Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

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Imagine the sweet aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples wafting through your kitchen, paired with the golden crisp of a waffle and the tender bite of a donut. That’s exactly what you get with Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. They’re indulgent, comforting, and just a little bit over-the-top—in the best way possible.

These waffle donuts marry the texture of crispy waffles with the flavor-packed gooeyness of classic apple fritters. Drizzled with a simple glaze and dusted in powdered sugar, they make for a dreamy breakfast, a brunch showstopper, or a cozy fall treat with your afternoon coffee.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, having the right tools makes all the difference between a mess and a masterpiece:

• Waffle Iron: This is the heart of the recipe. A nonstick waffle maker ensures even cooking and that golden crisp exterior.
• Mixing Bowls: Use one for dry and one for wet ingredients to streamline your prep process.
• Whisk and Spatula: A whisk helps achieve a smooth batter, while the spatula folds in the apples gently without overmixing.
• Apple Peeler and Dicer: Speeds up prepping apples and ensures even pieces that cook through properly.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: For consistent results in batter and glaze.
• Cooling Rack: Keeps the waffle donuts crisp and prevents sogginess from trapped steam.
• Small Saucepan (Optional): If you want to warm the glaze for a smoother drizzle.

Having these items ready and within reach will make the entire cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

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Ingredients for the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

• Apples (2 medium, peeled and diced): The star of the recipe. Their juicy texture and natural sweetness give the fritters their signature flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the base structure of the batter.
• Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup): Adds sweetness to the waffle donut base.
• Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Deepens the flavor with a caramel-like richness.
• Baking Powder (2 tsp): Gives the donuts lift and fluffiness.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): Essential for that classic warm apple spice.
• Ground Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle depth that complements the cinnamon.
• Milk (3/4 cup): Helps thin the batter and keep it moist.
• Egg (1 large): Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall aroma and flavor.
• Unsalted Butter (2 tbsp, melted): Adds moisture and buttery flavor.
• Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup, for dusting): For a classic sweet finish.
• Optional Glaze: Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tbsp milk for drizzling.

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How To Make the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Sauté them in a pan with a little butter and cinnamon until slightly tender but not mushy. Let them cool.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well blended.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Fold in the cooled apples gently with a spatula.

Step 5: Cook in the Waffle Iron

Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Scoop the batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes per batch depending on your iron.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Place cooked waffle donuts on a cooling rack. Once slightly cooled, drizzle with glaze and dust with powdered sugar.

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Serving and Storing Your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Serve these warm, ideally within 15 minutes of cooking, for the ultimate crisp-meets-gooey bite. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk. For a special touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp texture. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the waffles crispy?

Let them rest on a cooling rack instead of a plate so air circulates and prevents steam from softening the edges.

Can I use canned apples or pie filling?

Fresh apples work best for texture, but if you’re in a pinch, pie filling can be used—just reduce the sugar in the batter slightly.

What kind of apples should I use?

A firm variety like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji gives you that perfect sweet-tart bite and doesn’t turn mushy when cooked.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to cook the batter immediately for the fluffiest result, but you can prep the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before cooking.

Do I need to glaze them?

Nope! They’re delicious on their own with just a dusting of powdered sugar. But the glaze adds that sticky-sweet finish if you’re feeling indulgent.

Can I freeze them?

Yes! Let them cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in a toaster oven for best texture.

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Want More Donut-Inspired Breakfast Ideas?

If you loved these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, you’ll want to try more cozy and creative breakfast bakes from the blog:

• Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe for that same warm spice in loaf form.
• 2-Ingredient Pineapple Cake if you want fruity and effortless.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes for a fun bite-sized brunch option.
• No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies when you want sweet and simple.
• Carrot Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze to bring that bakery-style feel home.

For even more ideas like this, follow me on Pinterest where I post daily recipe inspiration: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast or brunch board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the glaze or keep it light? Did you sneak in a little maple syrup?

I love seeing your delicious takes on these recipes. Don’t be shy—ask your questions and share your creations below!

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