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Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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