Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the best of both worlds—crispy waffle edges and the warm, cinnamon-spiced tenderness of apple fritters. These donuts are light, fluffy, and packed with bits of caramelized apples that add a rich, sweet flavor. The vanilla glaze brings a touch of indulgence, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these waffle donuts are a crowd-pleasing treat. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of fresh apple cider to complete the experience. You can also top them with nuts or extra glaze for a more indulgent touch. These donut hybrids are sure to become a new favorite in your breakfast rotation!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
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1/2 cup buttermilk
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1 large egg
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2 tbsp melted butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small
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1 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1/2 tsp cinnamon
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1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
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2-3 tbsp milk or cream (for glaze)
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Directions:
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In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add diced apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, mix together buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
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Gently fold the caramelized apples into the batter. The batter should be thick and chunky.
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Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it.
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Spoon the batter into the center of each waffle iron mold. Close and cook for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove the waffle donuts and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
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To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and pourable.
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Once the waffle donuts are warm (but not hot), drizzle with the glaze and let it set before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 6-8 waffle donuts
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts: A Delicious Hybrid of Comfort and Flavor
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are an exciting fusion of two beloved breakfast treats: waffles and apple fritters. This recipe takes the classic apple fritter, known for its crispy exterior and tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and combines it with the convenience and texture of waffles. The result? A warm, crispy, and utterly delicious breakfast or dessert option that is perfect for anyone craving something indulgent and comforting.
These waffle donuts offer a combination of flavors and textures that appeal to a wide range of taste preferences. The sweetness of apples, the warm spices of cinnamon, and the light, fluffy texture of the waffles come together in a way that makes each bite a unique and satisfying experience. Whether you’re preparing these for a cozy weekend breakfast, a brunch gathering, or as a fun dessert, Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are sure to impress.
The Origins of the Apple Fritter Waffle Donut
The idea behind the Apple Fritter Waffle Donut is a fusion of popular comfort foods that have long been adored by breakfast lovers. Apple fritters, which have their roots in European cuisine, are typically deep-fried dough filled with chopped apples, spices, and sugar. While these are undeniably delicious, they can be a bit heavy and time-consuming to make, especially if you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast option.
On the other hand, waffles are a breakfast staple that provides a light, crispy texture and can be made quickly with the help of a waffle iron. Combining these two classics results in a recipe that gives you all the flavor of apple fritters but with the ease and convenience of waffles, making it a modern, streamlined option for breakfast or dessert.
Why Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Are the Best Choice
1. The Perfect Combination of Textures
One of the standout features of Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts is the delightful contrast of textures. The waffle iron gives these donuts their signature crispy, golden-brown exterior, which is reminiscent of the deep-fried crust of traditional apple fritters. Meanwhile, the interior remains soft and fluffy, just like the inside of a perfectly baked waffle. Combined with the tender, caramelized apple bits, this dish offers a satisfying bite that balances crunchiness and softness in the most perfect way.
2. Quick and Easy to Make
Unlike traditional apple fritters, which require frying in hot oil and can be a bit labor-intensive, Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are made in a waffle iron, which saves you time and eliminates the mess of frying. This makes the recipe ideal for busy mornings or whenever you’re in the mood for a delicious breakfast but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a batch of these warm, crispy donuts ready in under 30 minutes.
3. No Deep-Frying Required
One of the major benefits of this recipe is that it doesn’t require deep-frying. While frying can give apple fritters that crispy exterior, it also adds a significant amount of fat and makes for a messy cleanup. Using a waffle iron instead eliminates the need for oil, making this version of the classic apple fritter much lighter and less greasy. Plus, it’s far easier to clean up after.
4. Customizable to Suit Your Taste
Another great thing about Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts is how customizable they are. While the basic recipe calls for apples, cinnamon, and a simple glaze, you can easily adapt it to suit your personal preferences. For example, you can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different types of apples—Granny Smith for a tart bite or Honeycrisp for a sweeter flavor. Want to turn these into a dessert? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle them with caramel sauce for an even more indulgent treat.
5. Ideal for Any Occasion
These waffle donuts are versatile and can be served for various occasions. They make a perfect weekend breakfast, especially in the fall when apples are in season. Their warm, comforting flavors also make them an excellent choice for brunch gatherings, where guests can enjoy them alongside savory dishes or other breakfast staples. If you’re looking for a fun dessert option, these waffle donuts also work great as a sweet treat after dinner, especially when paired with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
How to Perfectly Serve Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are delicious as-is, but there are several ways to elevate them depending on the occasion or your preferences.
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Pair with Coffee or Cider: For a cozy, comforting breakfast, serve these waffle donuts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm apple cider. The flavors complement each other perfectly and create a welcoming, autumn-inspired experience.
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Top with Ice Cream: Want to turn these waffle donuts into a dessert? Top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream. This is the ultimate indulgence, especially if you’re serving these for a special occasion or dinner party.
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Add Nuts for Crunch: If you love texture, sprinkle some chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the top of your waffle donuts. This not only adds a satisfying crunch but also complements the sweet, cinnamon-apple flavor.
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Extra Glaze for Sweetness: Some people love extra sweetness, so feel free to drizzle on more glaze for that donut-shop vibe. The glaze also gives the waffle donuts a beautiful, glossy finish that adds a touch of elegance to your plate.
The Versatility of Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
This recipe’s versatility doesn’t stop with customization options. You can also adjust the level of sweetness to fit your needs. If you prefer a less sugary treat, simply reduce the amount of glaze or use a sugar alternative. The batter itself is relatively low in sugar, so it’s easy to tweak the final product to your desired level of sweetness.
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts gluten-free by substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, for those following a dairy-free diet, you can swap out the butter and milk for non-dairy alternatives such as coconut oil and almond milk. This flexibility makes these waffle donuts a great option for almost any dietary need.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored and reheated if you have leftovers. To store them, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, you can pop them in the toaster or oven for a few minutes to regain their crispy exterior. Just be sure to re-glaze them after reheating to maintain the fresh, sweet finish.
Conclusion
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are the perfect blend of crispy, soft, and sweet flavors. This hybrid treat combines the best parts of apple fritters and waffles to create a dish that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a cozy brunch option, or a fun dessert, these waffle donuts are sure to satisfy your cravings. With their warm cinnamon-spiced apples, golden-brown crispiness, and decadent glaze, they make any morning or occasion feel extra special. So why not whip up a batch today and enjoy this delicious fusion of flavors and textures?