Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Delight in these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, a delicious twist combining the sweet, cinnamon-spiced goodness of apple fritters with the fun shape and texture of waffle donuts. Featuring tender caramelized apples folded into a soft, fluffy batter and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, these treats are perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 waffle donuts 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Pan-cooking (caramelizing), Mixing, Waffle Iron Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 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
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Mixture
- 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Caramelize the Apples: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the peeled and diced apple, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: 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 well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
- Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the batter light. Then, gently fold in the cooled caramelized apple mixture.
- Preheat and Prepare Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the waffle iron, especially if it’s regular shaped (versus donut-shaped).
- Cook the Waffle Donuts: Spoon the apple fritter batter into each mold of the waffle iron to fill adequately but not overflow. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until the waffle donuts are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool the Waffle Donuts: Carefully remove the waffle donuts and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly but remain warm.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk (adjust to achieve desired glaze consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Donuts: While the waffle donuts are still warm (not hot), dip the tops into the vanilla glaze or drizzle it over with a spoon. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best caramelization and texture.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Adjust glaze thickness by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
- These waffle donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar over the glaze before it sets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle donut
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, apple waffles, breakfast donuts, caramelized apples, cinnamon dessert, glazed waffle, sweet breakfast treat