Let’s face it, mornings can be tough, but they don’t have to be dull. What if you could turn a simple fall day into a cozy, delicious experience? That’s where these maple-glazed cardamom apple fritters come in—effortless, heartwarming, and packed with the comforting flavors of autumn.
With just a little prep, you can whip up a treat that feels indulgent but is easy enough to enjoy any day of the week.
A Fall Favorite, Made Simple
When apples are in season, there’s nothing quite like savoring their crisp, sweet flavor in a freshly made fritter. These treats combine soft dough, warm spices, and a caramelized apple filling, all drizzled with a rich maple glaze.
The balance of cinnamon and cardamom brings a touch of warmth and sophistication, elevating this recipe beyond the ordinary.
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Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch or treating yourself, these fritters are the kind of crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact.
Versatility for Every Occasion
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Looking for a way to make it vegan? Simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and opt for your favorite dairy-free glaze.
Need to make it gluten-free? Use a gluten-free bread dough that holds up to frying. No matter your dietary needs, these fritters can be tweaked to suit your preferences.
For meal preppers, the dough can be made ahead of time and stored, ready to roll out when the craving strikes. You’ll have fresh, warm fritters on demand without the hassle.
Perfect for Beginners & Pros Alike
Even if baking isn’t your usual thing, this recipe is approachable and straightforward.
The ingredients are easy to source, and the steps are simple enough to follow, even for novice bakers. Plus, the process of caramelizing the apples and rolling the dough is as satisfying as the final product.
If you’re a more experienced cook, you’ll appreciate how quickly this comes together while leaving room for creative twists. Add a dash of nutmeg, experiment with different apple varieties, or drizzle with a spiced honey glaze instead of maple syrup.
Tips for the Best Fritters
- Choose the right apples: Crisp, tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best, balancing sweetness with a slight tang.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the dough rise ensures the fritters are light and fluffy.
- Fry at the right temperature: Too low, and they’ll absorb oil; too high, and the outside will burn before the inside cooks through. Aim for 350°F for the perfect golden crust.
The Perfect Pairing
These fritters shine brightest when paired with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The warm spices and maple glaze complement a bold espresso or a spiced chai latte beautifully.
They also make an excellent addition to a holiday brunch spread, bringing a little homemade charm to your table.
So the next time you’re looking for an easy food recipe that feels special, remember these fritters. They’re the kind of comfort food that wraps you in a warm hug, with the added bonus of being irresistibly delicious.
Try them out—you’ll thank yourself later.
Note: Here is the Everyday Bread Dough recipe you can use for this.
Easy Maple-Glazed Cardamom Apple Fritters Recipe
Ingredients
Cardamom Apple Filling:
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 large apples cored and chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Fritters:
- Everyday bread dough at room temperature
- ⅓ cup apple butter
- Neutral oil e.g., canola or vegetable, for frying
Maple Glaze:
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Filling:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add apples, cinnamon, and cardamom. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add maple syrup and continue cooking until the apples are caramelized, 3 to 5 minutes more. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Dough:
- Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 10 × 16-inch rectangle, about ½ inch thick. Spread apple butter evenly over the dough. Arrange the caramelized apple mixture on top.
- Starting at the long edge, roll the dough into a log and seal the edge. Rotate the dough 90° and roll out into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick. Cut into 12 to 14 squares.
Proof the Dough:
- Place the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until puffed.
Cook the Fritters:
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat to 350°F. Fry 3 or 4 fritters at a time, flipping until golden brown on both sides, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
Prepare the Glaze:
- Whisk maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth.
Glaze and Serve:
- Drizzle the glaze over warm fritters. Serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, leave the skin on the apples when preparing the filling.
- These fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be gently reheated if needed.
- Substitute pear or peach slices for a seasonal variation.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.