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Home » Sweets

Apple Fritters with Vanilla Lemon Glaze

by lena

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Apple Fritters with Vanilla Lemon Glaze up close on a rack

These incredibly luscious Apple Fritters with Vanilla Lemon Glaze combine pillowy dough with sweet apples and a citrusy glaze. They’re a tasty treat you can add to your fall baking list, plus they’re easy to make and ready to be enjoyed in under 30 minutes!

Jump to Recipe
Apple fritters on a cooling rack with the glaze on a bowl on the side

The only thing better than wearing your coziest sweater on a crisp fall day is if you’re doing it with a fresh apple fritter in your hand! These Apple Fritters with Vanilla Lemon Glaze will get you in the mood for the fall season and satisfy all of your sugary cravings. 

This is an easy dessert that’s packed with natural sweetness from apples and maple syrup. To finish, they’ve been coated in a zesty lemon glaze for a pop of fresh flavor. Every bite is sensational!

Once you discover that they aren’t any more difficult to make than a batch of pancakes or waffles, you’ll be making apple fritters every weekend.

What are fritters?

Fritters can come in many varieties. They’re always made up of a batter that’s had meat, seafood, fruit, or vegetables mixed in and are served sweet or savory. To finish, the fritters are pan fried or deep fried in oil.

More specifically, apple fritters are very similar to donuts or funnel cakes. Chopped apples in the batter offer a sweet and unique flavor. They’re traditionally deep fried and coated in a simple glaze made from confectioner’s sugar and milk.

4 stages of preparing batter with apple chunks and pouring glaze on the finished fritters

Ingredients you need

This recipe is so easy because it contains no yeast. This means you don’t need to get your hands dirty or knead the dough! Plus, the recipe calls for simple ingredients only.

This is what you need:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Kosher salt
  • Eggs
  • Unsalted butter
  • Milk
  • Maple syrup
  • Apples

The lemon vanilla glaze is made from simple ingredients you probably already have at home:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Lemon juice and zest
  • Vanilla extract

What kind of apples are best?

You want an apple that will hold its texture and present a strong flavor as you bite into the fritter. I personally found that Honeycrisp or Gala apples were best, but Granny Smith would be another great option. Red Delicious will get too soft and lose its flavor in the oil.

Close up of apple fritters cooling on a cooling rack

How to make Apple Fritters with Vanilla Lemon Glaze

Who knew fritter donuts were so easy to make? You won’t need to stop in at a donut shop ever again thanks to this recipe.

You can finish this recipe in just 4 steps:

  1. Make the batter: Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, then add the eggs, butter, half a cup of milk, and the maple syrup. Mix until combined, then fold in the apples.
  2. Heat the oil: Heat 2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 300ºF.
  3. Fry the fritters: Drop tablespoon-size balls of batter into the oil for 4 to 5 minutes or until they’re golden and crisp on all sides. Remove and drain on a wire rack with paper towels underneath.
  4. Make the glaze: While the fritters cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters.
Overhead view of fritters cooling on a cooling rack

Can they be baked?

Baked apple fritters are more crispy but just as delicious, especially if you’re not a fan of oil. You can use this recipe to bake the fritters in a 350ºF oven for 12 to 15 minutes, however, they may not rise as well. Replace the maple syrup with brown sugar in case the batter is too wet.

Can they be made gluten free?

You can replace the white four with an all-purpose gluten free flour to make gluten free apple fritters instead. Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur both make a high quality 1:1 flour.

Plate full of golden apple fritters with a bite taken out of one

Recipe tips and substitutions

  • Feel free to keep the apple skins on if you wish.
  • If the batter feels thick, add no more than 1/4 cup milk to thin and always start with a tablespoon at a time.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin spice into the batter for the best fall flavor.
  • Heat your oil after the batter has come together so it doesn’t get too hot.
  • The bigger the frying pan, the better. Alternatively, fry the fritters in a large pot to avoid splattering or spilling.
  • Use a thermometer to safely measure the temperature of the oil.
  • Keep a lid or baking soda close by the pot of oil to be safe.
  • Use the back of a wooden spoon to test the heat. Once bubbles start forming, the oil is ready. 
  • You’ll want the glaze to be a bit runny so it coats the fritters but doesn’t just pour right off as soon as it hits the outside. If it’s too thin, add a little confectioner’s sugar at a time until it becomes a little thicker. If it’s too thick, add a small splash of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Leave the lemon juice and zest out of the glaze for a more neutral flavor.
  • Sprinkle the fritters with cinnamon sugar if you don’t want the glaze.
  • A fritter without glaze is also good! It’s like an old-fashioned donut with a hint of apple flavor.
Close up of a plate of apple fritters piled on top of each other.

