Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy a delightful twist on classic apple fritters with these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. They combine the crispy texture of waffles with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and a smooth glaze, making for a perfect breakfast treat or snack.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the apple is tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the cooked apple mixture.
- Step 4: Preheat and lightly grease your waffle iron. Spoon the batter into the center of each mold, close the iron, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until the waffle donuts are golden brown and cooked through. Remove and allow to cool on a wire rack.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if needed.
- Step 6: When the waffle donuts are warm (not hot), dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over using a spoon. Let the glaze set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness, or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for a fruitier flavor.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans on top of the glaze before it sets.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert option.
Storage
Store any leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a toaster or oven to restore crispness before glazing again if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk plus vinegar, and use a flax or chia egg instead of a chicken egg. Replace butter with a vegan alternative for both the batter and apple topping.
Can I prepare the apple filling and glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. The apple filling and glaze can be made a day before and stored separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the apple filling gently before folding it into the batter, and stir the glaze well before using.
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Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 waffle donuts 1x
Description
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the comforting flavors of classic apple fritters with the fun shape and texture of waffles. Caramelized cinnamon apples are folded into a tender batter, cooked in a waffle iron until golden and crispy, then topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack.
Ingredients
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
Apple Mixture
- 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Caramelize the apples: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the 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 until evenly combined.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the caramelized apple mixture gently to evenly distribute without breaking up the apples too much.
- Preheat and prepare the waffle iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cook the waffle donuts: Spoon the batter into the center of each waffle mold in the waffle iron, then close the iron. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the waffle donuts are golden brown and cooked through. Use a fork or tongs to carefully remove them and place on a wire cooling rack.
- Make the vanilla glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the glaze thickness by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.
- Glaze the waffle donuts: When the waffle donuts are warm but not hot, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over them using a spoon. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffle donuts light and tender.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Ensure the waffle iron is fully preheated to get perfectly cooked donuts with crispy edges.
- These waffle donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before glazing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple fritter waffle donuts, waffle donuts, apple fritter recipe, breakfast waffle donuts, caramelized apple waffle donuts
