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These tiny cinnamon apple bites pack everything I want in a fall treat - soft chunks of gently spiced apple wrapped in a crispy golden shell topped with a sweet vanilla drizzle. They whip up fast in just one bowl and fill your home with warm, inviting smells - just what you need when the weather turns cold.
The first batch I ever made was for friends who dropped by without notice. Now I turn to them whenever I've got a couple apples sitting around and feel like something warm and homey.
Round Up Your Ingredients
- All purpose flour: gives the fritters their foundation. Go for fresh flour to get the nicest texture
- Granulated sugar: adds sweetness and helps create that nice brown outside. Stick with regular white sugar for best mixing
- Baking powder: makes everything light and airy. Double-check it's not expired for proper puffing
- Ground cinnamon: brings that cozy autumn feeling. Try to use good quality cinnamon if you can
- Salt: lifts all the flavors. Regular table salt works just fine
- Milk: pulls the batter together. Full-fat milk gives a richer result
- Large egg: adds moisture and helps everything stick. Let it sit out a bit before using
- Vanilla extract: deepens the taste profile. Real vanilla makes a difference
- Finely chopped apples: fill each bite with juicy sweetness. Gala or Fuji apples work great when fried
- Oil for frying: creates that amazing crunchy outside. Stick with plain oils like vegetable or sunflower and warm slowly
- Powdered sugar: forms the base of your sweet topping. Give it a quick sift to get rid of any clumps
- Milk for glaze: adjusts how thick your topping is. Add just enough to get the right pouring texture
How to Make It
- Prepare the Dry Mix:
- Grab a medium bowl and mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt together until well combined and free from any lumps
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, beat the milk, egg and vanilla together until they're completely combined
- Make the Batter:
- Add the wet stuff to your dry ingredients. Stir just until everything comes together. You want a thick batter that drops from a spoon
- Add the Apples:
- Fold your chopped apples into the mix so they spread evenly through the batter. Don't stir too much or you'll end up with tough fritters
- Heat and Fry:
- Add oil to a heavy pot or deep pan about two inches deep. Heat on medium until it hits 350°F. A cooking thermometer really helps here
- Shape and Cook:
- Drop small spoonfuls of batter carefully into the hot oil. Cook in small groups so they don't stick together. Let each side fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown
- Drain and Cool:
- Use a slotted spoon to lift out your fritters onto paper towels to soak up extra oil. Let them cool slightly while you mix up the glaze
- Make the Vanilla Glaze:
- Mix powdered sugar, milk and a little vanilla in a small bowl. Stir until it's smooth and runs off your spoon
- Glaze and Serve:
- Pour glaze over your warm fritters. Enjoy them right away for the best taste. They're always tastiest when fresh and warm
What I love most about making these is the amazing cinnamon smell that spreads through the whole house. It always takes me back to country fairs and my grandma's kitchen. She'd let us kids help coat each tiny fritter once they weren't too hot to handle.
Flavor Boosters
Swap in chopped pears instead of apples for something different. Mix pumpkin pie spice in place of cinnamon or add a tiny bit of nutmeg. Plant milks like almond or oat work great in the mix too.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these little treats with hot coffee, tea, or warm apple cider. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a fancy touch. They also look amazing on a breakfast spread next to some fresh fruit.
Creative Twists
People around the world have enjoyed apple fritters for hundreds of years. The ones we make in America often use a sweet batter fried in small portions. These mini versions bring that comfort food feeling in a quick, modern way.
After you've made these mini apple fritters once, you'll probably find yourself making them whenever good apples show up at the store. One fall I made three times the normal amount for a family get-together and the plate was completely empty by the end.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of apples work best for this dish?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith give you the perfect mix of sweet and tart flavors while keeping their shape during cooking.
- → Can the fritters be baked instead of fried?
You can try baking them, but they won't get that same crispy outside. Frying gives these treats their traditional golden crunch.
- → How do you achieve a smooth glaze?
Mix your powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla really well until you can't see any sugar lumps, making sure it's thin enough to pour easily.
- → What's the best way to serve these fritters?
They taste best right after glazing while still warm. Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon and serving with hot coffee or spiced cider.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Let them cool completely, then put them in a sealed container at room temperature. They'll stay good for about two days. Warm them up a bit before eating.