Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

Introduction

Apple fritter waffle donuts combine the tender, fluffy texture of waffles with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavor of classic apple fritters. This fun twist makes for a delightful breakfast or snack that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
4. Step 4: Heat a small skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tbsp butter. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Cook, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 4-5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
5. Step 5: Fold the cooked apples into the waffle batter carefully.
6. Step 6: Preheat your waffle maker and lightly grease it if needed. Spoon the batter into the waffle iron, filling it enough to cover the surface but not overflow.
7. Step 7: Cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until golden brown and cooked through, typically 3-5 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove the waffles and use a small round cutter or cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes. Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with glaze.

Tips & Variations

• Choose tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweetness.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the batter for more warm spice flavor.
• Swap buttermilk with plain yogurt thinned with a little milk if needed.
• Top with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.

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 in a toaster or oven to restore crispness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

While fresh apples are best for texture, you can use frozen apples if thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

How do I make a glaze to serve with these waffle donuts?

Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or lemon juice until smooth and drizzle over the warm waffle donuts for a simple, delicious glaze.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

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4.7 from 134 reviews

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the classic flavors of apple fritters with the fun shape and texture of waffles. Featuring a cinnamon-spiced batter studded with tender diced apples, then finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar glaze, these treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made in a waffle iron, they deliver a crispy exterior and soft inside, capturing the best of both apples and breakfast pastries in a unique donut shape.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 waffle donuts 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small

Cinnamon Sugar Apple Topping

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth and well incorporated.
3. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the flour mixture. Gently fold until just combined; do not overmix to keep the batter light and fluffy.
4. Add apples: Carefully fold in the diced apple pieces, dispersing them evenly throughout the batter.
5. Preheat waffle iron: Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions, lightly greasing it if necessary to prevent sticking.
6. Cook waffle donuts: Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter into each waffle mold cavity, spreading slightly. Close the waffle iron and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the waffle donuts are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Make cinnamon sugar topping: While the waffles cook, melt the 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring until the mixture becomes a glaze with the sugar dissolved.
8. Glaze waffle donuts: As each waffle donut comes out of the iron, brush or dip it in the warm cinnamon sugar glaze to coat thoroughly.
9. Serve: Allow the waffle donuts to cool slightly before serving warm for the best texture and flavor experience.

Notes

• Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp as they hold their shape well during cooking.
• You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice for a homemade buttermilk alternative.
• If you do not have a waffle iron specifically for donuts, a regular waffle iron works perfectly fine; the shape just won’t be exactly a donut.
• These waffle donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a toaster or oven for a few minutes.
• For a richer glaze, add a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla into the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Keywords: apple fritter waffles, waffle donut recipe, cinnamon apple waffle, breakfast waffle, apple fritter donuts