Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are the perfect fusion of a cozy fall fritter and a crisp, golden waffle. With tender spiced apples folded into a fluffy batter and finished off with a sweet vanilla glaze, every bite brings that warm homemade bakery flavor I can’t get enough of. Whether I serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these waffle donuts always steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, fun, and packed with flavor. The waffle iron gives these donuts a crisp outer edge, while the apple-studded interior stays soft and fluffy. It’s a creative twist on both apple fritters and traditional waffles—no deep frying required. Plus, the glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness to bring it all together. This is one of those recipes that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dry Mix

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Wet Mix

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)

• ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Apples

• 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons milk (or cream)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Cook the Apples
   I start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. I cook them for 5–7 minutes until they’re soft and caramelized, then set them aside to cool slightly.

2. Make the Batter
   In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, I mix the eggs, milk, sour cream, vanilla, and melted butter. I pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Then I gently fold in the cooked apples.

3. Cook in Waffle Maker
   After preheating and lightly greasing my waffle iron, I drop thick spoonfuls of batter onto the griddle. I cook them until they’re golden and crisp—usually 3 to 4 minutes.

4. Glaze Them
   While the fritter waffles are still warm, I whisk together the glaze ingredients and either drizzle it over the top or dip them directly into the glaze.

5. Serve
   I like stacking them high and adding extra glaze or even a dusting of powdered sugar. If I’m feeling indulgent, a drizzle of caramel sauce takes them over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 waffle donuts, depending on the size of your waffle maker. It takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cook time, so I can have them ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes total.

Variations

• Add nuts: I sometimes mix in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

• Different fruit: Pears or peaches work well if I want to switch it up from apples.

• Spice it up: A pinch of cardamom or clove gives the fritters even more autumn warmth.

• Mini versions: Using a mini waffle maker makes these perfect bite-sized treats for parties or brunch spreads.

• Skip the glaze: If I want something a little less sweet, I skip the glaze and just dust them with cinnamon sugar.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers (which is rare), I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I pop them in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crisp edges. I avoid microwaving, as that tends to make them soft and soggy.

FAQs

How do I keep the waffle donuts from sticking to the waffle iron?

I always make sure to grease my waffle iron lightly with oil or non-stick spray before each batch. That helps prevent sticking and ensures they come out golden and crisp.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I can cook the apples and make the batter a few hours in advance. I just store the batter in the fridge and give it a quick stir before cooking. The waffles taste best fresh, but they reheat well too.

What’s the best type of apple for this recipe?

I prefer tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart ones like Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well and don’t turn mushy during cooking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. I substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor is still amazing.

Do I need a special waffle maker?

Not at all. I use my standard waffle iron and just make the batter thick enough so that the waffles look donut-like. If I have a mini or Belgian waffle maker, those work great too.

Conclusion

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are one of my favorite ways to welcome fall. They bring all the comfort of a homemade fritter with the ease and crispness of a waffle. Whether I serve them for a weekend brunch or as a cozy treat on a chilly afternoon, they always hit the spot.

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