Maple Honeycrisp Apple Fritters

The Story & Introduction

Fall is hands-down my favorite season—not just for the cozy sweaters and crisp air, but for the scents and tastes that bring warmth to every corner of the kitchen. When the first Honeycrisp apples hit the farmer’s market, I know it’s time to start baking. And nothing says fall quite like these maple Honeycrisp apple fritters. They’re golden, pillowy, and packed with juicy bits of sweet apple, all finished with a maple glaze that tastes like a cozy hug.

Growing up, my mom made apple fritters on cool October weekends. The smell would wrap around the house like a warm blanket. Now, with my twist—adding pure maple syrup and using only the best Honeycrisp apples—I’ve taken that nostalgia and turned it into a recipe you’ll come back to every autumn. The result is a fall dessert that’s comforting, rustic, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.

Maple Honeycrisp Apple Fritters served with maple glaze — Maple Honeycrisp Apple Fritters with Glaze

Honeycrisp apples are ideal here: naturally sweet, slightly tart, and incredibly crisp. They hold their shape beautifully when fried and complement the rich, maple glaze like a dream. Plus, they don’t turn mushy in the batter, giving every fritter a balanced bite of tender fruit and light, airy dough.

This isn’t just a fritter recipe—it’s a fall ritual. Whether you’re curled up with a book or serving guests at a harvest brunch, these maple Honeycrisp apple fritters will deliver big fall flavor in every bite.

Table of Contents

Why These Fritters Are a Must-Bake This Fall

If you’ve ever craved a treat that blends the crisp sweetness of fall apples with a fluffy dough and indulgent maple glaze, this is it. These maple Honeycrisp apple fritters are surprisingly easy to make and don’t require any fancy equipment—just a bowl, whisk, and a deep pan for frying. It’s the kind of cozy baking project that fills your kitchen with warm spice and anticipation.

The batter comes together in minutes with pantry staples: flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, and melted butter. But what makes this apple fritter recipe stand out is the blend of warm spices and the tender chunks of Honeycrisp apples folded in at the end. Unlike generic varieties, Honeycrisp apples hold their structure during frying, adding texture to every bite.

Once dropped into hot oil, the fritters puff up to golden perfection. They’re crisp on the outside, tender in the middle, and oozing with autumn flavor. And when you finish them off with a drizzle—or a dunk—of maple glaze, they turn into bakery-worthy fritters that are better than anything store-bought.

This easy apple fritters recipe works beautifully for holiday brunches, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or even casual Sunday breakfasts. Pair them with a hot apple cider or pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall indulgence.

Ingredients Breakdown for Maple Honeycrisp Apple Fritters

When you’re ready to make these maple Honeycrisp apple fritters, gather a handful of pantry staples plus fresh Honeycrisp apples and maple syrup. Each ingredient plays a role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Apple fritter ingredients with Honeycrisp apples and maple syrup — Ingredients for Maple Honeycrisp Apple Fritters

Dry Ingredients

All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The backbone of your fritter batter, providing structure while still keeping the texture light.
Baking powder (2 ½ teaspoons): Ensures the fritters puff up beautifully when fried.
Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds sweetness to the dough and helps with browning.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness, making sure the flavors shine.
Spices (½ teaspoon pie spice + 1 teaspoon cinnamon): These warm spices are essential for that cozy fall dessert vibe. You can swap pumpkin pie spice for apple pie spice depending on preference.

Wet Ingredients

Eggs (2 large, beaten): Add richness and bind the batter together.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the apple and spice notes.
Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Provides richness while keeping the texture tender.
Buttermilk (⅔ cup): The acidity in buttermilk reacts with baking powder for a light, fluffy texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Apples

Honeycrisp apples (2 large, peeled and diced): The heart of this recipe. Their natural sweetness and crisp bite ensure every fritter has juicy apple pieces that don’t turn mushy while frying. This is what sets these easy apple fritters apart.

For Frying

Neutral oil (vegetable or canola): You’ll need enough to fry in a medium pot. Keep the temperature steady at 360ºF for golden, crispy fritters.

