If you’re craving a comforting treat that brings the best of two brunch favorites together, these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are your new go-to indulgence. Imagine the tender, spiced bite of classic apple fritters perfectly shaped in fluffy waffle donuts, lightly glazed and bursting with caramelized apple chunks in every bite. This recipe delivers that nostalgic apple fritter flavor wrapped in a fun waffle form, making it easy to enjoy a cozy breakfast or a delightful snack any time of day. Once you try Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but absolutely crucial in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma of Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. Each one plays its role, from the warmth of cinnamon and sweetness of caramelized apples to the tang of buttermilk that keeps everything tender and light.

1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure without weighing down the donuts.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the batter.
1 tsp baking powder: Helps the batter rise and become light and fluffy.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with buttermilk to create a tender crumb texture.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with warm spice that complements the apples beautifully.
Pinch of salt: Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness.
1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess perfect for waffle donuts.
1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
2 tbsp melted butter: Boosts flavor and creates a tender bite.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor.
1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small: Provides fresh, tender pockets of apple flavor.
1 tbsp butter: Used to caramelize the apples for extra sweetness and texture.
1 tbsp brown sugar: Sweetens the apples while enhancing their natural caramel notes.
1/2 tsp cinnamon: Sprinkled over apples as they cook for intensified spice.
1 cup powdered sugar: The main ingredient for the glaze that dresses the waffle donuts.
2–3 tbsp milk: Used to achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds richness and warmth to the glaze.

How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Step 1: Caramelize the Apples

Start by melting butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced apples along with brown sugar and cinnamon. Let this mixture cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and delightfully caramelized. This step develops the luscious, fruity sweetness that is the heart of Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Having these dry ingredients well combined ensures your batter will have a consistent texture and flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This blend brings moisture and richness that will keep your waffle donuts tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined—it’s important not to overmix to keep your waffles light. Next, fold in the caramelized apples carefully, ensuring the sweet chunks are evenly distributed without breaking down.

Step 5: Cook the Waffle Donuts

Preheat your waffle iron and give it a light brush of oil or butter to prevent sticking. Spoon the batter into the center of each mold, then close and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through. Remove them carefully and let them cool on a wire rack before glazing.

Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk or sugar to get the perfect dip consistency. Once your waffle donuts have cooled just enough to be warm but not hot, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it on with a spoon. Let the glaze set before serving for that irresistible shine and sweetness.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Garnishes

While the classic vanilla glaze is a star on its own, consider garnishing your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts with a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a little extra warmth and crunch. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the presentation and flavor, creating that perfect sweet meets nutty combo.

Side Dishes

These waffle donuts pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. For a more substantial brunch plate, serve alongside a bowl of creamy yogurt topped with honey and fresh fruit or a simple scrambled egg dish to balance the sweetness with savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, stack the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts and layer between them some whipped cream or mascarpone mixed with a touch of cinnamon. You can also create mini waffle donut sandwiches with a cinnamon-spiced cream or apple butter filling. These creative twists make your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts not just a treat but an experience to savor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts stay fresh at room temperature when stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To keep them soft and prevent drying out, try placing a slice of bread inside the container alongside the donuts—it helps retain moisture wonderfully.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these delights later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual waffle donuts tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready to satisfy your cravings whenever they strike.

Reheating

For the best texture upon reheating, pop Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts in a toaster or toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. Once warm, you can reapply a fresh coat of glaze if desired to revive that sweet finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal because of their balance between tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples. Just make sure the apples hold their shape well when cooked to avoid a mushy texture.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?

Yes! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a half cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This will provide the acidity needed to react with the baking soda and create tender waffles.

Do I need a special waffle iron for these donuts?

It’s best to use a waffle iron that has donut-shaped molds to get the classic donut hole and shape. However, if you have a regular waffle maker, you can still make them—they’ll just be more like apple fritter waffles rather than donuts.

How do I prevent the glaze from sliding off the donuts?

Make sure the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are warm but not hot before glazing. If they’re too warm, the glaze may become too runny and slide off. Allow them to cool for a few minutes, then dip or drizzle your glaze and let it set at room temperature.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different, but the delicious apple-cinnamon flavor will still shine through perfectly in your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts.

Final Thoughts

Making Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts is like bringing a warm hug to your breakfast table. They are delightfully tender, packed with cinnamon-spiced apples, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you’re treating yourself on a leisurely weekend morning or serving them to friends, these waffle donuts will brighten up any day with their comforting flavors and fun shape. Give this recipe a whirl—you’ll soon find that Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts become one of your kitchen’s most charming and delicious creations.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 waffle donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the warm, comforting flavors of classic apple fritters with the convenience and fun shape of waffles. Soft, fluffy waffle donuts are studded with caramelized cinnamon-spiced apples and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze for the perfect breakfast treat or dessert.

Instructions

Caramelize the apples: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined.
Mix wet ingredients and combine: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light. Fold in the cooled caramelized apple pieces carefully.
Cook the waffle donuts: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray. Spoon the batter into the center of each mold, filling adequately but not overflowing. Close the waffle iron and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the waffle donuts and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk to thin or powdered sugar to thicken the glaze as needed.
Glaze the waffle donuts: Once the waffle donuts are warm but not hot, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over them with a spoon. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving to let it firm up slightly.

Notes

Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance sweetness with a slight tang.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffles tender and fluffy.
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk in the glaze.
Waffle don’t overfill the waffle iron to prevent batter from spilling out and creating a mess.
Make sure to let the glaze set before stacking the donuts to prevent them from sticking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Waffle Iron Cooking, Stove-top Sauté
Cuisine: American