Description
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the delightful flavors of warm cinnamon-spiced apple fritters with the fun shape and texture of waffle donuts. Crispy on the outside, soft and tender inside, and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, these homemade treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Filling
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Waffle Donut Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apple pieces are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.
- Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the waffles tender. Carefully fold the cooled apple filling into the batter, distributing it evenly without breaking up the apples too much.
- Cook the Waffle Donuts: Preheat and lightly grease your waffle iron. Spoon an appropriate amount of batter into the center of each waffle mold, close the iron, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until the waffle donuts turn golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, remove them carefully and place on a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
- Glaze the Waffle Donuts: Once the waffle donuts are warm but not hot, dip the tops into the vanilla glaze or drizzle the glaze over them with a spoon. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffles light and fluffy.
- The waffle iron should be well preheated and lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Serve waffles warm for the best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Store leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle donut
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: apple fritter waffle donuts, apple waffle donuts, cinnamon apple waffles, glazed waffle donuts, breakfast waffles, homemade waffle donuts
