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When juicy, ripe peaches start showing up at the farmers market, I know it is time for peach fritters. These delicious fresh peach fritters are golden brown on the outside, light and fluffy inside, and packed with sweet peach pieces. I love making these in late summer for breakfast treats or as a fun dessert when friends visit.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: gives structure and a soft crumb look for unbleached for best texture
- Baking powder: helps each fritter puff up beautifully make sure yours is fresh for good lift
- Salt: helps bring out the flavors of the fruit and spices use fine sea salt for even mixing
- Granulated sugar: adds the perfect touch of sweetness pick pure cane sugar for clean flavor
- Cinnamon: offers a warm note that partners beautifully with peaches use true cinnamon for best taste
- Eggs: are the binder and add richness farm fresh eggs make the batter especially tasty
- Milk: creates a tender batter and thins it for easy frying whole milk is best for flavor
- Melted butter: adds a little indulgence and enriches the dough use quality unsalted butter for a perfect base
- Fresh peaches: are the showstopper look for just ripe peaches that give a little to the touch and smell fragrant
- Powdered sugar or granulated sugar: is for glazing or finishing the fritters choose whichever suits your mood
- Oil for deep frying: makes the exterior crisp I like to use a neutral oil such as peanut or canola
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- Combine the flour salt baking powder sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly to get rid of any lumps and evenly distribute the baking powder.
- Make the Batter:
- Crack in the eggs then pour in the milk and melted butter. Whisk everything together gently but thoroughly until a uniform batter forms. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all flour is incorporated.
- Fold in the Peaches:
- Add the diced fresh peaches gently folding them in with a spatula. Take care not to break up the peaches so you get juicy pieces in every bite.
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour enough oil into a deep pan or fryer to submerge the fritters. Heat the oil gradually to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer if possible to maintain even temperature which ensures crisp exterior without greasy spots.
- Fry the Fritters:
- Using a ladle carefully scoop about a quarter to half cup of batter and gently drop into the hot oil. Each fritter should have room to float and puff up. Fry them in batches if needed letting each one cook for about 3 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain and Coat:
- With tongs or a slotted spoon transfer cooked fritters to paper towels to drain excess oil briefly. While still warm toss them in granulated sugar for a sweet crunchy crust or drizzle with your favorite glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
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My favorite part of making these is watching the peaches caramelize just a little at the edges while frying. Once my grandma and I made a double batch and even neighbors stopped by for a sweet bite straight from the kitchen.
Storage Tips
These fritters taste best fresh but if you have leftovers store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. To revive their crispness a few seconds in the oven or toaster oven works wonders. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If fresh peaches are not available try high quality frozen peaches thawed and drained well. Nectarines or even diced pears are a tasty stand in. For a dairy free version swap the milk for almond milk and use coconut oil instead of butter.
Serving Suggestions
Peach fritters make an incredible breakfast treat with a cup of hot coffee. They can also be served as an after dinner dessert dusted with powdered sugar. For special occasions drizzle fritters with a simple vanilla glaze and top with extra diced fruit.
Brief Cultural History
Fruit fritters of all kinds have been popular in American home cooking for generations. This classic peach version likely got its start in the South where peaches ripen in abundance. Preparing fritters together with family has become a cherished tradition in many homes especially during peak peach season.
Recipe FAQs
- → How ripe should the peaches be?
Choose peaches that are ripe but still firm, as overly soft peaches can make the batter too wet and affect the texture.
- → Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Canned or frozen peaches can be used if drained well and patted dry. Make sure to cut them into small, even pieces.
- → What's the best oil temperature for frying?
Maintain the oil at 375°F (190°C) for the fritters to puff up evenly and turn a golden brown without absorbing excess oil.
- → How do I ensure the fritters stay crispy?
Drain fritters thoroughly on paper towels right after frying and avoid stacking them, which helps keep them crispy.
- → Can I substitute the glaze for another topping?
Yes, you can simply roll the fritters in granulated sugar while still warm or use a cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra flavor.