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Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

4.8 from 23 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 23 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
  4. 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.
  5. 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).
  6. 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.
  7. Cool the Waffle Donuts: Carefully remove the waffle donuts and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly but remain warm.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, apple waffles, breakfast donuts, caramelized apples, cinnamon dessert, glazed waffle, sweet breakfast treat