Description
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the best of apple fritters and waffles into a delightful, handheld treat. Fluffy waffle batter infused with caramelized cinnamon apples is cooked in a waffle iron to golden perfection, then topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Mixture
- 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Batter
- 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
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Caramelize the apples: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes 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 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 buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
- Make the batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Carefully fold in the caramelized apple mixture to distribute evenly without overmixing.
- Preheat waffle iron: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cook the waffle donuts: Spoon the batter into the center of each waffle mold. Close the waffle iron and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through. Carefully remove the waffle donuts and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk for thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for thicker glaze.
- Glaze the waffles: When the waffle donuts are warm but not hot, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over with a spoon. Allow the glaze to set before serving for a perfect finish.
Notes
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor contrast.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffles tender.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk plus a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- The glaze sets best when waffles are warm, not hot, to prevent melting.
- These waffle donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple fritter waffle donuts, apple waffle recipe, breakfast waffle donut, caramelized apple waffles, cinnamon waffle donuts
