Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a sweet and fun treat! With warm, spiced apples and a crispy waffle texture, they’re perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Honestly, who can resist a donut that tastes like an apple fritter? I love to top mine with a drizzle of icing—it’s like a hug in dessert form! 🍏❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your waffles. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure to adjust the moisture as needed.
Granny Smith Apples: They provide a nice tartness that works well. If you prefer sweeter apples, Honeycrisp or Fuji are great substitutes. Just chop them small for even distribution.
Buttermilk: This ingredient adds tenderness and flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted to control the saltiness of the batter. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well, just melt it before adding.
How Do You Get the Perfect Waffle Texture?
The texture of your waffles is crucial for that delightful crispiness. Here’s how to nail it:
- Preheat your waffle iron thoroughly. A hot iron helps create that crispy exterior.
- Don’t overmix your batter! Mixing just until combined keeps the waffles light and fluffy.
- Let the waffles cool slightly on a wire rack. This prevents them from getting soggy as they sit.
Following these steps will help you get waffle donuts that are beautifully golden and delicious. Enjoy! 🍏✨
How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Waffle Donuts:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced Granny Smith apple (about 1 medium apple)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp apple cider or milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 3-5 minutes per batch to cook in the waffle iron. After that, give it a few minutes to cool before serving. Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Waffle Iron
Start by preheating your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease it with oil or non-stick spray to ensure your waffle donuts come out easily.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will be the base of your waffle batter.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them together with the buttermilk, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or you’ll end up with dense waffles!
5. Fold in Apples and Butter
Now it’s time to add the flavor! Fold in the melted butter and diced Granny Smith apples. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Cook the Waffle Donuts
Spoon an appropriate amount of batter onto the preheated waffle iron—just enough to cover the surface. Close the lid and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Cool the Waffles
Once cooked, carefully remove the waffles and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. This helps maintain their crispiness!
8. Prepare the Glaze
While the waffles are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider (or milk), vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and pourable.
9. Assemble and Drizzle
Arrange the waffles on a serving plate, stacking them like donuts if you wish! Drizzle the apple glaze generously over the top and dust with powdered sugar for a delightful touch.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your warm Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts with fresh apple slices on the side, if you like. They’re great for breakfast, dessert, or any time you want a delicious treat!
Enjoy your crispy, apple-studded waffle donuts with a sweet cinnamon glaze! 🍏❤️
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness, you can also use sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just remember to chop them finely for even cooking!
Can I Make the Batter in Advance?
Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time! Just store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a gentle mix before cooking, as it may thicken a bit while resting.
How Do I Store Leftover Waffle Donuts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the toaster or a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Freeze These Waffle Donuts?
Definitely! Let the cooked waffles cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the toaster or oven when you’re ready to enjoy!