Apple Fritters with Sweet Vanilla Glaze

Light, crispy Gluten Free Apple Fritters with Sweet Vanilla Glaze and topped with vanilla glaze. Perfect giftable desserts ready in 30 minutes!

You know that moment when you walk past a bakery and the smell of fresh apple fritters stops you in your tracks? I used to think those days were over after going gluten-free. Turns out, I was so wrong!

These gluten free apple fritters brought that magic right back into my kitchen. They’re crispy on the outside, tender inside, and absolutely stuffed with cinnamon-kissed apple chunks. The best part? They come together in about 30 minutes, which means even on chaotic weekday mornings, warm fritters are totally doable.

I’ve made these for everything from lazy Sunday brunches to school bake sales. They’re also fantastic as giftable desserts during the holidays—just wrap a few in parchment paper, tie with twine, and watch faces light up. Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is wonderfully forgiving and so worth making.

Why You’ll Love These Gluten Free Apple Fritters

Fresh apple chunks in every single bite make these fritters feel special without any fuss. The batter comes together fast with simple ingredients you probably already have.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, maintaining a strict gluten-free diet is essential for those with celiac disease, making reliable recipes like these apple fritters so important for everyday enjoyment.

They fry up beautifully golden and stay light inside. The vanilla glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness without being cloying. Plus, these egg and gluten free desserts work for multiple dietary needs when you swap in aquafaba.

Ingredients

For the Fritters:

• 1 1/2 cups gluten free flour blend (210 g)
• 3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (only add if your GF flour blend doesn’t already contain xanthan)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (28 g)
• 2/3 cup milk, dairy or non-dairy (160 ml)
• 1 tablespoon oil (15 ml)
• 2 eggs or 6 tablespoons aquafaba (90 ml)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 apples, peeled and finely diced

For the Icing Glaze:

• 3 cups powdered/icing sugar (375 g)
• 3 tablespoons milk, dairy or non-dairy (45 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Whisk together the flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Make sure everything’s evenly distributed so your gluten free apple fritters turn out perfectly.

Step 2: Stir in the milk, oil, eggs (or aquafaba), and vanilla extract. Whisk the batter until it’s thick, smooth, and completely lump-free. This thick consistency helps the fritters hold their shape beautifully.

Step 3: Fold in the diced apples. I like cutting mine pretty small so every fritter gets tons of apple flavor throughout.

Step 4: Pour frying oil into a large skillet or pot until it’s about 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep. Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 360-375°F (180-190°C). A kitchen thermometer is super helpful here for consistent results with your apple recipes gf.

Step 5: When the oil is ready, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter (about 1-2 tablespoons each) into the hot oil. Leave space between each fritter so they cook evenly. You’ll probably fit 3-4 at once depending on your pot size. Fry for about 3 minutes per side until deep golden brown. The gluten free apple fritters should look crispy and gorgeous.

Step 6: Remove fritters carefully using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire cooling rack. This keeps them crispy instead of soggy.

Step 7: Make the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl. Adjust thickness with more sugar or milk as needed for your perfect glaze consistency.

Step 8: Once the fritters have cooled slightly (about 5 minutes), dip each one in the glaze. Set back on the rack to let excess drip off. Now try not to eat them all at once!

Substitutions That Work

Flour: Most all-purpose gluten free flour blends work beautifully for these gluten free apple fritters. I’ve had success with King Arthur, Bob’s Red Mill, and store brands. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or add it separately.

Eggs: Aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) is my favorite egg replacement. Use 3 tablespoons per egg. These egg and gluten free desserts turn out just as delicious and fluffy.

Apples: Granny Smith adds nice tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji bring natural sweetness. Use whatever you’ve got!

Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk works perfectly. Almond milk, oat milk, and regular cow’s milk all give great results for these apple recipes gf.

Sugar: Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar or regular granulated sugar if that’s what’s in your pantry.

Troubleshooting Your Gluten Free Apple Fritters

Fritters falling apart? Your oil might not be hot enough. Always check that thermometer reads between 360-375°F before adding batter. Also, make sure you’re not stirring or flipping too early.

Too greasy? The oil temperature dropped too low. Fry fewer fritters at once and let the oil reheat between batches. These giftable desserts should be crispy, not oily.

Dense or gummy texture? You might’ve overmixed the batter or your gluten free flour blend is too heavy. Mix until just combined, and consider trying a lighter flour blend next time.

Glaze too runny? Add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach the right consistency. Too thick? Thin with a tiny bit more milk.

Apples sinking? Dice them smaller and make sure they’re well coated in the batter. The apples should stay suspended throughout your gluten free apple fritters.

Storage and Meal Prep

These fritters taste best fresh and warm, but I totally understand needing to make them ahead. Store unglazed fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They keep their texture better without the glaze.

For longer storage, freeze unglazed fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through, then add fresh glaze.

The glaze is best made fresh since it hardens as it sits. Whip up a quick batch right before serving for the prettiest finish on your egg and gluten free desserts.

If you’re making these as giftable desserts, glaze them the morning you’re giving them away for maximum freshness and appeal.

Serving Suggestions

These gluten free apple fritters are absolutely perfect with your morning coffee or tea. I love serving them warm for breakfast alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.

They also make a wonderful afternoon snack with cold apple cider in the fall. Kids go crazy for these after school with a glass of milk.

For brunch gatherings, arrange them on a pretty platter with fresh fruit and maybe some gluten-free baked chocolate donut holes for variety.

During holidays, these apple recipes gf shine as giftable desserts. Pack them in clear cellophane bags or small bakery boxes tied with ribbon. Everyone appreciates homemade treats that actually taste amazing and accommodate dietary needs.

Fun Variations to Try

Maple Glazed: Replace the vanilla extract in the glaze with maple extract and use maple syrup in place of some of the milk. So good with the apple and cinnamon combination!

Caramel Drizzle: Skip the glaze entirely and drizzle these gluten free apple fritters with store-bought caramel sauce. Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for something special.

Cranberry Apple: Fold in 1/2 cup dried cranberries along with the apples for a tart twist. Perfect for holiday giftable desserts.

Spiced Up: Double the cinnamon and add a pinch of ground ginger and cloves for deeper warming spices throughout your egg and gluten free desserts.

Kid-Friendly Mini Fritters: Make them smaller (about 1 tablespoon of batter each) so little hands can manage them easier. They cook faster too—only about 2 minutes per side.

Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond milk plus vegan butter in the glaze for completely dairy-free apple recipes gf.

Gluten Free Apple Fritters with Sweet Vanilla Glaze FAQs

More Gluten-Free Treats You’ll Love

If you’re enjoying these gluten free apple fritters, you’ll definitely want to try our creamy dairy-free oat milk pumpkin pie for holidays or our vegan pumpkin pie that accommodates multiple dietary needs beautifully.

Both recipes share that same approachable, family-friendly style that makes gluten-free baking feel easy and joyful.

These gluten free apple fritters have become one of my most-requested recipes. There’s something so satisfying about pulling off a classic treat that everyone—gluten-free or not—devours enthusiastically.

The crispy edges, soft centers, and chunks of spiced apple create the perfect balance. And honestly? Nobody ever guesses they’re gluten-free. They just taste like really, really good fritters.

Whether you’re making them for your family’s weekend breakfast, bringing them to a potluck, or wrapping them up as thoughtful giftable desserts, I hope these bring as much joy to your kitchen as they’ve brought to mine.

Now grab those apples and let’s get frying!