Peach Fritter Donuts with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze
Peach Fritter Donuts with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze are soft, fluffy, and golden on the outside with a gooey peach filling inside. These late-summer treats are bursting with flavor and coated in a rich brown butter maple vanilla bean glaze that seeps into every crisp ridge and crack. Served warm and fresh, they’re the perfect mix of tender donut and fruity pie in one handheld bite.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Milk
Granulated sugar
Salted butter
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Instant yeast
Salt
Peaches
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Cornstarch
Water
Vanilla extract or paste
Powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Why You’ll Love Peach Fritter Donuts:
Crispy on the Outside, Soft and Fluffy Inside: Each fritter donut has a golden, crisp shell with a tender, pillowy center that melts in your mouth.
Gooey Peach Filling in Every Bite: Bursting with warm, juicy peaches, the filling brings a comforting, fruity sweetness to balance the rich dough.
Brown Butter Glaze Magic: The glaze is made with nutty brown butter, maple syrup, and vanilla bean, coating every crevice for an indulgent, aromatic finish.
Perfect for Peach Season: These donuts are a delicious way to use up ripe summer peaches—fresh or frozen both work beautifully.
Handheld and Shareable: Great for gatherings, brunches, or weekend treats, these fritters are easy to serve and even easier to devour.
Just the Right Amount of Sweet and Tart: The balance of tangy peaches and sweet glaze keeps every bite exciting without being overly sugary.
Homemade Comfort Food at Its Best: From the caramelized edges to the warm fruit center, this recipe brings bakery-level results straight from your kitchen.
Tips for Making Peach Fritter Donuts:
Use Ripe but Firm Peaches: Ripe peaches give the filling a naturally sweet, juicy flavor, but if they’re too soft, they’ll release too much liquid into the batter.
Chop the Peaches Small: Smaller pieces of peach distribute evenly and help the fritters hold their shape while frying.
Drain Excess Peach Juice: After chopping, let the peaches sit briefly in a strainer to remove extra moisture that can make the dough too wet.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough, dense fritters instead of light, fluffy ones.
Fry at the Right Temperature: Keep the oil steady at 360°F-375°F. Too hot and the outside will burn before the center cooks; too cool and they’ll absorb oil and turn greasy.
Let Them Cool Slightly Before Glazing: The glaze will cling best if the fritters are warm but not piping hot. This helps it set instead of sliding off.
Don’t Skip Browning the Butter: Browning the butter deepens the flavor of the glaze and adds a nutty richness that elevates the entire fritter.
Whisk the Glaze Until Smooth: Make sure the glaze is well mixed and silky for even coverage over the fritters.
Serve the Same Day: Fritters are best the day they’re made, especially while the glaze is still slightly warm and the edges stay crisp.
How to Store Peach Fritter Donuts:
At Room Temperature (Short Term): Keep leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain the crisp exterior.
In the Refrigerator (Up to 3 Days): Store cooled fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore the crisp texture and warm up the peach filling.
In the Freezer (Up to 2 Months): Freeze completely cooled fritters on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheat from frozen in a 325°F oven for 12–15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp.
Best Way to Reheat Glazed Fritters: If the glaze has set, cover loosely with foil during reheating to prevent it from burning. For extra freshness, add a second drizzle of glaze after reheating.
Avoid Microwaving: Microwaving can make the dough soggy and the glaze rubbery. Oven reheating is the best method to bring back that fresh-fried texture.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use canned or frozen peaches for peach fritters?
A: Yes, both canned and frozen peaches work well. Just be sure to drain canned peaches thoroughly or thaw and strain frozen ones to avoid extra moisture in the dough.
Q: How do I know when the fritters are done frying?
A: The fritters should be golden brown and puffed, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. They usually take 2–3 minutes per side at 375°F.
Q: What kind of oil is best for frying fritters?
A: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like avocado, canola, vegetable, or peanut oil to fry the donuts evenly without adding any flavor. A high-heat olive oil also works great!
Q: Can I bake peach fritter donuts instead of frying them?
A: Traditional fritters are best fried for that crisp exterior, but you can try baking them at 375°F for 15–20 minutes. The texture won’t be quite the same but still tasty.
Q: How do I keep the glaze from melting off the fritters?
A: Let the fritters cool slightly before glazing—warm enough to absorb flavor, but not so hot that the glaze slides off completely.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: It’s best to fry the dough shortly after mixing. However, you can prep the peach filling and glaze in advance to save time.
Q: How should I store leftover fritters?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Q: Can I make these without the glaze?
A: Yes—while the brown butter maple glaze adds a rich, sweet finish, the fritters are still delicious on their own or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Check out my other donut recipes:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make these sourdough krispy kreme donuts. Happy baking!
