Fried Peach Fritters are a delightful Southern treat, featuring juicy chunks of ripe peaches enveloped in a light, crispy batter. Fried to golden perfection, each fritter is then drizzled with a sweet glaze. These fritters offer a perfect blend of warm, fruity goodness and a satisfying crunch, making them an irresistible dessert or snack.
Today, we’re diving into a recipe that celebrates one of the South’s most beloved fruits: the peach. And not just any peach, mind you—I’m talking about the juiciest, sweetest Georgia peaches. These beauties are the star of our show as we whip up a batch of irresistible Fried Peach Fritters.
Now, if you’ve never had a fried peach fritter, you’re in for a treat. Picture this: golden, crispy fritters bursting with juicy peach chunks, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a luscious peach glaze. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to kick off your shoes, sit back on the porch, and enjoy a lazy afternoon.
The Southern Love for Peaches
Georgia peaches are the pride of the South. They’re known for their unparalleled sweetness and juicy perfection. Growing up, I have many happy memories of my daddy stopping at peach orchards in South Georgia on our way to Florida for summer vacation.
There’s just something magical about biting into a ripe Georgia peach—the way the juice dribbles down your chin and the burst of flavor that takes you straight to heaven. I’m a native Georgian so I may be just a bit partial to Georgian peaches, but hey we aren’t called the peach state for no reason.
So, it’s no wonder we Southerners love to incorporate peaches into our cooking. And what better way to showcase their deliciousness than in a fried fritter?
Here is what you are going to need to make these delicious Fried Peach Fritters! (Be sure to see the full printable recipe below this post.)
- Fresh Southern Peaches (Georgia peaches preferred)
- Plain (all-purpose) flour (I use White Lily)
- White granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
For peach glaze
- Powdered sugar
- Peach purée
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
How to make Fried Peach Fritters
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Mix well.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Note: If the batter is not thick enough, add just a little more flour. Sometimes the peaches are extra juicy and can make the batter thinner. You want to be able to form a soft ball to drop into the frying pot.
4. Gently fold in the diced peaches.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be about 2 inches deep.
For the best results, chill your dough for 30 minutes or pop the dough in the freezer for 15 minutes. When you scoop out the dough, roll each dough in flour. This will help hold the dough together before dropping into the hot oil. Dough should be thick enough to form a soft ball.
6. Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
For the Peach Glaze:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, peach puree, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
2. Dip the warm fritters into the glaze or drizzle it over the top. Alternatively, you can simply dust the fritters with powdered sugar for a classic touch.
Helpful tips!
Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh Georgia peaches, South Carolina peaches come in a good second to ours. If peaches are not in season, frozen peaches will do.
– Make sure your oil is at the right temperature. Too hot, and the fritters will burn; too cool, and they’ll be greasy.
– Don’t overcrowd the fryer. Fry a few fritters at a time to ensure they cook evenly. Be sure to drain on paper towels.
– If you’re making the peach glaze, use a small blender or food processor to puree the peaches for a smooth consistency.
Entertaining ideas
These fritters are perfect for any occasion. Here are a few ideas to make them the star of your next gathering:
1. “Brunch Delight” Serve the fritters alongside a fruit salad and mimosas for a sweet start to your day.
2. “Dessert Extravaganza” Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprig of mint for an elegant dessert.
3. “Southern Tea Party” These fritters make a delightful addition to a tea party spread. Arrange them on a pretty platter and watch them disappear.
4. “Backyard BBQ’s “ serve them in a basket lined with a napkin. Everyone will go crazy over them. Perfect for the 4th of July.
These fritters are light, fluffy, and packed with fresh peach goodness. Whether you choose to dust them with powdered sugar or dip them in a peach-flavored glaze, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.
There you have it, folks! A sweet, Southern treat that’s sure to impress. Whip up a batch of these Fried Peach Fritters and let the compliments roll in.
Enjoy, and happy cooking!
Aletia
Be sure to check these delicious recipes! I think you will love them too!
Blueberry Lemon Bread with Lemon Icing
Cinnamon Roll Cherry Coffee Cake
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PrintFried Peach Fritters
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 minutes
- Total Time: -28913146.766667 minute
- Yield: 24 to 30 fritters
Description
These fritters are light, fluffy, and packed with fresh peach goodness. Whether you choose to dust them with powdered sugar or dip them in a peach-flavored glaze, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups fresh Georgia peaches, peeled and diced
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
⅔ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
2 large eggs, beaten
⅔ cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil for frying (About 6 ½ cups)
Peach Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons peach puree (from fresh or frozen peaches)
2-4 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Mix well.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Note: If the batter is not thick enough, add just a little more flour. Sometimes the peaches are extra juicy and can make the batter thinner. You want to be able to form a soft ball to drop into the frying pot.
Note: after forming a soft ball with the dough, roll the peach fritter dough in flour before dropping in hot oil. Also chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes makes the dough firmer.
4. Gently fold in the diced peaches.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be about 2 inches deep.
6. Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
For the Peach Glaze:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, peach puree, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
2. Dip the warm fritters into the glaze or drizzle it over the top. Alternatively, you can simply dust the fritters with powdered sugar for a classic touch.
Notes
Do ahead/Freeze Tips: The peach fritter dough can be made up a day or two ahead. Just wait to add peaches to the batter so they don’t turn brown. Fried fritters freeze well for up to two months. To serve, pop them into the microwave and heat for about 15 seconds or so.