When it comes to indulging in sweet, comforting treats, few things can compete with the allure of freshly made apple fritters. These deep-fried delights, with their golden-brown exterior and soft, pillowy interior dotted with tender apple pieces, are the epitome of indulgence. Add a rich vanilla glaze that seeps into the fritter’s crevices, and you’ve got a dessert or snack that’s impossible to resist. This detailed guide will walk you through the process of making the best glazed apple fritters at home, ensuring you achieve bakery-level results with ease.
PrintThe Best Glazed Apple Fritters Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Comfort
🍩💖 Craving something sweet and cozy? Try The Best Glazed Apple Fritters! 🍎✨ Golden fried perfection filled with juicy apple chunks and topped with a luscious glaze – these fritters are the definition of homemade comfort. 🌟 Easy to make, impossible to resist! 😋
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- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including proofing time)
- Yield: 12 fritters 1x
Ingredients
For the Apple Fritters:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon dry active yeast
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 4 large apples
For Frying:
- 6 to 8 cups canola oil
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- First Proofing
- Cover the mixing bowl with a clean towel and place it in a warm corner of your kitchen. This proofing stage allows the dough to rise and double in size, which typically takes about one to one and a half hours. The warm environment encourages the yeast to ferment, creating air bubbles that will result in a light and fluffy texture.
- While the dough is proofing, prepare small squares of parchment paper, roughly six by six inches in size. These will be used later to shape and fry the fritters.
- Shaping the Fritters and Second Proofing
- Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape the fritters. Using a spatula, scoop out portions of the dough, each about three-quarters of a cup to one cup in size. Place each portion onto a square of parchment paper. Press the apples gently back into the dough to ensure they’re securely embedded; otherwise, they might separate during frying.
- Arrange the shaped fritters on a baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for further proofing. Let them sit in a warm spot for another 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, the fritters will puff up and become airy, signaling they’re ready for frying.
- Preparing the Glaze
- While the fritters are undergoing their second proofing, prepare the glaze. In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and thick. The glaze should have a consistency that coats the back of a spoon but isn’t overly runny. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. Set the glaze aside until the fritters are ready to be coated.
- Frying the Fritters
- Deep frying gives apple fritters their signature golden-brown exterior. Pour six to eight cups of canola oil into a pot or sauté pan with high sides. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 300°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, as maintaining consistent heat is crucial for even frying.
- Carefully slide each fritter, along with its parchment paper, into the hot oil. After about 10 seconds, the parchment paper will detach from the dough. Use tongs to remove it from the oil. Fry two to three fritters at a time, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The fritters should take about six to eight minutes to fry, achieving a deep golden-brown color.
- Once cooked, use a wire skimmer to transfer the fritters to a wire rack lined with paper towels. The towels will absorb any excess oil, leaving the fritters crispy and ready for glazing.
- Glazing and Serving
- For the best flavor and texture, glaze the fritters while they’re still hot. Wait about one minute after removing them from the oil to let them cool slightly. Dip the bottom of each fritter into the glaze, then flip it to coat the top generously. The warm fritters will absorb some of the glaze, enhancing their sweetness and creating a glossy finish. Place the glazed fritters back on the wire rack to set.
- Allow the fritters to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. The glaze will harden slightly, creating a delightful contrast to the soft interior. Serve the fritters warm, paired with coffee, tea, milk, or even hot apple cider for a cozy treat.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature. Too hot, and the fritters will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil.
- Proof the dough in a warm, draft-free environment. If your kitchen is cold, you can use an oven preheated to 200°F and turned off as a proofing box.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Apple fritters have a timeless appeal, combining the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apples, and the crunch of a fried dough exterior. Their rustic charm lies in their slightly imperfect shape, showcasing the homemade touch. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a mid-afternoon snack, or a dessert paired with coffee or cider, these fritters are a versatile delight that can brighten any day.
The recipe might seem intricate at first glance, but with clear instructions and a little patience, you’ll discover how simple and rewarding it can be. The secret lies in creating a soft, cinnamon-spiced dough that pairs beautifully with the fresh apples. Proper proofing ensures a light and fluffy texture, while a perfectly balanced vanilla glaze takes the fritters to the next level.
Ingredients
To make these glazed apple fritters, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Apple Fritters:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon dry active yeast
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 4 large apples
For Frying:
- 6 to 8 cups canola oil
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Preparing the Dough
The foundation of a great apple fritter is its dough. Start by warming the milk to a temperature between 120°F and 130°F. This temperature is ideal for activating the yeast without killing it. Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl, then sprinkle a few tablespoons of sugar and the yeast on top. Allow the mixture to sit for five minutes. You’ll notice the yeast becoming fluffy and foamy, a sign that it’s active and ready to work its magic.
