Description

Delight in these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, a perfect fusion of classic apple fritters and soft waffle donuts. Featuring tender chunks of tart apples, warm spices, and a sweet vanilla glaze, these treats are crisp on the outside yet soft and flavorful inside—ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Add-ins

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

Glaze

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

Instructions

Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Set aside.
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.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the batter light.
Fold in Apples and Nuts: Carefully fold in the diced apples and, if using, the chopped pecans or walnuts to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Cook Waffle Donuts: Spoon approximately ¼ cup of batter onto the waffle iron for each donut shape. Close the lid and cook until the waffle donuts are golden brown and crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes depending on your waffle iron.
Cool Waffle Donuts: Transfer the cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly, allowing air to circulate and maintain crispness.
Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk quantity to your preferred glaze consistency.
Glaze the Donuts: Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled waffle donuts and dust with extra powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Serve: Serve the apple fritter waffle donuts warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Using tart apples like Granny Smith balances sweetness and adds a slight tang.
Nuts such as pecans or walnuts add crunch but are optional.
If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with milk plus 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes before using.
Cook time may vary depending on waffle iron model; watch for golden color and crispness.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a non-dairy milk alternative for buttermilk.
Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
Reheat gently in a toaster oven or microwave before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 waffle donut (approx. 70g)
Calories: 210 kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, breakfast donuts, apple cinnamon waffles, glazed waffle donuts, homemade donuts, fall recipes