Do Share Recipe

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts: My New Favorite Way to Enjoy Apple Fritters

I recently tried making Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, and let me tell you—they turned out better than I expected! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with warm apple-cinnamon flavor. It’s like having a donut and a waffle in one bite.

If you enjoy cozy comfort foods like the McGriddle Bites Recipe, you’ll love this twist. They’re fun to make, look great on the plate, and are perfect for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients: What You Need for That Perfect Crisp and Sweetness

Here’s everything I used to make these warm and tasty fritter-waffle hybrids. I also added a few pro tips to help you get the best flavor and texture.

2 cups all-purpose flour – Gives structure and the base texture. Don’t substitute with cake flour; it won’t be firm enough.
1 tablespoon baking powder – Adds lightness and a fluffy bite.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The main spice that brings that apple fritter flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed – Adds deeper sweetness and a hint of molasses.
1/2 cup whole milk – Use whole milk for richness. Avoid low-fat options.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds a smooth, buttery taste.
2 large eggs – Binds everything together while giving a soft texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and warmth.
1 cup peeled and diced apples (about 1 medium apple) – Go for fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – Adds crunch and earthy flavor.

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar – Base for a classic sweet glaze.
2 tablespoons milk – Adjust the consistency for dipping.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds smooth flavor.

Note: This recipe makes about 6 waffle donuts, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a weekend dessert.

Tasty Twists and Fun Variations

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are super flexible. Here are some ideas if you want to mix it up (and yes, this makes a fantastic addition to your list of breakfast recipes—especially for dessert!).

Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter with coconut oil and milk with almond or oat milk.
No Nuts: Skip the nuts if there are allergies or use sunflower seeds for a crunch.
Add Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for extra fall flavors.
Fruity Variation: Try using diced pears or peaches instead of apples.
Sugar-Free: Use a monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-sugar version.

Cooking Time: How Long Until You Can Eat?

Making these is quick and satisfying. Here’s the breakdown:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

To make these waffle donuts with ease, keep these tools nearby:

Mixing Bowls: For separating wet and dry ingredients.
Whisk & Spatula: Whisk for smooth batter, spatula for folding in apples.
Waffle Iron: The key tool—gives these donuts their shape and crispness.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accuracy in mixing.
Small Bowl & Spoon: To prepare and drizzle the glaze.

How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts?

This recipe comes together fast and doesn’t need any frying. Just waffle, glaze, and enjoy.

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. This helps distribute the baking powder and spices evenly throughout the batter.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything looks smooth and creamy. This mixture will help make your batter light and moist.

Step 3: Combine and Fold in the Fruit

Pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients and stir until just combined—don’t overmix. Fold in the diced apples and optional nuts gently, making sure they’re evenly distributed without deflating the batter.

Step 4: Cook in the Waffle Iron

Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with oil or non-stick spray. Pour enough batter to cover the surface, close the lid, and cook for about 3–5 minutes until golden and crisp. Repeat with the rest of the batter.

Step 5: Make the Glaze and Dip

While the waffles cook, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Once the waffles are done and slightly cooled, dip the tops in the glaze and let the excess drip off.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making these myself, I discovered a few tricks that take them from good to amazing.

Always dice your apples small so they cook through during waffle time.
Let the waffles cool for a minute before glazing so it sticks better.
Don’t overfill the waffle iron—it makes cleanup easier.
Use a medium heat setting to avoid burning the outside.
Fresh cinnamon makes a big difference in flavor.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts?

These waffle donuts are best served warm with a generous glaze drizzle. Stack them on a brunch board with fresh fruits or pair them with whipped cream. For a cozy combo, try it after Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole Recipe—the sweet after the savory is unbeatable!

Nutritional Information

Here’s what one donut delivers in terms of nutrition:

Calories: 290
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 12g

Perfect for a special weekend treat or sweet breakfast!

How to Store Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Restoring: Reheat in the toaster or oven for 5 minutes at 300°F to crisp up again.
Freezing: Freeze in a single layer with parchment paper between each waffle. Use within 2 months.
Reheating: Microwave for 30 seconds or toast for best results.
Stays Fresh: Up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temp.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

If you’re still unsure, here are a few reasons why I keep making these again and again.

Quick to Make: Ready in under 40 minutes, start to finish.
Fun and Unique: A creative spin on classic waffles or donuts.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love the warm apples and sweet glaze.
Customizable: Easily change fruit, add-ins, or spices.
Comforting Flavors: The cinnamon-apple combo is cozy and timeless.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

Get the best result by skipping these common errors:

Using Cold Eggs or Milk: Room temp ingredients mix better.
Overmixing Batter: Causes dense, chewy waffles.
Overfilling Waffle Iron: Makes a mess and cooks unevenly.
Skipping Glaze Cooling Time: It’ll just slide off hot waffles.
Too Large Apple Chunks: They won’t cook through and can break your waffle.

More Info for a Better Experience

If you’re planning a weekend brunch or just want something sweet after dinner, this recipe is a must-try. It works for cozy mornings, holidays, or quick desserts. Don’t be afraid to play around with the flavors. I’ve even tried adding a dash of maple syrup to the batter—delicious!

Ben Carraoli