Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the best of two breakfast favorites: crispy, golden waffles and the sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavor of apple fritters. These fun, donut-shaped treats are easy to make in a waffle maker and are perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special snack. With tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a drizzle of glaze, they’re irresistible to kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a creative twist on classic apple fritters. By using a waffle maker, you save time on frying while still achieving a crisp, golden exterior and soft, flavorful interior. They’re quick, fun to make, and customizable with toppings like glaze, powdered sugar, or caramel drizzle.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
Knowing the nutritional content helps you enjoy these treats responsibly. While sweet and indulgent, portioning them correctly makes them a fun snack or dessert without overindulgence.
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 15g
Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
Time Breakdown
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts come together quickly, making them perfect for busy mornings or impromptu brunches. With minimal prep and short cooking time, you can enjoy fresh, warm donuts in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
These waffles cook quickly, making them perfect for weekend breakfasts or last-minute brunch treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh apples. A few basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and cinnamon combine with apples and a touch of vanilla to create a flavorful and tender donut.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced small
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk
Condensed Grocery Checklist
Having a concise shopping list ensures you can gather everything efficiently. From apples to powdered sugar for optional glaze, all essentials are easy to find and prepare.
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder & baking soda
- Salt & cinnamon
- Apple
- Egg
- Milk
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Optional: powdered sugar for glaze
How to Make – Step by Step
Making these donuts is straightforward, even for beginners. Mixing the batter, adding apples, and cooking them in a waffle maker allows you to create tender, flavorful donuts without frying.
- Prepare waffle batter: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Add apples: Fold in diced apple pieces gently.
- Preheat waffle maker: Lightly grease the waffle iron.
- Cook donuts: Pour batter into the donut-shaped waffle mold and cook according to your waffle maker instructions until golden brown.
- Optional glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze, then drizzle over warm donuts.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
This recipe is highly versatile. You can change apple varieties, try different spices, or experiment with toppings like chocolate or caramel to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Apples: Try Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for sweetness.
- Spices: Add nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor.
- Toppings: Use caramel sauce, chocolate drizzle, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar instead of glaze.
- Milk alternatives: Almond, oat, or soy milk can be used.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are best served warm. Pair them with coffee, hot chocolate, or apple cider for a cozy snack or serve them as a fun brunch item for family and friends.
- Serve warm for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Pair with coffee, hot cocoa, or apple cider for a cozy treat.
- Perfect for brunch gatherings or as a fun weekend family activity.
Storing Tips
Proper storage keeps the donuts fresh and maintains their texture. Whether storing at room temperature, in the fridge, or freezing for later, these tips help ensure they stay delicious.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Refrigerator: Store for 2–3 days; reheat in a toaster or oven to regain crispiness.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked donuts in a single layer with parchment between them for up to 1 month; reheat in a toaster or oven before serving.
Chef’s Special Tips
Small techniques, like finely dicing apples, lightly greasing the waffle maker, and drizzling glaze while warm, can elevate the donuts to bakery-quality perfection.
- Dice apples finely so they cook evenly inside the waffles.
- Avoid overmixing batter to keep donuts tender.
- Lightly grease waffle iron to prevent sticking and ensure golden edges.
- Drizzle glaze or caramel while donuts are still warm for the best flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a fun and easy way to enjoy the flavors of classic apple fritters in a unique, waffle-shaped form. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these donuts are tender, flavorful, and topped with a sweet glaze that makes them irresistible. Make a batch this weekend for a delicious twist on your favorite fall-inspired treat.