Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Delight in these homemade Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, combining the tender crumb of waffles with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple flavors of classic apple fritters. Each bite offers caramelized apple pieces inside a fluffy waffle donut, finished with a smooth vanilla glaze for a perfect breakfast treat or snack.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 waffle donuts 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 Filling
- 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Prepare Apple Filling: 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, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to ensure an even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Fold in the cooled apple filling gently to incorporate evenly without breaking up the apples.
- Cook Waffle Donuts: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. Spoon batter into the center of each mold of the waffle iron, spreading evenly but not overflowing. Close the waffle iron and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the waffle donuts are golden brown and cooked through. Carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Prepare Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk to thin or more powdered sugar to thicken the glaze as needed.
- Glaze and Serve: When the waffle donuts are warm but not hot, dip the tops into the vanilla glaze or drizzle the glaze over the surface with a spoon. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving to enjoy the perfect apple fritter waffle donut experience.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor contrast with the sweet glaze.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined to keep waffles light and fluffy.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Make sure waffle donuts are warm but not hot before glazing to ensure the glaze adheres properly without melting off.
- These waffle donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: apple fritter waffle donuts, apple fritters, waffle donuts, breakfast recipe, cinnamon apple waffles, glazed waffles