Southern Peach Fritters

Southern Peach Fritters are a delightful and indulgent dessert, combining juicy peaches with a lightly spiced batter and fried to golden perfection. These fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drizzled with a sweet glaze, making them a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients

For the Fritters:

• 2 cups fresh peaches (peeled, pitted, and diced)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fritter Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Gently fold the diced peaches into the batter until evenly distributed.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

1. In a deep skillet or large pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of batter; if it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is ready.

Step 3: Fry the Fritters

1. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
2. Fry each fritter for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly runny. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Glaze the Fritters

1. Drizzle the glaze over the warm peach fritters, or dip each fritter into the glaze for a more decadent coating.
2. Let the glaze set for a minute before serving.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve the fritters warm with extra glaze on the side, if desired. Enjoy these sweet treats with a cup of coffee, tea, or as a dessert!

Cook Notes

• Fresh or Canned Peaches: You can use fresh peaches when they’re in season, but canned or frozen peaches (thawed and drained) work well, too.
• Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough fritters.
• Frying Tip: Keep an eye on the oil temperature to ensure the fritters cook evenly. If the oil gets too hot, the outside will brown too quickly while the inside remains undercooked.

Variations

• Apple Fritters: Substitute the peaches with diced apples for a fall-inspired version.
• Spiced Fritters: Add a pinch of allspice or cardamom to the batter for extra warmth and flavor.
• Lemon Glaze: For a bright citrusy twist, use lemon juice instead of milk in the glaze and add a little lemon zest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these fritters ahead of time?

Fritters are best served fresh and warm, but you can make them a few hours ahead and reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them up before serving.

Can I bake the fritters instead of frying them?

Frying gives these fritters their signature crispy texture, but you can bake them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious.

Can I freeze peach fritters?

Yes! Let the fritters cool completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

What can I serve with peach fritters?

Peach fritters are perfect on their own, but they pair well with whipped cream, ice cream, or even a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Southern Peach Fritters are a sweet and crispy indulgence that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these fritters will bring a touch of Southern charm to your table. With their golden crust, juicy peaches, and sweet glaze, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!