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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- 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.
- Preheat and Prepare Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
