Blueberry Fritters with Lemon Glaze

Oh wow, these Blueberry Fritters with Lemon Glaze are so yummy! They’re soft and packed with juicy berries. I just couldn’t stop eating them.

The lemon glaze makes them even better. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor. And they’re really fun to make too!

You’ll totally want to try them. They’re great for breakfast or snacks. Plus, they look so pretty with the glaze!

Let’s grab our stuff and make these fritters together. It’s super easy, and I’ll walk you through it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Soft: The fritters have a crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior full of bursting blueberries.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The slightly sweet fritters combined with the tangy lemon glaze make each bite a flavor explosion.
• Quick and Easy: These fritters are simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Fry the fritters in advance and store them, then glaze them just before serving for an easy and delicious treat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a sweet snack, these fritters are a crowd-pleaser every time!

Required Kitchen Tools

Here are the essential tools you’ll need to prepare these mouthwatering fritters:

• Medium Bowl: For mixing dry ingredients.
• Whisk: To whisk the wet ingredients and the glaze.
• Frying Pan or Deep Fryer: To fry the fritters to crispy perfection.
• Slotted Spoon or Tongs: To carefully remove the fritters from the hot oil.
• Cooling Rack: To drain excess oil after frying and keep the fritters crispy.
• Wire Whisk or Spoon: To stir the glaze ingredients and drizzle it over the fritters.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure the ingredients are accurately measured for the best results.
• Mixing Spoon: For combining the wet and dry ingredients.

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delightful blueberry fritters (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Neutral Oil (Vegetable or Canola): This is for frying the fritters. These oils are best for frying because they have a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, allowing the fritters to cook properly without imparting any strong tastes.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the fritter batter. It gives the fritters a light and fluffy texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle depth of sweetness and helps create the perfect golden color when fried.
• Baking Powder: Helps the fritters rise, making them light and airy.
• Ground Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the flavor of the fritters and complements the sweetness of the blueberries.
• Ground Nutmeg: A touch of nutmeg adds depth and a slight earthiness to the fritters.
• Whole Milk: The milk is essential for binding the dry ingredients together and creating the smooth batter.
• Large Eggs (Room Temperature): Eggs help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the fritter batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that brings everything together.
• Fresh Blueberries: The star ingredient! Fresh blueberries burst with juice as they cook, making the fritters incredibly flavorful.

Ingredients for the Vanilla Lemon Glaze

• Powdered Sugar: Used as the base for the glaze, powdered sugar gives the glaze a smooth, silky texture that sets nicely on the fritters.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice provides the tartness needed to balance out the sweetness of the fritters and glaze.
• Whole Milk: Helps thin out the glaze, making it easy to drizzle over the fritters.
• Vanilla Extract: A little touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the glaze.

Variations for Blueberry Fritters

While these fritters are already packed with flavor, you can switch up the ingredients or the glaze to suit your taste!

• Try Different Berries: Swap the blueberries for other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries to create a different fritter flavor.
• Add Lemon Zest to the Batter: For an extra citrusy zing, add lemon zest to the batter. This will deepen the lemon flavor and complement the glaze even more.
• Try a Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Instead of using the lemon glaze, dust the fried fritters with cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm for a fun twist.
• Use Almond Extract: Swap out the vanilla extract in the glaze for almond extract to create a unique flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with blueberries.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Fritter Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add the whole milk and vanilla extract. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense fritters.

2. Fold in the Fresh Blueberries

Gently fold the fresh blueberries into the batter using a spatula. Be gentle to avoid crushing the berries, as you want them to remain intact to give the fritters their juicy pockets of fruit when frying.

3. Heat the Oil

Heat a generous amount of neutral oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium heat. You want the oil to reach about 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small spoonful of batter into the oil. If it bubbles and floats to the top quickly, the oil is ready.

4. Fry the Fritters

Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to carefully remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. Prepare the Vanilla Lemon Glaze

While the fritters are cooling slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more milk if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin. You want the glaze to be thick enough to coat the fritters but not so runny that it drips off too quickly.

6. Glaze the Fritters

Once the fritters are cool enough to handle but still warm, drizzle the vanilla lemon glaze over the top. You can also dip the fritters into the glaze for a thicker coating if you prefer a more indulgent treat.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Blueberry Fritters

These blueberry fritters are best enjoyed warm, and there are so many ways to serve them:

• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve the fritters alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful start to your day. You can even pair them with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a more savory breakfast spread.
• As a Snack: Perfect for an afternoon treat, these fritters are great with a cold glass of milk or a cup of tea.
• For Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

Storing Blueberry Fritters

These fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for later if needed:

• Store Leftovers: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have any leftover glaze, store it separately in the fridge.
• Reheat: To reheat the fritters, simply place them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are warm and crispy again.

Blueberry Fritters FAQs

Can I make these fritters in advance?

Yes, you can make the fritters ahead of time! Fry the fritters, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, or until crispy and heated through. You can also store the glaze separately in the refrigerator. Drizzle it over the fritters just before serving to maintain its fresh texture and flavor.