Maple Glaze

Powdered sugar (2 ¼ cups): Creates a smooth, glossy glaze.
Kosher salt (⅛ teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and balances maple.
Pure maple syrup (1 tablespoon): The star ingredient for flavor. Avoid imitation syrup—it makes a huge difference.
Milk (3–4 tablespoons): Adjust as needed for the perfect dipping consistency.

This ingredient list makes about a dozen apple fritters with glaze—ideal for a weekend brunch, Thanksgiving breakfast, or even a sweet treat after dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Maple Honeycrisp Apple Fritters

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to bring these maple Honeycrisp apple fritters to life. Follow these steps to achieve fritters that are golden, fluffy, and perfectly glazed.

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and pie spice. In another bowl, beat the eggs with vanilla extract, melted butter, and buttermilk until smooth. Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry, stirring gently until combined. The batter will be thick but should still drop easily from a spoon.

Batter for maple Honeycrisp apple fritters with apples folded in — Mixing Batter for Apple Fritters

Now fold in the diced Honeycrisp apples. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed so every bite of your fritter is filled with fruit. This combination of crisp apples and spiced batter is what makes these fritters a fall dessert worth repeating every year.

Step 2: Fry the Fritters

Heat oil in a medium pot to 360ºF. Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too low. Each fritter should take about 3–4 minutes, turning golden brown on the outside while cooking through in the center.

Frying apple fritters in oil until golden brown — Frying Maple Honeycrisp Apple Fritters

Once fried, transfer fritters onto a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil. This is how you get crispy fritters that stay light and fluffy instead of greasy.

If you’re craving more playful fall recipes for kids, you’ll love these Frankenstein Halloween Rice Krispie Treats, which are just as fun to make but with a spooky twist.

Step 3: Make the Maple Glaze

While the fritters cool slightly, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed: add more milk for a thinner glaze, or more powdered sugar for a thicker one.

Apple fritter dipped in maple glaze — Glazing Apple Fritters with Maple Syrup Glaze

Dip each fritter into the glaze or drizzle it generously over the top. The glossy maple coating enhances the apple flavors and transforms these fritters into bakery-worthy apple fritters with glaze that taste as good as they look.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then serve warm. These easy apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, paired with coffee, spiced cider, or a cozy pumpkin latte.

Storage, Serving, and Seasonal Pairings

Once you’ve glazed your maple Honeycrisp apple fritters, the next big question is how to store and serve them so they stay as delicious as the moment they came out of the fryer.

How to Store Apple Fritters

These fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later. Place cooled fritters in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. At room temperature, they’ll last about 1–2 days before losing crispness. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm fritters in the oven at 350ºF for 8–10 minutes to bring back their crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn soggy instead of staying light and fluffy. With these storage tips, you can enjoy crispy fritters anytime you crave a sweet bite.

What to Serve with Maple Honeycrisp Apple Fritters

Because these fritters are sweet, they pair beautifully with drinks like hot apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, or even a rich hot chocolate. For a more indulgent dessert, try serving them with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between warm fritters and cold toppings makes them irresistible.

If you’re looking to balance your menu with savory options, add a tray of holiday appetizers like these Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry. Together, they make a spread that’s both comforting and elegant—perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, fall brunches, or cozy dinner parties.

Seasonal Pairings for Entertaining

Morning Brunch: Serve fritters alongside coffee or tea, plus a savory egg dish for balance.
Afternoon Snack: Pair with mulled cider or chai tea for a true cozy fall vibe.
Holiday Dessert Table: Mix fritters with pies, cookies, and bars to give guests variety.

By pairing these fritters smartly, you transform them from a simple snack into a star of your seasonal menu.

Cozy Up Your Fall Baking Game

Fall is the season when kitchens come alive with comforting scents and flavors. While these maple Honeycrisp apple fritters are the ultimate sweet treat, rounding out your menu with other seasonal recipes creates a cozy and memorable experience for everyone at the table.

