Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add apples: Carefully fold in the diced apple pieces, dispersing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Preheat waffle iron: Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions, lightly greasing it if necessary to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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