Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

Introduction

Apple fritter waffle donuts combine the tender, spiced goodness of classic apple fritters with the fun shape and texture of waffles. These sweet, cinnamon-infused treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the apple is tender and caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the cooked apple mixture.
4. Step 4: Preheat and lightly grease your waffle iron. Spoon the batter into the center of each mold. Close and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the waffle donuts and cool on a wire rack.
5. Step 5: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the glaze. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar if needed.
6. Step 6: When the waffle donuts are warm but not hot, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over them with a spoon. Let the glaze set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweetness, or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for a softer flavor.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the batter for extra warm spice notes.
• Swap buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice if buttermilk is unavailable.
• Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the apple mixture for added crunch.

Storage

Store leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a toaster or oven before glazing to refresh their texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these waffles without a waffle iron?

This recipe relies on the waffle iron to create the donut shape and texture, so it’s best to use one. Alternatively, you could bake the batter as muffins or in a donut pan, but cooking times and texture will vary.

How do I know when the waffle donuts are cooked through?

Cook them until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. The waffle iron’s indicator light can help, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 93 reviews

Delight in these irresistible Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts that combine the classic flavors of apple fritters with the fun shape and texture of waffles. Soft, cinnamon-spiced batter is loaded with tender, caramelized apples, cooked to golden perfection in a waffle iron, and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these waffle donuts offer a cozy and indulgent treat that’s easy to make at home.

• Author: Toney
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 waffle donuts 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Apple Filling

• 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Apples: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to ensure they are evenly combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
4. Fold in Apple Mixture: Carefully fold the cooled caramelized apple mixture into the batter, spreading the fruit evenly without breaking it down too much.
5. Preheat Waffle Iron: Lightly grease your waffle iron and preheat it according to manufacturer instructions, typically until it is hot and ready to cook.
6. Cook the Waffle Donuts: Spoon the batter into the center of each waffle mold, filling evenly but not overfilling. Close the lid and cook for 3–4 minutes or until the waffle donuts are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the waffles and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
7. Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk to thin or more sugar to thicken as needed.
8. Glaze the Waffle Donuts: When the waffle donuts are warm but not hot, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over the donuts using a spoon. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Notes

• Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture.
• Adjust cooking times based on your waffle iron’s heat and size; waffles should be golden and firm.
• For a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk to achieve desired consistency.
• Store leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Reheat waffles briefly in a toaster or oven to regain crispness before glazing.

Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, apple waffle, breakfast recipe, cinnamon apple, glazed waffles, sweet snack, easy breakfast