Description
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the crisp texture of waffles with the warm, spiced sweetness of traditional apple fritters. Made with tender chunks of caramelized apples and a cinnamon-spiced batter, they’re glazed with a smooth vanilla icing for an irresistible breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Filling
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Waffle Donut Batter
- 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
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes 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 ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and blended.
- Combine Batter and Filling: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the caramelized apple mixture, making sure the apples are evenly distributed without breaking them down.
- Preheat and Grease Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Waffle Donuts: Spoon batter into the center of each mold of the waffle iron. Close and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until the waffle donuts are golden brown and cooked through. Remove gently and place on a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Prepare Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk to thin or more powdered sugar to thicken as needed.
- Glaze the Donuts: While the waffle donuts are warm but not hot, dip the tops into the vanilla glaze or drizzle the glaze over them with a spoon. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and acidity in the apple filling.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffle donuts tender and fluffy.
- Adjust glaze thickness based on personal preference; thicker glaze will provide a richer coating.
- 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 crispness before glazing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: apple fritter waffle donuts, waffle donuts, apple fritter recipe, cinnamon apple waffles, breakfast donuts, glazed waffle donuts