Can I freeze Blueberry Fritters?

Absolutely! If you want to freeze them, fry the fritters as usual and let them cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer the fritters to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake them directly from frozen at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes or until crispy and warm.

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries instead of fresh! However, frozen blueberries may release more juice as they thaw, which can make the batter a little runnier. To prevent this, you can toss the frozen blueberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps to absorb some of the excess moisture and keep the fritters fluffy.

What type of oil is best for frying fritters?

When frying fritters, it’s important to use an oil that has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil are all great choices. These oils allow the fritters to fry evenly and get crispy without imparting any strong flavors that would compete with the blueberries and lemon glaze.

Can I make the lemon glaze without milk?

Yes! If you prefer to avoid milk, you can make a dairy-free lemon glaze by using water instead of milk. You can also substitute the milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or any other non-dairy milk for a lactose-free option. The glaze will still have a deliciously tangy and sweet flavor.

What can I substitute for brown sugar in the fritters?

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar in the fritters. Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor, which complements the blueberries, but granulated sugar will work just fine. You can also try coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener or a refined sugar substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option.

Can I add other spices to the fritter batter?

Of course! If you love spices, feel free to experiment with other additions like ground ginger, allspice, or cardamom. A pinch of cloves can also add a lovely depth of flavor. Just be sure not to overpower the blueberries with too many spices – a little goes a long way.

Do I have to fry the fritters?

Frying gives the fritters their characteristic crispy golden crust, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, you can try baking them instead. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the batter into mounds on the sheet, leaving enough space between each fritter, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. While the texture won’t be quite the same as fried fritters, they’ll still be delicious!

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! This recipe can be easily doubled or even tripled if you’re making a larger batch for a party or gathering. Just ensure you have a large enough bowl to mix the batter and that you have plenty of oil in your frying pan or deep fryer to cook the fritters in batches.

Can I skip the lemon glaze?

While the lemon glaze is what makes these fritters extra special, you can certainly skip it if you prefer. The fritters will still be sweet and delicious on their own. If you like, you could serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle them with a little honey or maple syrup instead.

Tips for Making Perfect Blueberry Fritters

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, it’s important not to overmix. Overmixing the batter can make the fritters dense and tough instead of light and fluffy. Stir just until combined to avoid this.
2. Use Fresh Blueberries: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh blueberries. Frozen blueberries can make the batter soggy and can also cause the fritters to cook unevenly.
3. Check Oil Temperature: It’s essential that your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F). If the oil is too hot, the fritters will burn on the outside while staying raw on the inside. If it’s too cold, the fritters will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
4. Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry the fritters in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and get that golden brown, crispy exterior. Overcrowding the pan can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, which will result in soggy fritters.
5. Don’t Skip the Cooling Rack: After frying, let the fritters cool on a cooling rack instead of paper towels. This allows the excess oil to drip away while keeping the fritters crisp. If you place them on paper towels, they may get soggy.
6. Be Creative with the Glaze: The vanilla lemon glaze is incredibly simple and delicious, but don’t be afraid to get creative! You can experiment with different flavors by adding zest from other citrus fruits like orange or lime. Or, try infusing the glaze with fresh herbs like mint or thyme for a unique twist.

Storing Blueberry Fritters and Glaze

How to Store Leftover Fritters

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have more than you can eat, freezing them is a great option to preserve their freshness.

To reheat, place the fritters in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or until crispy and heated through. This will help maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.

How to Store the Lemon Glaze

If you have leftover glaze, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about a week, and you can easily reheat it in the microwave or on the stove for a few seconds before using.

Nutrition Information (Per Fritter, without glaze)

Nutrition Facts	Amount
Calories	~180 kcal
Protein	2g
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	1g
Carbohydrates	29g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	12g
Sodium	50mg

(Note: The nutrition information may vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion size. The glaze adds additional calories and sugar.)

Tips for Success

1. Monitor Oil Temperature: For the best results, make sure your oil stays at a consistent temperature of 350°F. Too hot, and the fritters will burn on the outside without cooking through; too cold, and they’ll absorb excess oil, resulting in greasy fritters.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense fritters. Stir the wet and dry ingredients until just combined—lumps are okay!
3. Use Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are the best for this recipe. They provide the perfect burst of juice when fried and ensure the fritters stay light and fluffy.
4. Serve Immediately: While the fritters can be stored and reheated, they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer when they’re warm and crispy. The glaze will set as they cool, giving them a glossy finish.
5. Experiment with Glaze Flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or orange, or add a hint of almond extract to the glaze for a unique twist.

Conclusion

These Blueberry Fritters with Lemon Glaze are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, serving them at brunch, or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these fritters are sure to become a favorite. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and bursting with fresh blueberries, all topped off with a tangy, sweet lemon glaze—what’s not to love?

So, roll up your sleeves and get frying! Your family and friends will thank you for this delicious, irresistible treat.