Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Delight in the perfect breakfast treat with these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, combining the tender warmth of apple fritters with the fun shape of waffles. Caramelized apples folded into a cinnamon-spiced batter cook crisp on the outside and soft inside, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze for a sweet finish.
- Author: mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 waffle donuts 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Waffle Iron Cooking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Apple Filling
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Batter
- 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
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to combine evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients and Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Carefully fold in the caramelized apple mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking the apples apart.
- Cook the Waffle Donuts: Preheat a waffle iron and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Spoon the batter into the center of each mold and close the lid. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until the waffle donuts turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove them and cool briefly on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one.
- Glaze the Donuts: While the waffle donuts are still warm but not hot, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over with a spoon. Allow the glaze to set before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, soft, and sweet.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffles light and tender.
- Ensure waffles are warm but cool enough to handle before glazing to avoid melting the glaze too much.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar.
- Leftover waffle donuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently in a toaster or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle donut
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, breakfast recipe, caramelized apples, cinnamon waffles, glazed donuts