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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, lightly beaten eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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.
Fold in apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter to evenly distribute them without bruising.
Rest batter: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes to improve texture and flavor.
Preheat waffle iron: Heat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions and lightly grease both plates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
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.
Cook donuts: Close the waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through.
Cool donuts: Carefully remove the donuts from the waffle iron and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly, repeating with remaining batter.
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.
Dip donuts in glaze: Dip each donut into the glaze, coating both sides thoroughly for a sweet finish.
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.
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.
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.
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