Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

Introduction

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a delightful twist on classic waffles, featuring tender bites of spiced apples baked into crisp, golden waffles shaped like donuts. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze and a dusting of powdered sugar, they make a perfect breakfast treat or indulgent snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1½ cups peeled, diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith)
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
5. Step 5: Fold in the diced apples and nuts if using.
6. Step 6: Preheat the waffle iron and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter.
7. Step 7: Spoon ¼ cup of batter onto the waffle iron for each donut. Close the lid and cook until golden and crisp, about 3–5 minutes.
8. Step 8: Transfer the cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly.
9. Step 9: To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Step 10: Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled waffle donuts and dust with extra powdered sugar.
11. Step 11: Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangy contrast to the sweet glaze.
• Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ¾ cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
• For a spicier version, increase cinnamon and add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger.

Storage

Store leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at low temperature to restore crispness before glazing again, if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a regular waffle iron instead of a donut-shaped one?

Yes, you can use a standard waffle iron. The shape will change, but the taste and texture will remain just as delicious.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare and cook the batter fresh to get the lightest texture and avoid the apples browning. If needed, mix dry and wet ingredients separately and combine just before cooking.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 110 reviews

Delightfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the best of classic apple fritters and waffles. Infused with warm spices, juicy tart apples, and optionally crunchy nuts, they are topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, making a perfect treat for breakfast or brunch.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 waffle donuts 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Snack
• Method: Waffle Iron (a form of stovetop cooking using a waffle maker appliance)
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Main Add-ins

• 1½ cups peeled, diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith)
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Set aside to incorporate later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula just until combined, being careful not to overmix and keep the batter light.
5. Add Apples and Nuts: Fold in the diced apples and, if using, the chopped pecans or walnuts to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
6. Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
7. Cook Donuts: Spoon approximately ¼ cup of the batter onto the waffle iron for each donut. Close the lid and cook for about 3–5 minutes or until the waffle donuts are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
8. Cool Slightly: Remove the waffle donuts carefully and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
9. Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk (start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed to reach a drizzle consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
10. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled waffle donuts and dust with extra powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

• Buttermilk can be substituted by mixing ¾ cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar if buttermilk is unavailable.
• Use tart apples like Granny Smith to provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffle donuts tender and fluffy.
• Adjust glaze consistency by adding a little more or less milk depending on your preference for thickness.
• Optional nuts add crunch and flavor but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
• Freshly made waffle donuts taste best the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Keywords: apple fritter waffle donuts, waffle donuts, apple fritters, breakfast waffles, cinnamon apple donuts, glazed waffle donuts, handheld breakfast, fall dessert