Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

Introduction

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the best of two delicious treats into one irresistible breakfast or snack. Crispy on the outside and tender with warm apple spice flavors inside, these waffle donuts are finished with a sweet glaze that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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 5–7 minutes until the apples are 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, ground cinnamon, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 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 a waffle iron. Spoon the batter into the center of each mold. Close the waffle iron and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and cool on a wire rack.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
6. Step 6: When waffle donuts are warm but not hot, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle with a spoon. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweetness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter flavor.
• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the apple mixture for extra crunch.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice.
• If you don’t have a waffle iron, you can bake the batter in a donut pan at 350°F (175°C) for about 12–15 minutes.

Storage

Store the waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a toaster or microwave before glazing again, if needed, to refresh the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Fresh apples are best for texture and flavor, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid soggy batter.

How do I prevent my waffle donuts from sticking to the iron?

Lightly grease your waffle iron before adding batter, and avoid opening it too soon to ensure the waffles cook properly and release easily.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 73 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 waffle donuts 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the best of apple fritters and waffles in a quick and delicious treat. Caramelized diced apples are folded into a cinnamon-spiced batter, cooked in a waffle iron until golden and crispy, then finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a dessert snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Batter 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

Glaze

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

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Instructions

1. Caramelize the Apples: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside to 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 evenly distribute all leavening agents and spices.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Make the Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the waffles tender. Carefully fold in the caramelized apple mixture.
5. Preheat and Prepare Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
6. Cook Waffle Donuts: Spoon the batter into the center of each waffle mold. Close the lid and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until the waffle donuts are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the waffles carefully and cool them on a wire rack.
7. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if the glaze is too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
8. Glaze the Waffle Donuts: When the waffle donuts are warm but not hot, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over them using a spoon. Allow the glaze to set before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light texture.
• The glaze can be flavored with a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of lemon juice for variation.
• Serve these waffle donuts warm for optimal taste and texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat lightly before glazing again.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, breakfast, caramelized apples, cinnamon waffle, quick breakfast, glazed waffle