Next, add the remaining sugar, melted butter (cooled to room temperature), eggs, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. Gradually incorporate the flour, adding about half a cup at a time. After the first few additions, sprinkle in one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Switch to using a spatula as the dough thickens to ensure everything is evenly mixed. The resulting dough should be thick, sticky, and fragrant with cinnamon.
Now it’s time to prepare the apples. Peel them to remove the tough skin, then dice them into small, uniform pieces. Sprinkle the remaining two teaspoons of ground cinnamon over the apples, tossing them to coat evenly. Gently fold the diced apples into the dough, ensuring they are well distributed. The sticky dough will embrace the apples, promising bursts of fruity sweetness in every bite.
First Proofing
Cover the mixing bowl with a clean towel and place it in a warm corner of your kitchen. This proofing stage allows the dough to rise and double in size, which typically takes about one to one and a half hours. The warm environment encourages the yeast to ferment, creating air bubbles that will result in a light and fluffy texture.
While the dough is proofing, prepare small squares of parchment paper, roughly six by six inches in size. These will be used later to shape and fry the fritters.
Shaping the Fritters and Second Proofing
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape the fritters. Using a spatula, scoop out portions of the dough, each about three-quarters of a cup to one cup in size. Place each portion onto a square of parchment paper. Press the apples gently back into the dough to ensure they’re securely embedded; otherwise, they might separate during frying.
Arrange the shaped fritters on a baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for further proofing. Let them sit in a warm spot for another 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, the fritters will puff up and become airy, signaling they’re ready for frying.
Preparing the Glaze
While the fritters are undergoing their second proofing, prepare the glaze. In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and thick. The glaze should have a consistency that coats the back of a spoon but isn’t overly runny. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. Set the glaze aside until the fritters are ready to be coated.
Frying the Fritters
Deep frying gives apple fritters their signature golden-brown exterior. Pour six to eight cups of canola oil into a pot or sauté pan with high sides. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 300°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, as maintaining consistent heat is crucial for even frying.
Carefully slide each fritter, along with its parchment paper, into the hot oil. After about 10 seconds, the parchment paper will detach from the dough. Use tongs to remove it from the oil. Fry two to three fritters at a time, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The fritters should take about six to eight minutes to fry, achieving a deep golden-brown color.
Once cooked, use a wire skimmer to transfer the fritters to a wire rack lined with paper towels. The towels will absorb any excess oil, leaving the fritters crispy and ready for glazing.
Glazing and Serving
For the best flavor and texture, glaze the fritters while they’re still hot. Wait about one minute after removing them from the oil to let them cool slightly. Dip the bottom of each fritter into the glaze, then flip it to coat the top generously. The warm fritters will absorb some of the glaze, enhancing their sweetness and creating a glossy finish. Place the glazed fritters back on the wire rack to set.
Allow the fritters to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. The glaze will harden slightly, creating a delightful contrast to the soft interior. Serve the fritters warm, paired with coffee, tea, milk, or even hot apple cider for a cozy treat.
Flavors, Textures, and Aromas
These apple fritters are a sensory delight. The exterior is crisp and golden, giving way to a soft, fluffy interior bursting with tender apple pieces. The cinnamon-infused dough complements the sweetness of the apples, while the vanilla glaze adds a touch of richness. Each bite is a harmonious blend of warm spices, fruity sweetness, and buttery depth. The aroma of freshly fried dough and cinnamon will fill your kitchen, creating an irresistible invitation to indulge.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh, crisp apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature. Too hot, and the fritters will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil.
- Proof the dough in a warm, draft-free environment. If your kitchen is cold, you can use an oven preheated to 200°F and turned off as a proofing box.
Variations and Substitutions
- Experiment with different fruits. Pears or peaches can be used in place of apples for a unique twist.
- Add nuts such as chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for added crunch.
- For a fall-inspired variation, use a maple glaze instead of vanilla by replacing the vanilla extract with maple syrup.
Final Thoughts
Making apple fritters at home may require a bit of effort, but the results are well worth it. These warm, sweet, and crispy treats are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for sharing with family and friends. The process is as rewarding as the final product, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and fried dough. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll find yourself returning to it time and time again, creating delicious memories with every batch. Enjoy the journey of crafting these delightful fritters and savor each bite of homemade perfection.