Have you ever bitten into a warm apple fritter and felt that perfect balance of crispy exterior giving way to a soft, apple-studded interior? That moment of pure joy is exactly what we’re recreating today—only better. These Glazed Cinnamon Apple Fritters are not only bursting with autumn flavors, but they’re also completely vegan and gluten-free!
Don’t let those dietary labels fool you though; these fritters deliver all the indulgence of the classic bakery favorite without compromising on texture or taste. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and apples.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
What makes these Glazed Cinnamon Apple Fritters truly special is their ability to satisfy everyone at the table, regardless of dietary preferences. Traditional fritters rely heavily on eggs, butter, and wheat flour, but this version proves that plant-based alternatives can create equally magnificent results.
The secret lies in the perfect balance of spices that complement the natural sweetness of fresh apples. Each bite delivers pockets of tender fruit surrounded by a light, airy dough that crisps beautifully when fried. The cinnamon-infused glaze adds that final touch of sweetness that makes these fritters utterly irresistible.
As someone who’s tested countless vegan baking methods, I can confidently say this recipe overcomes the typical challenges of egg-free, gluten-free baking. The fritters hold together beautifully and have that authentic “pull-apart” quality that makes the original version so satisfying.
Equipment needed: Medium-sized pot for frying, mixing bowls, whisk, slotted spoon, paper towels, cooling rack
Glazed Cinnamon Apple Fritters
Ingredients
- For the Fritters:
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum
- 1/4 cup organic cane sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup plant-based milk almond or oat works best
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tablespoons water flax egg
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil plus more for frying
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Glaze:
- 2 cups organic powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons plant-based milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the flax egg by mixing ground flaxseed with water in a small bowl. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes until it becomes gel-like in consistency.
- Toss the diced apples with lemon juice in a medium bowl to prevent browning and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the spices.
- In a separate bowl, mix the plant-based milk, prepared flax egg, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. The batter should be thick but still somewhat sticky.
- Gently fold in the diced apples until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the fritters tough.
- Heat about 2 inches of coconut oil in a medium-sized pot to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a tiny amount of batter—it should sizzle immediately and rise to the surface.
- Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, carefully drop about 2 tablespoons of batter into the hot oil for each fritter. Cook only 2-3 fritters at a time to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry each fritter for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You may need to flip them several times to ensure even cooking.
- Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- While the fritters cool slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. Add milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Dip the top of each fritter into the glaze while they’re still slightly warm (but not hot) and place back on the cooling rack to let the glaze set.
Notes
- For the best texture, make sure your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum. If it doesn’t, add 1/2 teaspoon to the dry ingredients.
- The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape when dropped into the oil. If it seems too runny, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
- You can make the batter up to an hour ahead and keep it refrigerated, but the fritters are best when fried fresh.
- For a less sweet version, you can reduce the sugar in the batter and make a thinner glaze or skip it entirely.
- These fritters are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 220 calories per fritter
- Protein: 2g per fritter
- Carbohydrates: 38g per fritter
- Fat: 7g per fritter
- Fiber: 2g per fritter
- Sugar: 21g per fritter (primarily from the glaze)
- Allergen Information: Free from gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts (if using coconut or oat milk)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Oil temperature too low: This causes the fritters to absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer if possible to maintain 350°F.
- Oil temperature too high: This will burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. If you notice excessive browning, reduce the heat.
- Overmixing the batter: This develops the gluten-free starches too much and results in tough fritters. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your plant milk and other liquid ingredients are at room temperature to ensure proper mixing.
- Applying glaze when fritters are too hot: The glaze will simply melt off. Let fritters cool for 5-10 minutes first.
- Cutting apples too large: Large chunks may remain crunchy and can cause the fritters to fall apart during frying.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Flour alternatives: If you don’t need the recipe to be gluten-free, you can use regular all-purpose flour in the same amount.
- Sweetener options: Coconut sugar or maple sugar can replace cane sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Oil substitutions: Refined coconut oil is best for frying as it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, but avocado oil is another excellent option.
- Fruit variations: Pears or peaches work wonderfully in place of apples. You can also add a handful of fresh or dried berries.
- Spice customization: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom or ginger for an extra dimension of flavor.
- Glaze alternatives: For a maple glaze, replace 1/4 cup of powdered sugar with maple syrup; for a citrus twist, add orange or lemon zest.
- Baked option: For a lower-fat version, shape the batter into fritters and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
FAQs
Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
While the fritters are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the batter up to an hour in advance and keep it refrigerated. If you need to make them further ahead, I recommend frying them, cooling completely, and then reheating in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes before glazing.
Why did my fritters fall apart during frying?
This typically happens when the batter is too wet or the oil isn’t hot enough. Make sure your batter is thick enough to hold its shape, and always test the oil temperature before adding the full fritter. The flax egg needs adequate time to gel properly to act as a binder.
Can I air fry these instead?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, lightly spray the basket with oil, and place spoonfuls of batter inside without overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
My gluten-free fritters taste gritty – what went wrong?
Not all gluten-free flour blends are created equal. Look for finely-milled blends that contain a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch for the best texture. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 or King Arthur Measure for Measure typically yield good results.
How do I know when the fritters are fully cooked inside?
A properly cooked fritter will feel relatively light for its size and spring back slightly when pressed. If you’re uncertain, you can break one open as a test – the interior should be moist but not doughy or wet.
Can I reduce the sugar content?
Yes! The sugar in the batter can be reduced by up to half without significantly affecting the texture. For the glaze, you can make a thinner version using less powdered sugar or skip it entirely for a less sweet treat.
Final Thoughts
These Glazed Cinnamon Apple Fritters prove that “vegan” and “gluten-free” can be synonymous with “incredibly delicious.” The wonderful thing about cooking is that it’s always evolving, making room for everyone at the table. Whether you’re plant-based by choice or necessity, these fritters deliver all the comfort and joy of traditional baking with none of the compromise. So heat up that oil, embrace the apple-cinnamon aroma, and treat yourself to a little homemade bakery magic.
