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Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

5 from 29 reviews

Delight in these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, a perfect fusion of classic apple fritter flavors and crispy waffle texture. Soft, spiced batter studded with tart diced apples and optional nuts is cooked in a waffle iron for a quick, fun twist on traditional donuts. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze and dusted with powdered sugar, these treats are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy 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

  • 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

Additional Ingredients

  • 1½ cups peeled, diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith)
  • Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Set aside. This ensures the apples are ready to be folded into the batter for even distribution.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This forms the spiced base of the batter.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
  5. Fold in apples and nuts: Gently fold the diced apples and optional chopped nuts into the batter to incorporate without breaking the apples.
  6. Preheat waffle iron: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  7. Cook the waffle donuts: Spoon approximately ¼ cup of batter onto the waffle iron for each donut. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp, about 3–5 minutes, depending on your waffle iron.
  8. Cool the donuts: Transfer the cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly, allowing them to remain crisp.
  9. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable to create a sweet vanilla glaze.
  10. Glaze and dust: Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled waffle donuts and dust with extra powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
  11. Serve: Enjoy 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 and let sit for 5 minutes.
  • Customize by adding your favorite nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
  • Ensure the waffle iron is well greased to prevent sticking and achieve crisp edges.
  • For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
  • These waffle donuts are best enjoyed on the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, breakfast, brunch, apple dessert, cinnamon, easy recipe