Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Delicious Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the nostalgic flavors of classic apple fritters with the fun texture of waffle donuts. Tender bites of cinnamon-spiced apples are cooked caramelized in butter and brown sugar, then folded into a fluffy, buttermilk-based waffle batter. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, these treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack with coffee.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 waffle donuts 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Waffle Iron Cooking, Skillet Sauté
- 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
Vanilla 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 of butter. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- 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.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the batter light. Carefully fold in the cooled caramelized apple mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Preheat and Grease Waffle Iron: Heat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cook Waffle Donuts: Spoon batter into the center of each waffle mold, filling each well appropriately. Close the waffle iron and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the waffle donuts are golden brown and cooked through. Remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Prepare Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or additional powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.
- Glaze the Waffle Donuts: While the waffle donuts are still warm but not hot, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle glaze over them with a spoon. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough waffle donuts; a few lumps are okay.
- The glaze can be flavored with a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of maple syrup for variety.
- Ensure waffle donuts cool slightly before glazing to prevent glaze from melting off.
- Store leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle donut
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, breakfast, cinnamon, glazed donuts, caramelized apples, buttermilk waffles