Delicious Fresh Peach Fritters: A Taste of Summer in Every Crispy Bite!
Hey there, Jason Griffith here! As the sun shines brightly and the peaches ripen perfectly here in Marion, South Carolina, there’s nothing quite like a sweet, juicy treat to celebrate the bounty of summer. And if you’re looking for a dessert or breakfast indulgence that’s wonderfully crispy on the outside, tender and bursting with fruit on the inside, then these Delicious Fresh Peach Fritters are an absolute must-try! They’re simple to make, utterly irresistible, and guaranteed to become a new summer favorite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge advocate for recipes that highlight the natural sweetness of fresh, seasonal produce, and these Peach Fritters do exactly that. What I particularly love about them is the incredible texture contrast: the golden-brown, crispy exterior gives way to a soft, cake-like interior studded with tender, juicy peach pieces. The hint of cinnamon in the batter complements the peaches beautifully, and a simple sweet glaze adds just the right touch of extra indulgence. They’re perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast, a delightful dessert, or a fun snack for any summer gathering. Plus, while they look impressive, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these wonderfully crispy and juicy Peach Fritters:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for batter)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for batter)
- 2 cups fresh ripe peaches, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2-3 medium peaches)
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 3-4 inches deep in a pot/Dutch oven, such as canola or peanut oil)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or peach juice (from dicing peaches)
Swaps and Notes
- Peaches: Use ripe but firm peaches that are easy to peel and dice. You can blanch them quickly in boiling water for 30 seconds to make peeling easier. If using frozen peaches, thaw and drain them very well.
- Milk: Whole milk or 2% milk works best for the batter. Buttermilk can be used for a tangier flavor and softer fritters.
- Vegetable Oil (for batter): A neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil works fine.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice note that pairs beautifully with peaches. A tiny pinch of nutmeg could also be added.
- Frying Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for best frying results.
- Glaze Liquid: Using a little peach juice (squeezed from the diced peaches) in the glaze will intensify the peach flavor. Otherwise, milk works perfectly.
- Don’t Overmix: As with most quick breads and fritters, mix until just combined to ensure a tender texture.
Directions
Making these Delicious Fresh Peach Fritters involves a few simple steps, leading to perfectly golden, crispy bites!
- Prepare Peaches: Peel, core, and dice the fresh ripe peaches into small, uniform pieces (about ½-inch). Set aside.
- Make Dry Batter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
- Make Wet Batter Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the large egg, ½ cup milk, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil until well combined.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine, and overmixing will lead to tough fritters.
- Fold in Peaches: Gently fold in the diced peaches into the batter, mixing until they are evenly distributed.
- Heat Oil for Frying: In a deep pot or Dutch oven, heat 3-4 inches of vegetable oil for frying over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature between 350°F (175°C) and 375°F (190°C).
- Fry Fritters in Batches: Once the oil is at temperature, carefully drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, working in batches of 4-5 fritters to avoid overcrowding the pot (overcrowding will drop the oil temperature too much, leading to greasy fritters). Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon or tongs, until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through.
- Tip: Cook one test fritter first, cut it open to check if the peach pieces are tender and the batter is cooked through before proceeding with the rest of the batch.
- Drain Fritters: Remove the fried fritters with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Prepare Glaze (Optional): While the fritters are still warm, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons milk or peach juice (from dicing peaches) until a smooth, drizzling consistency is reached.
- Glaze & Serve: Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fritters. Serve immediately and enjoy these delightful treats!
Tips for Success
- Ripe Peaches are Key: Choose ripe, fragrant peaches for the best flavor, but make sure they’re not overly soft, which can make them mushy in the fritter.
- Oil Temperature Control: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is crucial for crispy, evenly cooked fritters that aren’t greasy. A thermometer is highly recommended.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the fritters tender.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pot; this is essential for maintaining oil temperature and achieving crispiness.
- Drain Well: Draining on a wire rack lined with paper towels removes excess oil for a lighter fritter.
- Glaze While Warm: Drizzle the glaze over warm fritters so it melts slightly and adheres well.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Delicious Fresh Peach Fritters are a versatile and irresistible treat. They’re perfect for:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve as a special addition to a weekend spread with coffee or tea.
- Dessert: Fantastic on their own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Snack: A sweet and satisfying bite any time of day.
- Summer Gatherings: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or barbecues.
For other delightful fruit-based baked goods, you might also enjoy my Rhubarb Cake or my naturally sweet Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Peach Fritters are definitely best enjoyed fresh and warm from the fryer. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To reheat and try to re-crisp, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 5-10 minutes. They won’t be as crispy as fresh, but still tasty. Freezing is not recommended for optimal texture.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the moist texture and comforting flavors of these fritters, here are a few more delightful dessert recipes that I think you’ll absolutely love:
- For another fantastic way to use up ripe fruit in baking, check out my This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas.
- If you’re a fan of comforting and crowd-pleasing desserts, my This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd is a must-make.
- For a sweet, spiced holiday bake, my Dried Fruit Cake with Honey is perfect.
- For a refreshing summer drink, my This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days is perfect.
Final Thoughts
These Delicious Fresh Peach Fritters are a true celebration of summer’s bounty – crispy, juicy, and bursting with sweet peach flavor. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s face. Give them a fry, and enjoy this delightful taste of summer!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy fresh summer peaches? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delightful and inspiring recipes!
Leave a Reply