Name: Delicious Fresh Peach Fritters
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2/3 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced fresh peaches; Oil for frying (vegetable or canola works best); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nothing captures the essence of summer quite like fresh peaches. Their juicy sweetness, floral aroma, and vibrant color make them a seasonal favorite in countless recipes. One of my most beloved treats to make with ripe peaches? Fritters. There's something magical about biting into a warm, golden fritter bursting with fresh fruit and drizzled with a sweet glaze.

I remember the first time I made these peach fritters during peach season at a local farm. With a basket overflowing with sun-ripened peaches, I knew I had to try something new beyond pies and cobblers. The result was a crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside pastry that won over my whole family—and quickly became a staple at brunches and afternoon coffee breaks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Peach Flavor: Fresh diced peaches bring juicy sweetness and seasonal flair.
Crispy & Golden: Fried to perfection for a light crunch with every bite.
Quick & Easy: From bowl to plate in just 30 minutes.
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
Crowd-Pleaser: Glazed and gorgeous, these are always a hit at gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Peach Fritters:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅔ cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 ½ cups peeled and diced fresh peaches
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola works best)

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions: You can use nectarines or apples in place of peaches for a twist. Almond extract can also be swapped for vanilla to add a nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This dry base forms the structure of your fritters.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and well blended.

3. Combine the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—a few lumps are okay and ensure a tender fritter.

4. Fold in the Peaches

Gently fold the diced peaches into the batter. Ripe but firm peaches work best so they hold their shape during frying.

5. Heat the Oil

Pour about 2-3 inches of oil into a deep skillet or fryer and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature for even cooking.

6. Fry the Fritters

Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop dollops of batter (about 2 tablespoons each) into the hot oil. Fry a few at a time to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy fritters.

Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Turn carefully using tongs or a slotted spoon.

7. Drain the Fritters

Remove fritters from the oil and place on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.

8. Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for thicker glaze).

9. Glaze the Fritters

While the fritters are still slightly warm, drizzle them generously with the glaze or dip them directly into the bowl for full coverage. Let set for a few minutes before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions: Enjoy peach fritters warm with a cup of coffee or iced tea. They also pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best texture, reheat briefly in a toaster oven.

Freezing: Freeze unglazed fritters in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat and glaze before serving.

Helpful Notes

Choose Firm, Ripe Peaches: Overripe peaches can release too much moisture and make the batter soggy.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a steady 350°F for crisp, evenly cooked fritters.
Test First: Fry one fritter first to test the oil temperature and adjust as needed.
Keep Size Consistent: Use a scoop or spoon to portion the batter evenly for uniform cooking.
Let Glaze Set: After glazing, let fritters sit for 5-10 minutes for a nice finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake the peach fritters instead of frying?

These fritters are best when fried, but you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes in a muffin tin. The texture will be more like a muffin or doughnut hole.

2. Can I use canned or frozen peaches?

Yes, but drain canned peaches well and pat them dry. Thaw and drain frozen peaches before using. Fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture.

3. Why are my fritters greasy?

Greasy fritters usually mean the oil wasn't hot enough. Be sure to maintain the correct temperature throughout frying.

4. How do I make the glaze stick better?

Glaze adheres best when fritters are still slightly warm but not too hot. You can also poke a few holes in the fritters to let the glaze seep in.

5. Can I add spices or flavorings?

Absolutely! Try nutmeg, ginger, or even a dash of almond extract for a unique twist. Lemon zest is also great with peaches.

Final Thoughts

These fresh peach fritters are the perfect way to celebrate peach season. They’re quick to make, satisfying to eat, and bursting with real fruit flavor. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, juicy peach-filled interior is just heavenly.

Whether you're making these for a weekend brunch, a summer party, or simply because you found some amazing peaches at the market, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.