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Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 104 reviews

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the crispy, golden exterior of waffles with the warm, tender texture of classic apple fritters. Infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, studded with diced apples, and coated with a smooth vanilla glaze, these donuts are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Finished with optional toppings like chopped nuts, caramel sauce, or sprinkles, they offer a fun and flavorful twist on traditional apple fritters.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/4-inch pieces (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • Vegetable oil, for greasing the waffle iron

Glaze and Toppings

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk (or more, as needed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • Caramel sauce (optional)
  • Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the batter light.
  4. Add Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them down too much.
  5. Rest Batter: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld and the leavening to activate, resulting in a fluffier texture.
  6. Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease both the top and bottom plates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  7. Cook Donuts: Pour about 1/2 cup of batter per donut onto the hot waffle iron, taking care not to overfill. Close the waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Cool Donuts: Carefully remove the cooked donuts from the waffle iron and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
  9. Prepare Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using) until smooth. Start with 1/4 cup milk and add more by the tablespoon to achieve desired consistency.
  10. Adjust Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add milk a little at a time; if too thin, add more powdered sugar until the glaze coats the back of a spoon smoothly.
  11. Glaze Donuts: Dip each donut into the glaze, ensuring both sides are coated evenly.
  12. Add Toppings: While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans, drizzle with caramel sauce, or add sprinkles as desired.
  13. Set Glaze: Place the glazed and topped donuts back on the wire rack and allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes.
  14. Serve: Serve the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

  • The rest time for the batter is optional but recommended to improve the texture.
  • Using tart apples like Granny Smith balances the sweetness and adds a nice bite.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 3/4 cups milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Ensure the waffle iron is properly greased to prevent sticking and to get a crisp exterior on the donuts.
  • The glaze consistency can be adjusted to your liking by adding more milk or powdered sugar.
  • For a vegan or dairy-free option, substitute the eggs, buttermilk, and butter with plant-based alternatives and adjust accordingly.

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

Find it online: https://stirringwithstella.com/apple-fritter-waffle-donuts-the-ultimate-dessert-recipe/