Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a fun twist on classic donuts! They combine delicious apples, warm spices, and a fluffy waffle texture, making them extra tasty.
Who wouldn’t want a donut that tastes like a warm apple pie? I love to enjoy these with a cup of coffee—it’s the perfect morning treat that feels like dessert! 🍏🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your waffles. If you need a gluten-free option, consider using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly!
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is perfect, but for a unique flavor, you can substitute brown sugar. It adds a deeper sweetness and hint of caramel taste.
Granny Smith Apples: These tart apples are great for this recipe. If you’re after a sweeter flavor, Fuji or Honeycrisp will also work wonderfully. Just adjust the sugar if needed!
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own! Simply combine 3/4 cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Egg: For a vegan version, you could use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) to replace the egg.
How Do I Make My Waffles Fluffy and Light?
To ensure your waffle donuts are fluffy, key techniques matter. Start by whisking the dry and wet ingredients separately to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense waffles, so be gentle!
- Make sure your waffle iron is preheated. A hot iron helps create that crispy outside while keeping the inside fluffy.
- Don’t open the waffle iron too soon! Let them cook for the full recommended time for a golden crust.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have delicious, light apple fritter waffle donuts every time!
How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Waffle Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, plus more for the waffle iron
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced tart green apple (e.g., Granny Smith)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (plus more if needed)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook, depending on your waffle iron. You’ll have a delicious breakfast or treat ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Waffle Iron:
Start by preheating your waffle iron. While it heats up, lightly grease it with melted butter to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Whisk them together until they are well mixed.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy.
5. Add the Apples:
Fold in the finely diced apples gently, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Cook the Waffle Donuts:
Spoon enough batter onto the heated waffle iron to cover the waffle grid without overflowing. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes, but check your waffle iron’s instructions.
7. Cool the Waffles:
Carefully remove the cooked waffle donuts and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. This will help them stay crisp and prevent sogginess.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
While the waffles are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Keep mixing until the glaze is smooth and slightly runny. If it’s too thick, just add a little more milk until you reach a nice drizzling consistency.
9. Drizzle the Glaze:
Once the waffle donuts are still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Let the glaze sit for a moment to set slightly.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
These tasty apple fritter waffle donuts are best served warm! Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the perfect treat. Enjoy your delicious homemade waffle donuts!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness, you can use sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Just be aware that using a sweeter apple may require you to adjust the sugar in the recipe slightly.
How Can I Store Leftover Waffle Donuts?
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a toaster or a microwave—just add a little time if they were refrigerated!
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, give it a gentle stir to reincorporate any settled ingredients.
Can I Freeze Waffle Donuts?
Yes, these waffle donuts freeze well! After they have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw and reheat!
