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.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts 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
- 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small
For the Caramelized Apples
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- 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, apple fritters, waffle donuts, breakfast waffles, caramelized apples, cinnamon waffles, glazed waffle donuts
