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Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

4.6 from 142 reviews

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the comforting flavors of classic apple fritters with the fun shape and texture of waffle donuts. Featuring tender, caramelized apples spiced with cinnamon folded into a fluffy waffle batter, these treats are finished with a sweet vanilla glaze for an irresistible breakfast or snack option.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Mixture

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Waffle 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

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Cook Apple Mixture: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Mix 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 well combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  4. Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the cooled apple mixture into the batter, ensuring the apples are evenly distributed without breaking them up too much.
  5. Heat and Prepare Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  6. Cook Waffle Donuts: Spoon the batter into the center of each waffle mold in the iron, then close the iron and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until the waffle donuts are golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Cool Waffles: Remove the waffles carefully and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly, preventing sogginess and maintaining crispness.
  8. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (starting with 2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the thickness with additional milk or powdered sugar as needed to achieve a pourable glaze.
  9. Glaze Waffle Donuts: Once the waffle donuts are warm but not hot, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over with a spoon. Set them aside to allow the glaze to set before serving.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffle donuts light and fluffy.
  • Let the waffle donuts cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
  • Store leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently in a toaster or oven to restore crispness before serving.

Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, breakfast recipe, cinnamon apples, glazed waffles, easy breakfast, homemade donuts