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.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins

2 large eggs
⅓ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1½ cups peeled, diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith)
Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Extra powdered sugar for dusting

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