Introduction

Apple fritter waffle donuts are a delightful twist on classic apple fritters, combining the crisp texture of waffles with juicy bits of tart apple. These treats are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, featuring warm spices and a sweet glaze that’s simply irresistible.

The image shows a stack of four small golden-brown waffles on a white plate. The waffles have a crispy texture with square indentations and are drizzled with creamy white icing that slowly drips down the sides. Light, powdered sugar is sprinkled over the top and around the plate, adding a soft white contrast to the warm tones of the waffles. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft, neutral-colored cloth partially visible in the background. The lighting highlights the texture and colors of the waffles, making them look warm and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
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
1½ cups peeled, diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith)
Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the diced apples and nuts if using.
Step 6: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter.
Step 7: Spoon ¼ cup of batter onto the waffle iron for each donut. Close the lid and cook until golden and crisp, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 8: Transfer the cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly.
Step 9: To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 10: Drizzle the glaze over the warm waffle donuts and dust with extra powdered sugar.
Step 11: Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a pleasant tang that balances the sweetness.
For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ¾ cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for more spice depth.
Cook waffles until just crisp to keep them tender inside and avoid dryness.

Storage

Store leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a toaster or oven to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Three small golden-brown waffles with a slightly crispy texture are stacked on a light cloth on a white marbled surface. Each waffle has a thick drizzle of white icing glaze flowing over the top and sides, along with a light dusting of powdered sugar adding a soft white layer on the surface. The waffles' honeycomb indents create a textured pattern filled with the shiny glaze, and soft natural light brightens the scene, highlighting the warm tones and glossy icing photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, and follow the recipe as usual for best results.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter up to 2 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Stir gently before cooking, as the baking powder will start reacting immediately after mixing.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 75 reviews

Delight in these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, a delicious hybrid of classic apple fritters and crispy waffles. Made with tender diced tart apples, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, these waffle donuts offer a perfect balance of soft, fruity interior and crisp exterior. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, they bring comforting fall flavors to your waffle iron with ease.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 waffle donuts 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Waffle Iron
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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

Mix-ins

1½ cups peeled, diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith)
Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Dusting

Extra powdered sugar

Instructions

Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Set them aside for later inclusion 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 to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Make the Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and gently stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter tender.
Add Apples and Nuts: Fold in the diced tart apples and, if using, the chopped pecans or walnuts gently to distribute them evenly through the batter.
Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease the plates with nonstick spray or melted butter to ensure easy removal and crisp waffles.
Cook Waffle Donuts: Spoon about ¼ cup of batter onto the waffle iron for each donut. Close the lid and cook for approximately 3–5 minutes or until the waffles are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Cool Waffles: Carefully transfer the cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly but remain warm for glazing.
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Adjust milk quantity to reach desired consistency.
Glaze the Donuts: Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm waffle donuts and finish with an extra dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation and added sweetness.
Serve: Serve the apple fritter waffle donuts warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

Using tart apples like Granny Smith balances sweetness and adds a pleasant tang to the waffles.
If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts adds a nice crunchy texture but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
To make waffles extra crispy, cook an additional minute or two on the waffle iron if your device allows.
The glaze can be adjusted to be thicker or thinner by altering the amount of milk used.
Store leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; reheat in a toaster or oven for best results.

Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, breakfast recipe, apple waffle, cinnamon, fall recipes, brunch, glazed waffles