Print

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.

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

  1. Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Set them aside for later inclusion in the batter.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Cool Waffles: Carefully transfer the cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly but remain warm for glazing.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/apple-fritter-waffle-donuts-recipe/