If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the warm, comforting flavors of apple fritters with the fun shape and fluffiness of waffles, you’re in for a real treat! Knowing exactly How To Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts means you can recreate this delightful hybrid in your own kitchen anytime. Crisp on the outside, soft and tender inside, packed with cinnamon-spiced apple bits, and finished with a luscious vanilla glaze, these waffle donuts are a cozy, irresistible snack or breakfast. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new go-to comfort food that brings joy at every bite.

How To Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how simple yet essential each ingredient is, contributing to the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color in your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. From the fragrant cinnamon to the diced apples adding bursts of sweetness, every component plays a crucial role.

1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to the donut batter.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the spices and apples.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the waffles rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Essential for the classic apple fritter warmth and spice.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1/2 cup milk (or a milk alternative): Keeps the batter moist and tender.
1/2 cup apples, peeled and diced: Fresh, juicy bits that bring brightness and texture.
1 large egg: Binds everything together and gives richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic depth to the batter.
For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract to create a sweet, glossy finish.

How to Make How To Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Waffle Maker

Start by warming up your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s guidelines—this step is crucial to ensure your waffle donuts cook evenly with a golden, crisp exterior. If your waffle maker isn’t non-stick, a light spray of cooking oil is a smart move to prevent any sticking or tearing when you remove your donuts.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well blended. In a separate bowl, beat the milk, egg, and vanilla extract to combine. Pour the wet into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined; small lumps in the batter are perfectly okay. Over-mixing can cause dense donuts, so treat this step with care for the softest results.

Step 3: Fold in the Apples

Now, the fun part—gently fold those lovely diced apples into your batter. Those apple pieces are central to the charm of apple fritters, lending sweetness and a pleasant bite that contrasts beautifully with the fluffy waffle texture.

Step 4: Cook the Donuts

Once your waffle maker is piping hot, spoon enough batter to cover the designated donut section without overflowing. Close the lid and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until your waffle donuts turn a mouthwatering golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Carefully remove them with a thin spatula or fork and transfer to a wire rack to cool just a bit before glazing.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create your glaze. The consistency should be smooth and pourable—if it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, sprinkle in a bit more powdered sugar. This glaze will add a perfect sweet finish and slight gloss that makes these waffle donuts absolutely irresistible.

Step 6: Glaze the Waffle Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled slightly—warm, but not hot—dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over with a spoon. Give the glaze just a few minutes to set, so it’s delightfully sticky but not runny. This step turns these treats into picture-perfect Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts that taste as amazing as they look.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

And there you have it: fresh, warm Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts ready to be enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. They’re perfect for a cozy morning, weekend brunch, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something special. These donuts combine the best of two worlds and are sure to spark some happy smiles around your table.

How to Serve How To Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Garnishes

For a little extra touch, consider sprinkling your glazed waffle donuts with a pinch of cinnamon sugar or some finely chopped toasted nuts. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty snowy effect that’s perfect for festive occasions or a weekend indulgence.

Side Dishes

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or a compote for added freshness. Serving alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn this treat into a decadent dessert. For breakfast, they’re divine with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a sweet-savory balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests or simply upgrade your presentation? Serve these donuts stacked on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra glaze or cinnamon honey for dipping. You could even skewer mini waffle donuts on sticks for a playful donut pop experience that kids and adults alike will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, gently store your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Be sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess. This way, you can still enjoy their fresh taste the next day.

Freezing

These waffle donuts freeze beautifully! Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag to store for up to one month. This makes it easy to have a quick, homemade treat whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To revive their perfect texture after storing or freezing, warm your waffle donuts in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make them chewy. A light reheat will bring back that freshly baked flavor and slight crispness on the outside.

FAQs

Can I use Granny Smith apples for these waffles?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well during cooking, creating a lovely contrast with the sweet glaze. Feel free to use any apple variety you love, but firmer apples tend to work best.

Do I need a special waffle maker for these donut shapes?

While using a waffle maker designed for donut shapes gives the best appearance and cooking results, a standard waffle maker can work if you don’t mind a more traditional waffle shape with apple fritter flavor.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to mix the batter just before cooking for the fluffiest waffles. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients ahead and keep them separated from the wet ones, then combine when ready to cook.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well for safe consumption.

How do I prevent the waffles from sticking to the waffle maker?

Spraying your waffle maker with a non-stick cooking spray before each batch and ensuring it’s fully preheated are key to preventing sticking. Also, gently lifting the lid rather than forcing it open helps keep donuts intact.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the cozy warmth of homemade treats, and this guide on How To Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts is your ticket to a kitchen filled with irresistible aromas and happy smiles. These donuts combine the best of apple fritters and waffles into one unforgettable bite. I can’t wait for you to try making them — they’re easy, fun, and absolutely delicious. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this delightful recipe!

How To Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 19 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 waffle donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the warm, comforting flavors of apple fritters with the fun, easy shape of waffle donuts. Made with diced apples, cinnamon-spiced batter, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, these treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they offer a delicious twist on classic waffles and donuts in one easy recipe.

Instructions

Preheat Your Waffle Maker: Start by preheating your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have a non-stick waffle maker, lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Donut Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, leaving some lumps.
Fold in the Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter to incorporate them evenly, adding moisture and fruity flavor to the donuts.
Cook the Donuts: Pour enough batter onto the preheated waffle maker to cover the designated area. Close the lid and cook for 4-5 minutes until the waffle donuts are golden brown and cooked through. Remove carefully and let cool on a wire rack.
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk for thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for thicker glaze. The glaze should be pourable but not runny.
Glaze the Waffle Donuts: Dip the tops of the slightly cooled waffle donuts into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over them with a spoon. Set aside for a few minutes to allow the glaze to set.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts warm with coffee or tea. Enjoy the perfect combination of soft, spiced apples and sweet vanilla glaze in a fun waffle donut shape.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
Do not overmix the batter to keep your donuts tender.
For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a non-dairy butter spray.
Ensure the waffle maker is well preheated for crispy edges.
The glaze consistency can be adjusted to preference—thicker for coating or thinner for drizzling.
Store leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Waffle maker cooking
Cuisine: American