If you have a soft spot for warm, comforting breakfasts that feel like a special treat, then this Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe is going to become your new morning obsession. Imagine the perfect marriage of spiced apple fritters and light but crispy waffles shaped like donuts, all drizzled with a luscious maple glaze. Each bite bursts with cozy flavors and a satisfying texture that’s both tender inside and delicately crisp on the outside. Whether you’re whipping these up for a weekend brunch or craving a unique snack, these waffle donuts bring that familiar apple fritter magic in an utterly delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s amazing about this Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet they each play a crucial role in delivering that ultimate flavor and texture. From the warmth of cinnamon to the juice in the apples, every component adds depth and balance you’ll love.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the batter, providing structure and softness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds gentle sweetness without overpowering the spices.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures fluffy, light waffles with just the right rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that classic apple fritter warmth everyone loves.
- 3/4 cup milk: Moistens the batter for tenderness and richness.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and keeps things moist while boosting apple flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the batter and contribute to a lovely texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Balances spice with a sweet, floral note.
- 1 cup diced apples (peeled and cored): The star ingredient, adding freshness and fruitiness in every bite.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze, providing that smooth, sweet finish.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup: Adds rich, natural sweetness to the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps to thin the glaze to the perfect consistency.
- Oil for brushing the waffle maker: Essential for non-stick cooking and crisp edges.
How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your waffle maker
Before you dive in, preheat your waffle maker and give it a light brush of oil. This simple step prevents sticking and helps the waffles develop a golden, crisp crust that’s irresistible.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This blend creates the flavorful base of the batter and ensures every donut gets that classic apple fritter spice.
Step 3: Combine the wet ingredients
In another bowl, mix the milk, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and fully combined. The applesauce adds moisture and a subtle apple tang, complementing the fruit you’ll fold in later.
Step 4: Bring it all together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Don’t overmix — a few small lumps are okay and help keep the waffles tender. Carefully fold in the diced apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Cook your waffle donuts
Spoon about 1/3 cup of batter onto your preheated waffle maker. Close the lid and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your machine, until the waffle has turned a beautiful golden brown and feels crisp on the outside. The smell at this stage is simply heavenly!
Step 6: Cool and repeat
Gently lift out the cooked waffle donut and set it on a rack to cool slightly. Repeat with the remaining batter, brushing the waffle maker with oil as needed to keep those donuts coming out perfectly each time.
Step 7: Whip up the maple glaze
While the waffles cool, take a small bowl and whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and water to form a smooth glaze. This sweet, silky drizzle is what takes these waffles over the top, giving you that sweet finish signature to an apple fritter.
Step 8: Drizzle and enjoy
Once your waffle donuts are cool enough to handle, generously drizzle the maple glaze over each one. The glaze will soak into the crevices, adding a gorgeous shine and a burst of sweetness with every bite.
How to Serve Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar over the glazed waffle donuts or add tiny slivers of toasted pecans for a crunch contrast. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a beautiful snow-kissed look that invites you to dig in.
Side Dishes
Pair these waffle donuts with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a decadent treat. A side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced pears, balances the richness and adds a refreshing splash of color.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts on a dessert tower or place them around a central bowl of warm apple cider for a cozy brunch display. You can also serve them with a small bowl of extra maple glaze or whipped cream for dipping fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any waffle donuts left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them relatively fresh with still some of that initial crispness.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooled waffle donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to two months, so you can enjoy these treats anytime.
Reheating
Reheat your frozen or day-old waffle donuts in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back the crisp exterior and warm, soft interior. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji all work wonderfully. Each variety adds a slightly different sweetness and texture, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Do I need a special waffle maker for waffle donuts?
While this recipe is designed for a donut-shaped waffle maker, you can use a standard waffle maker just as well. The shape will be different but the taste and texture remain fantastic.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can easily adapt it by using flax eggs or other egg substitutes, plant-based milk, and a vegan-friendly maple syrup. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Is it necessary to brush the waffle maker with oil?
Yes, a light brushing of oil helps prevent the batter from sticking and ensures you get those perfect golden edges every time, making removal easy and clean.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins provide a lovely texture and extra flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples and spice.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try this Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe because it truly captures the joy of a homemade breakfast treat with a creative twist. These donuts are comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for making any morning feel a little more special. Once you take that first bite, I’m confident you’ll want to make them again and again!
Print
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 6-8 waffle donuts
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, a sweet and crispy treat combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples and a fluffy waffle base. Lightly coated with a maple syrup glaze, they are perfect for breakfast or a decadent snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup diced apples (any variety, peeled and cored)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons water
Other
- Oil for brushing the waffle maker
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Waffle Maker: Preheat your waffle maker thoroughly and lightly brush the cooking plates with oil to ensure the waffles do not stick during cooking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the milk, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully blended for a smooth mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined into a smooth batter, being careful not to overmix. Then fold in the diced apples evenly.
- Cook Waffle Donuts: Pour approximately 1/3 cup of batter onto the preheated, oiled waffle maker. Close the lid and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the waffle is golden brown, crisp on the outside, and fully cooked through.
- Cool Waffles: Carefully remove the waffle donuts from the maker and place them on a wire rack or plate to cool slightly. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: While the waffles cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and water in a small bowl until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze consistency.
- Glaze the Waffle Donuts: Once the waffles are cool enough to handle, generously drizzle the maple glaze over each waffle donut to add sweetness and shine.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh apples peeled and cored before dicing for even cooking and texture.
- Adjust cooking time depending on your waffle maker to avoid under- or overcooking.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the water quantity slightly.
- These waffle donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Try serving warm with additional maple syrup or cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
