Description
Delicious apple fritter waffle donuts combine the crisp texture of a golden waffle with the sweet, spiced flavors of traditional apple fritters. Made with tart apples, warm cinnamon, and a light glaze, these treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1½ cups peeled, diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith)
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Glaze and Topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Set aside to use in the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep waffles light and fluffy.
- Add Apples and Nuts: Fold in the diced apples and optional chopped pecans or walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Waffle Donuts: Spoon about ¼ cup of batter onto the waffle iron for each donut. Close the lid and cook for approximately 3 to 5 minutes until the donuts are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Cool: Carefully transfer the cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk (adjust for desired consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Glaze and Dust: Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled waffle donuts and dust with extra powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
- Serve: Serve the apple fritter waffle donuts warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor that complements the spices.
- Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang; if unavailable, milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar works well as a substitute.
- Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts adds extra crunch but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
- For vegan adaptation, use plant-based milk, egg replacer, and vegan butter, but texture may vary.
- Make sure your waffle iron is well-greased to prevent sticking and to get crisp edges.
- Adjust milk in the glaze to your preferred drizzle consistency.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster or oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, breakfast recipe, apple waffle, cinnamon dessert, glazed donuts, easy breakfast treats
