If you’re looking for a delightful twist on breakfast or dessert, these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the tender, spiced goodness of classic apple fritters with the fun shape and crispy edges of waffles. Each bite offers a perfect balance of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, sweet apples, and a luscious glaze that will have you coming back for more. These treats are not only irresistible but surprisingly simple to make, making them a perfect way to brighten up any morning or cozy snack time.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts shine. Each component here plays a crucial role — from the spices that bring warmth to the tender apples, to the buttermilk that keeps the dough tender and light.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure to your donut waffles, ensuring they hold together perfectly.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the batter rise, giving you a fluffy, tender texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds lift and browning for that irresistible golden crust.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic spice that infuses warmth and aroma.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of spice that deepens the flavor profile.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
⅓ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter with a clean, bright sweetness.
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a deep caramel note.
¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar): Keeps the donuts tender and gives a slight tang to balance sweetness.
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Imparts richness and helps with a crisp finish.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors with its warm, fragrant depth.
1½ cups peeled, diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith): Provides bursts of fresh, slightly tart sweetness in every bite.
Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
1 cup powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze that crowns these treats beautifully.
2–3 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to just the right consistency.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with an extra layer of flavor.
Extra powdered sugar for dusting: A final touch for sweetness and visual appeal.

How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small chunks. Using a tart apple like Granny Smith gives a lovely contrast of tartness and sweetness that really shines in the finished donuts.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of spices and leavening agents helps create the perfect flavor and texture base for your fritters.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step ensures your batter will be rich and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the texture light.

Step 5: Fold in Apples and Nuts

Gently fold in the diced apples and, if you like, add chopped pecans or walnuts for an irresistible crunch. The apples will add a fresh burst of flavor, while the nuts contribute an extra layer of texture.

Step 6: Cook the Donut Waffles

Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter. Spoon about ¼ cup of batter onto the waffle iron for each donut, close the lid, and cook until golden and crisp, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. The batter will puff up into a donut shape with all the crunchy edges you love.

Step 7: Glaze and Finish

While your waffle donuts cool slightly on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm waffles and dust with extra powdered sugar for that classic, irresistible finish.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Garnishes

Sprinkling extra powdered sugar is always a winner, but you can also add a pinch more cinnamon or a few chopped nuts for texture and a rustic look. Fresh apple slices on the side add a nice touch of freshness and color.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai. If you want a heartier breakfast, serve alongside crispy bacon or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts high on a cake stand for an eye-catching brunch centerpiece, or serve them individually with a small ramekin of caramel sauce for dipping. For a fun twist, use apple butter or cinnamon whipped cream as an alternative topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This prevents them from becoming soggy or stale, though they’re best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover waffle donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, so you can enjoy this treat anytime.

Reheating

For reheating, use a toaster oven or regular oven set at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to restore crispness and warmth. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to soften the texture too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for these donuts?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith bring a nice tang, sweeter varieties such as Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well, just keep in mind the sweetness will vary.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No problem. You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to ¾ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

With some ingredient swaps like using flax eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan butter, you can adapt the recipe. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Do I need a special waffle iron for these donut shapes?

A donut-shaped waffle maker is ideal to get the classic ring shape, but if you don’t have one, regular waffle irons will still yield tasty results, just without the hole in the middle.

How long do these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts stay fresh?

For the best flavor and texture, enjoy them within the first day. If stored properly, they stay reasonably fresh for up to two days at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

Making Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts is such a fun way to bring together the best parts of two beloved treats. They’re easy to whip up, bursting with cozy flavors, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give this recipe a try the next time you want to surprise someone or just treat yourself — I promise they’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 waffle donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a delightful twist on classic apple fritters, combining the crispness of waffle donuts with warm, spiced apple chunks and a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfectly soft on the inside and slightly crispy outside, these donuts are infused with cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy flavor ideal for breakfast or dessert.

Instructions

Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and dice apples into small chunks. Set aside to incorporate into the batter later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the waffles tender.
Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and optional chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter, ensuring they are well distributed.
Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Cook Waffle Donuts: Spoon about ¼ cup of batter onto the waffle iron for each donut. Close the lid and cook until the waffle donuts are golden brown and crisp, approximately 3 to 5 minutes depending on your waffle iron.
Cool Waffle Donuts: Carefully transfer the cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly and maintain their crisp texture.
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk quantity for desired consistency.
Glaze and Finish: Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled waffle donuts and dust with extra powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and decoration.
Serve: Serve the apple fritter waffle donuts warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice as a homemade buttermilk alternative.
For a nuttier flavor, feel free to add pecans or walnuts; omit nuts for a nut-free version.
These waffle donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a toaster or oven to restore crispiness before serving.
Adjust the glaze thickness by adding more or less milk according to your preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking in waffle iron
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 waffle donut
Calories: 230
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, breakfast donuts, cinnamon apple donuts, spiced waffle donuts, homemade donuts