If you love the sweet, cozy flavors of fall combined with a fun and unique twist on breakfast treats, then these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced waffle donuts studded with tender pieces of tart apple, glazed to perfection with a vanilla-scented icing, and dusted lightly with powdered sugar. These delightful bites marry the best qualities of classic apple fritters and fluffy waffles, delivering a mouthwatering experience that’s as charming as it is delicious. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch, a special breakfast, or an indulgent snack, these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts truly steal the show.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, you’ll rely on simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color. From warm spices to fresh apples and rich buttermilk, every element is essential to crafting perfection.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender base of the batter, ensuring perfect texture.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides lift and lightness so the waffles turn out fluffy.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with browning and balances the acidity of the buttermilk.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors wonderfully.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives that warm, comforting spice that’s classic with apples.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty aroma that rounds out the spice profile.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients while bringing richness and structure.
⅓ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering the apples.
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds depth with its molasses flavor and promotes caramelization.
¾ cup buttermilk: Keeps the batter moist with a slight tang – or use milk plus vinegar as a substitute.
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses buttery richness and helps crisp the exterior.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings fragrant warmth that ties all the flavors together.
1½ cups peeled, diced tart apple (like Granny Smith): The star ingredient, providing fresh fruity bites and tartness.
Optional ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts: For added crunch and nutty flavor if you want extra texture.
1 cup powdered sugar: Main ingredient for the silky glaze.
2–3 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives the glaze a lovely aroma and extra sweetness.
Extra powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a snowy final touch.

How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small, bite-sized chunks. These little pieces will soften and sweeten beautifully as they cook, creating those delightful bursts of fresh apple in every bite.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This combination not only provides the structure but also layers your waffles with cozy spice and ensures a perfect rise.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. The richness and moisture here will create tender waffle donuts with a delicious flavor.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. It’s important not to overmix to keep your waffles light and fluffy.

Step 5: Fold in Apples and Nuts

Carefully fold the diced apples and the optional chopped nuts into your batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking up the apples too much.

Step 6: Preheat and Grease Your Waffle Iron

Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking, so your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts cook perfectly with a crisp exterior.

Step 7: Cook the Waffle Donuts

Spoon about ¼ cup of batter onto the waffle iron for each donut. Close the lid and cook until the donuts are golden brown and crisp, usually between 3 to 5 minutes. This step is where the magic of waffle meets donut!

Step 8: Cool on a Wire Rack

Transfer your cooked waffle donuts onto a wire rack to cool slightly — this keeps them crisp and prevents sogginess while you prepare the glaze.

Step 9: Make the Vanilla Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. The glaze adds a luscious sweetness and glossy finish, just like your favorite apple fritter.

Step 10: Glaze and Dust

Drizzle the glaze over your warm Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts generously, then finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a picture-perfect look and that extra touch of sweet delight.

Step 11: Serve Warm or at Room Temperature

Enjoy these treats warm to savor the melty glaze and soft apples, or at room temperature—the flavor shines no matter when you eat them!

How to Serve Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Garnishes

Adding garnishes transforms your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts from simple to stunning. Fresh cinnamon sticks, thin apple slices, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts make lovely accents both visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

Pair your waffle donuts with warm spiced apple cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a brunch or dessert combo that’s out of this world. A dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries can also brighten the plate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts with layers of cream cheese frosting and sliced apples between for a playful waffle donut “cake.” Alternatively, serve them on a rustic wooden board drizzled with extra glaze and sprinkle pecans for a charming fall-inspired display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will preserve their texture without losing that fresh-baked taste.

Freezing

You can freeze these waffle donuts for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts anytime the craving hits!

Reheating

To reheat, pop the donuts in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work best for balanced flavor, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples can all be delicious alternatives depending on your sweetness preference.

Do I have to use buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps make the waffles tender and adds slight tanginess, but you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice if needed.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Try swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.

Is there a way to make these vegan?

To make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts vegan, use flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) in place of eggs, dairy-free milk and butter substitutes, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.

How long do the donuts stay fresh glazed?

Once glazed, they’re best enjoyed within the day, as the glaze can soften the crispness. Storing unglazed and adding glaze just before serving works great too.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts that makes mornings feel magical and snack times a little sweeter. This recipe is not only a fun way to enjoy a classic favorite but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to come back to again and again. So, grab your waffle iron, gather your ingredients, and dive into making these irresistible treats that bring joy in every bite. Trust me, once you try these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, they’ll hold a permanent spot in your recipe collection!

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8–10 waffle donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a delightful twist on classic apple fritters, cooked in a waffle iron for a perfectly crisp exterior and soft, tender inside. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, chunks of tart apples, and optionally nuts, these waffle donuts are glazed with a sweet vanilla icing and dusted with powdered sugar, making them an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks and set them aside to be folded into the batter later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined, creating a flavorful base for the waffles.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the batter light and fluffy.
Fold in Apples and Nuts: Carefully fold the diced apples and, if using, chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter to evenly distribute the mix-ins.
Preheat Waffle Iron: Heat your waffle iron to medium-high and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Cook Waffle Donuts: Spoon approximately ¼ cup of the batter onto the waffle iron for each donut. Close the lid and cook until the donuts are golden brown and crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes depending on your waffle iron.
Cool on Wire Rack: Transfer the cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly, which prevents them from becoming soggy underneath.
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable, adjusting milk quantity as needed for desired consistency.
Glaze and Dust: Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled waffle donuts and dust with extra powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Serve: Serve the apple fritter waffle donuts warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.

Notes

Substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to mimic acidity.
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor contrast against the sweet glaze.
Adding chopped nuts is optional but adds a nice crunch and flavor.
Cooked waffle donuts can be kept in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a toaster for crispness.
Adjust glaze milk quantity to get a thicker or thinner icing according to preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 waffle donut (approx. 85g)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, breakfast donuts, apple cinnamon waffles, glazed apple donuts, easy breakfast treat