Irresistible Apple Fritter Waffle

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the best parts of your favorite fall fair treat with the crispy edges of waffles and the pillowy softness of donuts. Each bite delivers warm cinnamon apple pockets wrapped in a golden hug then glazed for extra sweetness. I love making these on lazy Sunday mornings or when someone needs a pick me up.

My kitchen always fills with the happiest apple cinnamon aroma. When my kids see these on the table their eyes get so wide and they immediately reach for two.

Gather Your Ingredients

• All purpose flour: gives the batter just right structure and fluffiness Use a freshly opened bag for best results
• Baking powder: ensures these donuts puff up beautifully Double check your baking powder is active for the best rise
• Salt: balances the sweetness Choose fine sea salt for even flavor
• Ground cinnamon: adds cozy warmth Saigon cinnamon has the boldest kick
• Large eggs: bind everything together and enrich the texture Use room temperature eggs for easy blending
• Granulated sugar: for sweetness and lightness Look for pure white sugar for best color
• Light brown sugar: brings a hint of molasses depth Pack the brown sugar tight in your measuring cup
• Buttermilk: for tenderness and tang If out of buttermilk add one tablespoon vinegar to regular milk and let sit 5 minutes
• Unsalted butter melted: for richness Pick a good quality butter for maximum flavor
• Vanilla extract: rounds everything out Go for pure vanilla not imitation
• Tart apple: adds a fresh juicy burst Granny Smith holds up best to baking but Honeycrisp works too
• Powdered sugar: is the base for the glaze Sift it for a smooth finish
• Milk: makes the glaze just the right drizzle consistency Whole milk adds richness non dairy works if needed
• Extra powdered sugar: is perfect for dusting at the end
• Crisp apples: select crisp apples that are firm to the touch and heavy for their size If possible grab them fresh from a farmers market

How to Make It

Prepare the Apples:

Peel core and dice apples into bite sized chunks Aim for even sizes for uniform cooking Set aside in a bowl

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl whisk together flour baking powder salt and cinnamon Make sure your baking powder is well dispersed so the batter will rise evenly

Blend the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk the eggs granulated sugar and brown sugar Once smooth add in buttermilk melted butter and vanilla extract Whisk until fully combined with no streaks

Combine Batter:

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture Stir just until barely combined Over mixing makes tough donuts so stop as soon as you cannot see streaks of flour

Fold in the Apples:

Gently fold diced apples into the batter Use a silicone spatula and work in wide gentle strokes so you do not break up the apple pieces

Preheat and Grease Waffle Iron:

Set your waffle iron to medium high and let it get fully hot Lightly grease the surface with nonstick spray or a thin layer of melted butter to prevent sticking

Cook the Donuts:

Scoop generous dollops of batter onto the hot waffle iron leaving space for spread Close and cook until golden and crisp typically 4 to 5 minutes The outside will become golden brown and edges pull away

Cool and Glaze:

Let cooked donut waffles rest on a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes Whisk powdered sugar and milk with a splash of vanilla till smooth Drizzle over each waffle donut while still slightly warm for best absorption

Dust and Serve:

Finish with a light snow of extra powdered sugar right before serving This is when the magic happens

Once fully cooled store leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for up to two days To enjoy warm again pop them into the toaster or oven for a few minutes Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness If you want to prep ahead these freeze incredibly well Layer each cooled waffle donut between sheets of parchment paper in a zip top bag Thaw at room temperature before reheating in the oven

Flavor Boosters

Use whole wheat flour for a bit more fiber and a nutty flavor Swap in dairy free milk and vegan butter for a plant based treat Firm pears make a fun swap for apples in the fall and bring a slightly floral touch

Serving Suggestions

These pair beautifully with spiced chai or a cup of hot apple cider Pile them up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and extra glaze for an extra decadent dessert For a brunch board slice them into quarters so everyone can grab a piece

Creative Twists

Apple fritters are a beloved fair staple across America while waffles and donuts each have passionate followings on their own This recipe bridges those traditions for a modern twist I make these most often from late September through November when orchard apples are perfect Use honeycrisp apples for a juicier bite in late fall Add a pinch of clove or nutmeg in winter for a spicier profile Try a cider glaze by swapping some milk for apple cider in the icing

These apple fritter waffle donuts are joy in every bite and a surefire hit with kids and adults alike. Bake a double batch and watch them disappear.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of apples work best for this dish?

Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal as they provide a balanced flavor without becoming too mushy during cooking.

→ How is the glaze made?

The glaze is a simple mixture of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract whisked until smooth, then drizzled over cooled waffles.

→ Can I substitute buttermilk in the batter?

Yes, you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar as a buttermilk substitute to maintain the batter's tenderness.

→ What is the recommended cooking method?

Use a preheated waffle iron greased lightly with butter or nonstick spray to achieve crispy edges and a soft interior.

→ How long does it take to prepare and cook?

Preparation takes approximately 35 minutes, and cooking takes an additional 25 minutes, making this suitable for a weekend brunch.