There’s something truly magical about the union of warm apples, warm cinnamon, and the satisfying crunch of a waffle, all bundled up in one delightful treat. That’s exactly what makes Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts such a crowd-pleaser. These aren’t your average donuts—they have that lovely, crisp exterior with pockets of tender apple baked right in, topped with a sweet glaze that melts in your mouth. If you’ve been searching for a dessert or breakfast that marries classic comfort flavors with a playful twist, this recipe for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts will quickly become your new favorite go-to.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how straightforward yet thoughtful this ingredient list is. Each item brings an essential role, whether it’s providing structure, that warm spice note, or the gooey sweetness that makes these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts irresistible.

1 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of your batter, providing structure and tenderness when cooked perfectly.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
1 tsp baking powder: Helps your donuts puff up with a light, airy texture.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Works along with the baking powder for the perfect rise and a tender crumb.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings that classic apple pie warmth and fragrance.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors so nothing tastes flat or one-dimensional.
1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, making the batter silky soft.
1 large egg: Binds everything together while adding richness.
2 tbsp melted butter: Contributes buttery flavor and tenderness in every bite.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with a sweet floral note.
1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small: The star ingredient that offers a fresh, juicy burst and wonderful texture.
1 tbsp butter (for cooking apples): Helps caramelize the apples perfectly with rich flavor.
1 tbsp brown sugar (for cooking apples): Enhances the natural sweetness while giving the apples a beautiful caramel glaze.
1/2 tsp cinnamon (for cooking apples): Intensifies the spiced apple sensation.
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates the sweet, glossy finish for dipping or drizzling.
2–3 tbsp milk (for glaze): Adjusts the glaze to the perfect consistency for coating.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds aroma and depth to the sugary glaze.

How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Step 1: Caramelize the Apples

Start by warming a small skillet over medium heat and melting 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss in your diced apples, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, and cook them slowly for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the apples tender and lightly caramelized, which will add that luscious, gooey texture inside your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly so they don’t heat up your batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This dry mix will create the foundation of your batter, ensuring that every donut is fluffy with just the right balance of spice.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. This wet mixture introduces moisture and richness that will make each donut soft on the inside while complementing the crisp exterior baking in the waffle iron.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir gently until just combined. Remember, overmixing can lead to tough donuts, so a few lumps are perfectly fine. Then, carefully fold in the caramelized apples; these chunks are what transform the waffles into the incredible Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts you’re craving.

Step 5: Cook in a Waffle Iron

Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Spoon the batter into the center of each mold — make sure not to overfill! Close the lid and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the donut waffles are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly but remain warm enough to enjoy the next step.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze and Decorate

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the thickness with extra milk or powdered sugar as needed to get that perfect drizzle or dip consistency. When the waffle donuts are warm but not hot, dip their tops into the glaze or spoon it over for a sweet, shiny finish that works beautifully with the spicy apple flavors.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Garnishes

Enhance your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts by sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts on top of the glaze. A light dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can take them to an even more decadent level. Fresh apple slices or a sprig of mint add a pop of color and freshness that complements the warm spices.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy morning treat. They also go wonderfully alongside a bowl of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream if you want a creamy contrast. For brunch, a side of crispy bacon or sausage can balance the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts stacked like a little tower, alternating layers with fresh apple slices and a drizzle of extra glaze or maple syrup. You could also skewer mini versions on a stick for a fun finger-food presentation at parties or family gatherings. Getting creative with presentation makes the experience all the more special and invites everyone to indulge.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts (which might feel unlikely), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Avoid the fridge, as it can dry them out and diminish their signature soft texture and caramelized goodness.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked and cooled waffle donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month, meaning you can enjoy your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts anytime without having to make a fresh batch!

Reheating

To bring frozen or leftover donuts back to life, warm them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This method helps retain their crisp edges and tender interior much better than microwaving, which can make them chewy or soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts?

Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal because they hold their shape and offer a good balance of tartness and sweetness, but feel free to experiment. Just make sure your apples aren’t too soft or overly sweet, or the texture and flavor balance might change.

Do I need a special waffle iron to make these?

No special waffle iron is required. Any standard waffle iron will work wonderfully for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. Just be sure to grease it lightly and don’t overfill the batter to avoid sticky messes or uneven cooking.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using it again, and add a splash of milk if it has thickened too much.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes and then use it just like buttermilk in the recipe.

Are Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts suitable for breakfast?

They absolutely are! The combination of apples, cinnamon, and a slightly sweet glaze makes them a cozy and indulgent breakfast treat. Plus, they pair beautifully with your morning coffee or tea, making breakfast feel extra special.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make these irresistible Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, you’ve got an incredible recipe to wow your family and friends any time of day. The cozy flavors, easy preparation, and fun waffle-donut twist make this dish a true standout. Trust me, once you try these, they won’t just be a treat—they’ll be a beloved tradition. So gather your ingredients, preheat that waffle iron, and get ready to fall in love with Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts all over again!

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 11 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, a perfect fusion of crispy waffle texture and the warm, comforting flavors of caramelized apples and cinnamon. Lightly glazed with a sweet vanilla icing, they’re an irresistible treat for breakfast or a cozy dessert.

Instructions

Caramelize the apples: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples become tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and allow 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 until thoroughly combined.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract together. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Carefully fold in the caramelized apple mixture to maintain its texture.
Cook the waffle donuts: Preheat and lightly grease your waffle iron. Spoon an appropriate amount of batter into the center of each waffle mold, then close and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and completely cooked through. Remove the waffle donuts and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
Glaze the waffle donuts: While the waffle donuts are warm but not hot, dip the tops into the vanilla glaze or drizzle it over with a spoon. Allow the glaze to set before serving to enjoy the perfect sweet finish.

Notes

Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffles light and fluffy.
Make sure the waffle iron is properly greased to prevent sticking.
Adjust the thickness of the glaze to your preference; thinner glaze for dipping, thicker for drizzling.
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Leftover waffle donuts can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Waffle Iron Cooking, Stovetop Caramelizing
Cuisine: American