Maple Honeycrisp apple fritters served on rustic board — Maple Honeycrisp Apple Fritters on Fall Table

Add a Savory Touch

To balance all the sweetness of fritters, pair them with something hearty and nourishing. A warm bowl of Tuscan White Bean Soup makes a wonderful companion dish. The creamy beans and rustic flavors bring comfort to chilly evenings, while the fritters add a pop of indulgence for dessert. This pairing is perfect for fall family dinners or relaxed weekend gatherings.

Playful Seasonal Treats

Fall is also about fun, and festive desserts bring joy to kids and adults alike. For a whimsical Halloween-inspired option, try White Chocolate Mummy Truffles. They’re easy to make, visually adorable, and complement the rustic charm of apple fritters with a lighter, bite-sized dessert. Together, they showcase the diversity of fall baking—from cozy and traditional to festive and playful.

Why Variety Wins

When you mix savory dishes, traditional sweets, and themed desserts, you create a seasonal spread that feels complete. Serve crispy fritters at brunch, pair a savory soup with dinner, and add mummy truffles to a Halloween party platter. It’s this variety that makes fall cooking so inviting—every recipe has its place in the story of the season.

So don’t stop at just apple fritters with glaze. Keep exploring new recipes, and let your kitchen reflect all the warmth and joy autumn has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Honeycrisp Apple Fritters

Are Honeycrisp apples OK for baking?

Yes, Honeycrisp apples are excellent for baking. They’re naturally sweet, slightly tart, and hold their structure well under heat. That makes them perfect for recipes like maple Honeycrisp apple fritters, where you want tender apple bites that don’t turn mushy in the batter.

What are the best apples to use for apple fritters?

While Honeycrisp is the top choice, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Pink Lady apples also work well. The key is picking a firm apple with balanced sweetness and tartness. Using a mix of apples can add even more depth to your fritter recipe.

What makes Honeycrisp apples popular for baking?

Their crisp bite, juicy texture, and honey-like sweetness make them versatile in both sweet and savory dishes. From pies to fritters, Honeycrisp apples keep their shape while delivering plenty of flavor. That’s why they’ve become a favorite during the fall baking season.

Is apple fritter a rare strain?

No—when people say “apple fritter,” they’re usually referring to the pastry, not an apple variety. Apple fritters are a fried dough treat filled with spiced apple chunks and topped with glaze. They’ve been a staple at fairs, bakeries, and fall festivals for generations.

What are Honeycrisp apples best for?

Honeycrisp apples are best for snacking, baking, and even salads. Their crisp texture and balanced flavor make them versatile. For example, pair them in a sweet dish like fritters or serve them alongside a savory bowl of Black Bean Soup for a refreshing contrast.

Why don’t Honeycrisp apples taste good anymore?

Sometimes Honeycrisp apples can taste bland if they’re picked too early or stored too long. For the best flavor, buy them during peak season in early fall. Fresh, local Honeycrisps are far juicier and sweeter, making them perfect for easy apple fritters or just enjoying raw.

Conclusion: Celebrate Fall with Maple Honeycrisp Apple Fritters

There’s something magical about fall—the crisp air, the cozy gatherings, and of course, the irresistible flavors. These maple Honeycrisp apple fritters capture all of that in one golden, glazed bite. From the crunch of Honeycrisp apples to the sweetness of the maple glaze, every piece feels like a celebration of the season.

Close-up of maple Honeycrisp apple fritters with glaze — Maple Honeycrisp Apple Fritters Close-Up

Whether you’re frying up a batch for a quiet weekend brunch, adding them to your Thanksgiving dessert table, or simply treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, these fritters never disappoint. They’re simple, comforting, and packed with flavor that makes fall unforgettable.

And if you’re looking for even more festive inspiration, check out ideas like the Spooky Halloween Charcuterie Board to add variety and creativity to your seasonal spreads. Together with these fritters, you’ll have a lineup that wows guests and keeps family traditions alive.

So grab those Honeycrisp apples while they’re in season, warm up your kitchen, and let these fritters become your new favorite fall ritual.

Maple Honeycrisp Apple Fritters – The Best Fall Dessert