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Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

4.8 from 117 reviews

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the warm spices and tender apple chunks of classic apple fritters with the fun shape and crispy texture of waffle donuts. Made in a waffle iron for quick cooking, they are topped with a sweet vanilla glaze and extra powdered sugar for a delightful breakfast or snack treat.

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

Add-ins

  • 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

For Dusting

  • Extra powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Set aside to use in the batter.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
  5. Fold in Apples and Nuts: Carefully fold in the diced apples and, if desired, the chopped pecans or walnuts to incorporate them evenly into the batter.
  6. Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or softened butter to prevent sticking.
  7. Cook Waffle Donuts: Spoon about ¼ cup of batter onto the center of the waffle iron where the donut shape will form. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden and crisp, approximately 3 to 5 minutes depending on your waffle iron.
  8. Cool on Rack: Remove the cooked waffle donuts carefully and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
  9. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed), and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
  10. Glaze and Finish: Drizzle the glaze over the warm waffle donuts, then dust them with extra powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch.
  11. Serve: Enjoy the apple fritter waffle donuts warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use a tart apple variety such as Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness that holds its texture when cooked.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice, and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffles tender and light.
  • Grease the waffle iron well to ensure easy removal of the donut waffles without breaking.
  • Adjust glaze consistency by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
  • These waffle donuts are best served on the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Optional nuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for nut-free version.

Keywords: apple fritter waffle donuts, waffle donuts, apple fritters, breakfast waffles, apple cinnamon waffles, glazed waffle donuts