Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

Introduction

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the cozy flavors of traditional apple fritters with the fun shape of waffles. Soft and fluffy with tender apple bits, they’re perfect for a delightful dessert or an indulgent breakfast treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/4-inch pieces (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• Vegetable oil, for greasing the waffle iron
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk (or more, as needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Caramel sauce (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the diced apples.
5. Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes (optional but recommended).
6. Step 6: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease both the top and bottom plates with vegetable oil.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron, using about 1/2 cup of batter per donut, depending on the size of your waffle iron. Be careful not to overfill.
8. Step 8: Close the waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Step 9: Carefully remove the cooked donuts from the waffle iron and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
10. Step 10: Repeat with the remaining batter.
11. Step 11: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using) until smooth. Start with 1/4 cup of milk and add more, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
12. Step 12: Adjust consistency: if the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
13. Step 13: Dip each donut into the glaze, coating both sides.
14. Step 14: If desired, sprinkle the glazed donuts with chopped walnuts or pecans, drizzle with caramel sauce, or add sprinkles.
15. Step 15: Place the glazed and topped donuts back on the wire rack and let the glaze set for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
16. Step 16: Serve the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance to the sweetness.
• Letting the batter rest helps create a fluffier texture.
• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts into the batter or sprinkle on top.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
• Try different glazes like maple or cream cheese for variety.

Storage

Store the Apple Fritter 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, then warm gently in the microwave before serving. The glaze may soften after refrigeration but can be refreshed with a light drizzle of additional glaze or caramel sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a regular waffle iron for this recipe?

Yes, a regular waffle iron works perfectly. Just be sure to grease it well and adjust the batter amount to avoid overfilling.

How do I know when the donuts are cooked through?

The donuts should be golden brown and spring back lightly to the touch. Cooking time varies by waffle iron but typically takes 3-5 minutes.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 204 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 waffle donuts 1x

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Description

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the classic flavors of apple fritters with the fun shape and texture of waffles. Made with diced apples, warm spices, and a tender waffle batter, then glazed with a sweet vanilla cinnamon icing and topped with nuts, caramel sauce, and sprinkles, these donuts are the ultimate dessert for breakfast, brunch, or anytime treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Other Ingredients

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/4-inch pieces (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp preferred)
• Vegetable oil, for greasing the waffle iron

Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk (or more, as needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Toppings (Optional)

• Chopped walnuts or pecans
• Caramel sauce
• Sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, lightly beaten eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until just combined, careful not to overmix to keep the batter tender.
4. Fold in apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter to evenly distribute them without bruising.
5. Rest batter: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes to improve texture and flavor.
6. Preheat waffle iron: Heat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions and lightly grease both plates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
7. Scoop batter onto iron: Pour about 1/2 cup batter per donut onto the waffle iron, adjusting amount based on your iron size to avoid overflow.
8. Cook donuts: Close the waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Cool donuts: Carefully remove the donuts from the waffle iron and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly, repeating with remaining batter.
10. Prepare glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding milk or sugar as needed.
11. Dip donuts in glaze: Dip each donut into the glaze, coating both sides thoroughly for a sweet finish.
12. Adjust glaze consistency: If glaze is too thick, add more milk a tablespoon at a time; if too thin, add more powdered sugar until desired thickness is achieved.
13. Add toppings: While glaze is still wet, sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans, drizzle with caramel sauce, or add sprinkles as desired for extra flavor and texture.
14. Set glaze: Place glazed donuts back on the wire rack and let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before serving to avoid messy glaze.
15. Serve: Enjoy the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Resting the batter helps to develop tenderness and enhance flavor.
• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp for balanced apple flavor.
• Adjust glaze thickness to your liking by varying milk and powdered sugar amounts.
• Make sure to grease the waffle iron well to easily release the donuts.
• These donuts are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
• To reheat, warm briefly in a toaster oven or microwave before glazing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Apple fritter waffle donuts, apple dessert, waffle donuts, apple fritter recipe, glazed waffle donuts, fall dessert, cinnamon apple donuts