Storing

These are best enjoyed on the same day they’re made. The longer they’re stored, the soggier they’ll become. If you end up with leftovers, keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or for longer in the fridge.

More Dessert Recipes

Need more tasty desserts? Try these easy recipes:

  • Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
  • Baked Gooey S’more Bars
  • Shortbread Cookies
  • Rice Crispy and Almond Treats
  • Cherry, Almond, & Cardamom Galette

Did you try this tasty dessert? Let me know what you think and leave a comment below! Don’t forget to also take a picture of your recreation and tag me on Instagram. I love to see all of your photos!

Apple Fritters with Vanilla Lemon Glaze

4.8 from 22 votes
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Servings: 24 servings
Author: Lena Gladstone
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
These incredibly luscious Apple Fritters with Vanilla Lemon Glaze combine pillowy dough with sweet apples and a citrusy glaze. They’re a tasty treat you can add to your fall baking list, plus they’re easy to make and ready to be enjoyed in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Apple Fritters

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • ½-¾ cup whole milk
  • 5 tbsp maple syrup
  • 3 medium apples Honeycrisp or Gala are great, chopped into ½ inch cubes
  • avocado, canola or any flavorless light oil for frying

Vanilla Lemon Glaze

  • 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 ½ tbsp whole milk
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 lemon zested
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add the eggs, butter, 1/2 cup milk, and maple syrup into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to over mix the batter. If the batter feels thick, add no more than 1/4 cup milk to thin, start with a tablespoon at a time. To finish, fold in the apples.
  • Heat 2 inches of oil (avocado, canola, or any flavorless light oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use the back of a wooden spoon to test the heat. Once bubbles start forming, the oil is ready. It should be around 300ºF.
  • Drop tablespoons size balls of batter into the oil for 4-5 minutes or until golden and crisp on all sides. Remove and drain on a wire rack with paper towels underneath.
  • To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters. Eat warm and enjoy!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 30 minute meal, dessert, easy dessert, fall flavors, family friendly, fresh fruit, fruit

Nutrition

Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 99mg | Potassium: 63mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg

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Recipe Rating




Reviews
Questions

Comments

  1. mila

    at

    5 stars
    these were soooo delicious 😋
    definitely a keeper, thank you lena for another amazing recipe

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!

  2. Nelli

    at

    5 stars
    Delicious!!! Super fast and easy to make. Kids are satisfied ? ☺

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      I am so happy to hear that you loved the recipe. Happy kids are a plus. Happy cooking!

    • lena

      at

      I am delighted that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for trying it out! 

  3. Nancy

    at

    5 stars
    This recipe is deliciousss and easy to make. I had the best time doing it with my 12 year old daughter. The glaze definitely gives it an extra pop of flavors.. Simply super tasty. A definite win. ??????

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      It was so fun to see the final results of your fritters. Thank you for cooking along and I am so happy you loved the recipe. Happy cooking!

    • lena

      at

      Yes!! So happy you are loving this recipe! Thank you!

  4. Patricia Martinescu

    at

    5 stars
    Honestly, the BEST apple fritter recipe! So fluffy yams crunchy. The best combo. The maple syrup really highlights that classic flavor. This recipe was a big hit in my home. Thank you Lena!

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      That is so good to hear that you loved it. I love the touch of maple syrup instead of more sugar. So happy you guys loved the recipe.

    • lena

      at

      Wonderful!! I am so so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed. Thanks a bunch for making it! 

  5. Angela moyseyuk

    at

    5 stars
    The best recipe ever! Love apple fritters !! 5 star for sure !!!!!

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      Yay, I am so happy you loved it. Thanks for sharing your review.

  6. Julia T

    at

    5 stars
    These are so easy to make and so delicious every single time! I think I’ve made them 4 weeks in a row now haha. Our new family favorite for sure

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      That makes me so happy to hear that you love this recipe and are making it all the time now. The best treat for sure. Need to make some to enjoy soon too. Happy cooking!

  7. Gracie Bayless

    at

    5 stars
    By far the best fritters I’ve ever made!! That glaze is SO GOOD.

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      Thank you so much, I am so happy to hear that you love the recipe.

  8. Viki

    at

    5 stars
    Super delicious!! I’m happy I tried this recipe and will be making these again for sure and I will have to try other fruits as well.

