If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the crisp warmth of a freshly made waffle with the sweet, cinnamon-kissed magic of a classic apple fritter, then you’re going to fall head over heels for these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. Imagine biting into a golden, perfectly crisp waffle donut that’s bursting with tender chunks of tart apples and cozy spices, all drizzled with a luscious vanilla glaze. This delightful treat is exactly what happens when waffles meet the nostalgic charm of apple fritters, creating a unique indulgence that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack that feels like a hug on a plate.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet play essential roles in creating the perfect Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. Each element contributes a special note—flour gives structure, spices bring warmth, and the apples add that fresh, tart contrast that makes every bite shine.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the donuts their tender crumb and structure.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the waffles rise and become fluffy.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds a touch of lift and slight browning to the batter.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings cozy, comforting warmth—a hallmark of apple desserts.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds depth and a subtle spicy note that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients while adding moisture and richness.
⅓ cup granulated sugar: Light sweetness to balance tart apples.
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds caramel-like notes for richness.
¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar): Tenderizes the batter and adds a slight tang.
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Gives a buttery flavor and keeps the donuts moist.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Intensifies sweetness and aroma.
1½ cups peeled, diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith): The star ingredient that brings fresh bursts of natural tartness.
Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
1 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze, providing that irresistible sweet coating.
2–3 tablespoons milk: To thin the glaze for perfect drizzling consistency.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with warm sweetness.
Extra powdered sugar for dusting: A final snowy touch for beauty and an extra hint of sweetness.

How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your tart apples into small, bite-sized chunks. Choosing a tart variety like Granny Smith balances sweetness beautifully and ensures that the apple pieces don’t get lost in the batter. Set these aside because they’ll bring juicy bursts of flavor to your waffle donuts.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These dry ingredients build the structure and add that signature spiced aroma that makes Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts so irresistible.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture ensures a moist, tender texture with just the right balance of sweetness.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix here; a few lumps are perfectly okay—it keeps your waffle donuts light and fluffy instead of dense.

Step 5: Fold in Apples and Nuts

Carefully fold the diced apples and, if using, the chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter. This step is where your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts start to come to life, with fruit and crunch evenly distributed so every bite surprises you.

Step 6: Preheat and Prep the Waffle Iron

Fire up your waffle iron and give it a good light greasing with nonstick spray or a touch of butter. A hot waffle iron will create that crisp exterior that makes these waffle donuts truly special.

Step 7: Cook the Waffle Donuts

Spoon about ¼ cup of batter onto the waffle iron for each donut, close the lid, and cook until golden brown and crisp, usually around 3 to 5 minutes. The sweet, spiced aroma will start filling your kitchen, and you’ll know you’re onto something delicious.

Step 8: Cool on a Wire Rack

Transfer the cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly. This keeps the bottoms from getting soggy and lets them maintain their perfect crisp texture.

Step 9: Whisk Up the Vanilla Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. This glaze is the sweet finishing touch that ties your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts together.

Step 10: Glaze and Dust

Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled waffle donuts, then generously dust them with extra powdered sugar for that classic, show-stopping look that invites everyone to dig in.

Step 11: Enjoy Warm or Room Temperature

Serve your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts warm to enjoy the melty glaze and tender crumb or at room temperature when the flavors have had a moment to meld. Either way, they’re absolutely delicious.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar does wonders, but you can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts on top for extra texture and that inviting aroma. Fresh apple slices or a cinnamon stick on the side can enhance the presentation, making your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts feel like a real treat.

Side Dishes

Pair these waffle donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate them from breakfast to dessert. A warm cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee is the perfect companion, balancing the sweet and tart flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts with layers of whipped cream and fresh apples for a rustic waffle donut tower that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Or serve them skewered on sticks like donut pops for parties and gatherings. The possibilities for enjoying these goodies are endless and sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain their crispness, place a paper towel underneath to absorb any moisture. If storing in the fridge, expect the texture to soften slightly.

Freezing

These waffle donuts freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this treat anytime.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or leftover Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness. A quick zap in the microwave works too but can make them a bit softer.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith offer a nice balance of sweet and tangy, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or even Gala apples depending on your preference for sweetness and texture.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?

Yes, no worries! Use regular milk and add one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’ve got an easy buttermilk substitute that works perfectly in the batter.

Can I make these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts gluten-free?

With a trusty gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can swap out the regular flour. Just be sure to check your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free too for the best results.

Do I have to use nuts in the recipe?

Not at all! The nuts add a lovely crunch and flavor, but they are entirely optional. You can leave them out or even swap in your favorite add-ins like coconut flakes or chocolate chips for a twist.

Can I make these ahead of time for a crowd?

Definitely! You can prepare the batter and keep it in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. Cook the waffles fresh when guests arrive for the best texture, or bake ahead and reheat gently just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts will become one of your new favorite treats. They are a charming twist on two beloved classics that somehow manage to feel both nostalgic and excitingly fresh. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend breakfast or an impressive brunch spread, these sweet, spiced delights won’t just satisfy—you’ll fall in love bite after bite. So grab your waffle iron and give this recipe a whirl. I promise it’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 waffle donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the comforting flavors of classic apple fritters with the fun shape and texture of waffle donuts. Made with tender, spiced batter filled with tart diced apples and optionally chopped nuts, these donuts are cooked in a waffle iron for a crispy outside and soft inside. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze and powdered sugar dusting, they make a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the tart apples into small chunks. Set aside for later mixing into the batter.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined and evenly distributed.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the donuts tough.
Fold in Apples and Nuts: Carefully fold the diced apples and, if using, the chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed.
Preheat and Grease Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions. Lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Cook the Waffle Donuts: Spoon about ¼ cup of batter onto the center of each donut mold in the waffle iron. Close the lid and cook for approximately 3 to 5 minutes, or until the waffle donuts are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Cool the Donuts: Transfer the cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly while keeping the exterior crisp.
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze consistency. Adjust milk quantity as needed.
Glaze and Dust: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm waffle donuts. For extra sweetness and presentation, dust with additional powdered sugar.
Serve: Serve the apple fritter waffle donuts warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

If buttermilk is not available, substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a buttermilk alternative.
For a nut-free version, omit the chopped pecans or walnuts.
The cooking time may vary depending on your waffle iron; watch for a golden crust as an indicator.
These waffle donuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated briefly in a toaster or oven for crispness.
Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the batter for added warm spices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking in waffle iron
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 waffle donut
Calories: 230
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, breakfast recipe, baked donuts, spiced apple dessert