These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a fun twist on a classic treat! They are fluffy, packed with cinnamon and apple bits, and topped with a sweet glaze that makes them hard to resist.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a donut that tastes like a warm slice of apple pie? I love serving them fresh with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. They’re perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack! 🍏🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your waffles. If you want to make these gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for better texture!
Buttermilk: This ingredient makes the waffles tender and fluffy. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes to sour.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are my top choice for a tart flavor, but you can mix in Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for more sweetness. Frozen apples can be used if fresh ones aren’t available—just thaw and drain excess moisture!
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch, but if you’re nut-free, you can skip them altogether or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for some texture.
How Can I Ensure My Waffles Are Cooked Perfectly?
The key to perfectly cooked waffles lies in your waffle iron’s temperature and your technique. Follow these simple steps to achieve the best results:
- Preheat your waffle iron properly—this helps the waffles cook evenly.
- Don’t overfill the waffle iron; about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of batter is enough. It allows for spreading while cooking.
- Watch your waffles closely; they should be golden brown on the outside. If your iron has a ready light, trust that—it’ll help prevent overcooking.
- Let them cool for a minute before serving to set the texture and maintain their crispness.
Enjoy making these delicious treats! They’re sure to be a hit at breakfast or as a fun snack.
How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Waffle Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apples (Granny Smith recommended)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional; pecans or walnuts)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (more as needed for consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Time Required:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making it a perfect choice for a quick and delicious breakfast or dessert. In total, you should be ready to serve these delightful treats in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Waffle Iron:
Start by preheating your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step ensures that your waffle donuts cook evenly and become crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy on the inside.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and ground nutmeg. This blend of dry ingredients will give your waffle donuts their delicious flavor and texture.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Combining the wet ingredients separately allows for even distribution when mixed with the dry components.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the waffles light and fluffy.
5. Add Apples and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if you’re using them) into the batter. The apples will provide moisture and sweetness, while the nuts add a lovely crunch.
6. Prepare the Waffle Iron:
Lightly grease your preheated waffle iron with cooking spray or a brush of melted butter. This will help the waffles release easily once cooked.
7. Cook the Waffle Donuts:
Spoon about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of batter into the waffle iron for each waffle donut (this amount may vary based on your waffle iron size). Close the lid and cook until golden brown and crispy. The edges should look slightly irregular, mimicking a fritter’s texture.
8. Make the Glaze:
While the waffles are cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the thickness of the glaze by adding a little more milk for a thinner consistency or more powdered sugar if it’s too runny.
9. Stack and Drizzle:
Once your waffle donuts are done, stack them up on a plate. Drizzle generously with the vanilla glaze so that each delicious donut gets its fair share of sweetness!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy every bite of this delightful, crispy, cinnamon-spiced treat!
Happy cooking! These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
🍏🍩
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness, you can also use sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Feel free to mix different kinds for added flavor!
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No problem! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly before using it in your recipe.
How Do I Store Leftover Waffles?
Store any leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the toaster or microwave until warmed through. They taste great even after a day or two!
Can I Freeze the Waffle Donuts?
Yes, you can freeze them! Allow the cooked waffles to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the toaster when you’re ready to enjoy!