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      That is so good to hear, glad you enjoyed the recipe.

  9. Luda

    at

    5 stars
    Lena you are amazing! These are so easy and simple to do but oh soooooo delicious?????

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      So happy you loved the recipe. Happy cooking!

  10. Luba

    at

    5 stars
    The apple fritters are sooo amazing!!! They are the best ever. I love the vanilla drizzle. Super amazing.
    thank you for the receipy Lena

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      I am so happy that you loved the recipe. You are so welcome Luba.

  11. Snizhana

    at

    5 stars
    These were absolutely delicious we made half with the glaze but omitted the lemon and replaced it will cinnamon and is was so so good excited to try this again with experimenting with different fruit

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      Ohh the lemon adds a nice zing to the glaze and it’s so good. But I’m glad you tried the recipe and loved it. I think this will be great with pears too or even corn.

  12. Oxana

    at

    5 stars
    Tried these for the first time and what can I say it’s like you eat a combination of crispy waffles on the outside and pancakes inside, plus you get the apple bits . Didn’t make the glaze though, because once I’ll get them out they would be gone!! My kids loved them and We did too! Would definitely make them again !

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      That is the best way to describe these. I am actually going to try them out like a waffle recipe next. I will report back if they work out. Next time, make the glaze ahead of time so you can try them with. They are so good with the glaze.

  13. Noreen

    at

    5 stars
    Ok my first time making these ! I honestly loved them baked as well . The batter was fine for that . My kids loved them . Only thing I would change is the oil I fried them in . Perfect fall treat!!!

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      So happy to hear that you loved the recipe. I just caught that I didn’t add the oil option. Made the update in the recipe card. I use either of these: avocado, canola, or any flavorless light oil.

  14. Noreen

    at

    Hi what oil did you fry them in?

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      Thanks for catching this, I just updated the recipe. I use either of these: avocado, canola, or any flavorless light oil

  15. Maria

    at

    Can these be done in the air fryer?

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      Unfortunately, I haven’t tried them in the air fryer myself. But will need to test them out. I don’t think they will be as crunchy as deep-frying them. You might be able to reheat them in the air fryer though.

  16. Darian

    at

    5 stars
    So quick and easy to make! These are super delicious!

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      So happy to hear you loved the recipe. Happy Cooking.

  17. Irene

    at

    5 stars
    This is a 5+ star dish for sure. It’s absolutely delicious and so fast to make with simple ingredients. Took me about 15min or so. Will be making them again for sure.

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      Thank you Irene, so happy to hear you loved the recipe. Happy Cooking.

  18. Jackie

    at

    5 stars
    Can’t believe I’ve never made apple fritters before! This recipe was so easy and they turned out fluffy and delicious.

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      Yay, I am so happy that you loved these Jackie. Thanks for trying out the recipe.

  19. Rozana

    at

    What type of oil should be used for the frying?

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      Thanks for catching this, I just updated the recipe card. I use either of these: avocado, canola, or any flavorless light oil

  20. Oksana

    at

    5 stars
    Delish. So easy and quick. Don’t skip on the glaze, it takes the fritters over the top!!

    Reply
    • lenaskitchen

      at

      I’m so happy to hear that you loved this recipe and I totally agree, the glaze adds the umph…

  21. Yelena Andruh

    at

    5 stars
    This recipe was super easy to make and super fast as well! I was shocked how fast I finished making the fritters from start to finish! These Apple Fritters are sooooo good!!! It’s a big winner in my household!! Thank you Lena for your hard work in creating some of the best recipes!

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      You are so sweet, thank you for the compliment. I am so happy to hear you guys loved the recipe. It’s one of my favorite fall treats.

  22. Inna

    at

    Dreams do come true!! Yay!! I’m not a sweets person but when I do crave sweets it’s apple fritters!!

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      I’m in the same boat Inna, but these are a fall favorite. Not too sweet either.

  23. Suze from Beaverton

    at

    I just bought Honey Crisp Apples and then saw your recipe! I can make these fritters tonight!!!

    Reply
    • lena

      at

      I hope you gave these a try. they are utterly delicious. Can’t wait to hear what you think.

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Welcome, glad you’re here!

Hi, I’m Lena Gladstone, the recipe developer and food photographer behind Lena’s Kitchen. Here you will find approachable food recipes to share with the whole family. Keto friendly, weeknight dinners all made with fresh ingredients. Click here to learn more!

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