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Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

5.1 from 11 reviews

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the best of both worlds: the tender, warm sweetness of apple fritters with the fun, crispy texture of waffle donuts. Caramelized apples with cinnamon-infused batter provide a perfect breakfast or dessert treat, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze for added indulgence.

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 Apples: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 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, beat together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Make Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir just until combined—do not overmix. Gently fold in the caramelized apple mixture to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
  5. Cook Waffle Donuts: Preheat and lightly grease your waffle iron. Spoon the batter into the center of each mold, ensuring not to overfill. Close the waffle iron and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the waffle donuts are golden brown and cooked through. Remove carefully and let cool on a wire rack.
  6. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk to thin or more powdered sugar to thicken as desired.
  7. Glaze Waffle Donuts: When the waffle donuts are warm but not hot, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over them with a spoon. Allow the glaze to set before serving for best results.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain light, tender waffle donuts.
  • Be careful not to overfill the waffle iron to prevent batter overflow.
  • You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice if unavailable.
  • For a richer flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
  • Store any leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container and reheat gently before glazing.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, cinnamon, breakfast recipe, caramelized apples, glazed waffle donuts