Wood-Fired Vermont Maple Apple Fritters

Introduction

Get ready to experience true Vermont flavors with these Wood-Fired Maple Apple Fritters made entirely on the Arteflame Grill. These doughnut-style fritters are caramelized to golden perfection on the flat top griddle and finished with a warm maple glaze for the ultimate treat. Using the Arteflame’s wide, multi-temp cooktop you get perfect even cooking—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with wood-fired apple essence. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert around the fire, these fritters are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 large apples, peeled and chopped
• 1 tbsp butter (for caramelizing apples)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 tbsp butter (melted, for batter and griddle)
• 1/4 cup Vermont maple syrup (for glaze)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg for spice

Instructions

Step 1: Get the Arteflame Grill Ready for Grilling

1. Pour vegetable oil over three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins into the center of your Arteflame grill.
3. Stack seasoned firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes.
5. Use this time to prep your ingredients.

Step 2: Caramelize the Apples

1. Add a tablespoon of butter to the inner flat griddle zone.
2. Place chopped apples onto the buttered area.
3. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
4. Sauté until apples are soft and caramelized, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Move toward the outer ring to keep warm.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg if using.
2. In a separate small bowl, beat the egg, milk, melted butter (2 tbsp), and vanilla.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently. Fold in caramelized apples.

Step 4: Grill the Fritters

1. Butter a hot area near the center of the flat cooktop.
2. Drop large spoonfuls of the batter onto the griddle.
3. Flatten slightly with a spatula.
4. Grill 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
5. Move to outer ring if they cook too quickly to allow for even finish.

Step 5: Make the Maple Glaze

1. On a cooler spot of the griddle, combine maple syrup and powdered sugar.
2. Whisk until a smooth glaze forms.
3. Drizzle warm glaze over the finished fritters.

Tips

• Browning is key: Place fritters closer to the hot center for crisp edges.
• Use firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the griddle—cook in manageable batches.
• If cheesecloth is available, strain glaze for a smoother pour.
• Use real Vermont maple syrup for peak flavor authenticity.

Variations

1. Spiced Pumpkin Fritters: Add 1/3 cup pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the batter.
2. Pear & Ginger Fritters: Use chopped pears and add grated fresh ginger to the caramelizing step.
3. Cranberry Apple Fritters: Fold in dried cranberries with the apples for tart bursts of flavor.
4. Cheddar Apple Fritters: Add sharp shredded Vermont cheddar cheese to the batter (sweet & savory!).
5. Maple Bacon Apple Fritters: Add chopped, grilled bacon to the batter and finish with a maple glaze drizzle.

Best Pairings

• Hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick
• Maple latte or strong espresso
• Grilled breakfast sausage or cured bacon
• Vanilla bean ice cream for dessert plating

Conclusion

These Wood-Fired Vermont Maple Apple Fritters are a warm, crispy, and delicious treat that’s equally perfect as a breakfast indulgence or campfire dessert. Made entirely on the Arteflame grill, these fritters combine the magic of wood-fired cooking with true New England flavors. The mix of heat zones on the Arteflame gives you precise control, guaranteeing golden, crispy results every time.