in small batches and drain on a cooling rack for best crispiness. Fresh batter yields best results; fry soon after mixing. For vegan version, use flax egg and plant-based milk. Baking alternative: bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple fritters, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla glaze, homemade, easy recipe, fall dessert, crispy fritters