Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite treat: Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. Imagine the classic taste of a warm, cinnamon-laced apple fritter merged with the fun texture of a waffle and the irresistible sweetness of a donut glaze. Each bite is loaded with juicy apples, hints of brown sugar, and that homey aroma we all crave in a cozy bake. This is the ultimate snack or brunch idea for anyone who loves a mash-up dessert that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts bring joy and comfort with every crunchy, sticky, and soft bite.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how just a few well-chosen pantry and fridge staples can create something extraordinary. Each ingredient in these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts works together to bring out the best flavors, textures, and those gorgeous golden colors we all love in a donut treat.

All-purpose flour: This is your structure—keeps the waffle donuts fluffy yet sturdy.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness to balance the apples and spices.
Baking powder: Gives the batter that gorgeous lift, making your donuts light and tender.
Baking soda: Helps the buttermilk work its magic for ultra-soft, moist donuts.
Ground cinnamon: The key spice that brings warmth and a cozy apple-pie vibe.
Pinch of salt: Don’t skip it—it makes all the flavors pop!
Buttermilk: Brings moisture and tang for that classic donut crumb.
Egg: Binds everything together while adding richness and softness.
Melted butter: For buttery flavor throughout every bite, plus a bit more for those apples!
Vanilla extract: Adds that signature “bakery” aroma and flavor.
Apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Tart and juicy apples hold up beautifully and don’t disappear after cooking.
Butter (for apples): Caramelizes the apples for extra richness and depth.
Brown sugar (for apples): Gives the filling a deep, caramelized sweetness.
Extra cinnamon (for apples): Doubles down on that delicious spice.
Powdered sugar: The essential base for a glossy, sweet donut glaze.
Milk: Thin out the glaze to that perfect drippy consistency.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): More vanilla means more yum.

How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Step 1: Caramelize the Apples

Start by melting a tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced apple, brown sugar, and extra cinnamon, and let them sizzle away for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the apples are soft and glossy and your kitchen fills with that luscious, caramel-apple aroma. Set the mixture aside to cool a little—this will keep your batter from getting too warm.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and that crucial pinch of salt. This dry blend is your key to tender Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts with just the right amount of spice and lift.

Step 3: Stir Together Wet Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Pour this lovely mixture over your dry ingredients and stir gently—just until the batter comes together. Fold in your cooled apple mixture last; this keeps the apples nice and chunky so you get bursts of fruit in every donut.

Step 4: Cook in the Waffle Iron

Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Spoon the batter into the center of each mold—don’t overfill for best results. Close the lid and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the waffle donuts are puffy and golden all over. Carefully remove them and let them cool a bit on a wire rack so the glaze won’t melt right off.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

While your waffle donuts are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until silky smooth. Adjust the consistency so the glaze is pourable but thick—add more powdered sugar if you want it thicker, or a splash more milk to thin it out.

Step 6: Glaze and Set

When the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are warm but not hot, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over with a spoon. Set the donuts back on the rack and let that beautiful glaze set for a few minutes before serving. This step is pure joy—watch the glaze become glossy and tempting!

How to Serve Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Garnishes

Sprinkle with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar, a flurry of powdered sugar, or even a handful of finely chopped nuts (toasted pecans or walnuts are fantastic). If you want to take it over the top, a dollop of whipped cream or a few curls of caramel make the finished donuts completely irresistible.

Side Dishes

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are delightful with a big mug of hot coffee, apple cider, or a cozy chai latte. For brunch, serve them alongside eggs, crispy bacon, or a fruit salad so every flavor and texture shines. They’re sweet and special but never overpower your breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn them into a decadent dessert by stacking them with layers of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a scoop of caramel gelato. If you’re putting out a brunch buffet, arrange the waffle donuts on a platter with little cups of warm caramel or chocolate sauce for dipping. Kids (and adults!) love them on sticks, dusted with a bit more cinnamon sugar for fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you know you won’t eat them that quickly, pop them into the fridge to help them stay fresher a bit longer. Keep a layer of parchment or wax paper between them to prevent sticking.

Freezing

To freeze, wait until the glaze is fully set, then wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. When a craving hits, just pull out as many as you need and let them thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you’d like your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts warm again, pop them in a toaster oven or microwave for just 10–15 seconds (no more, or the glaze might melt off). This brings back their fresh-baked magic and makes the glaze wonderfully gooey all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my top picks for their bright flavor and firmness, you can use any apple you like or even mix varieties for a more complex taste.

Do I need a special donut waffle maker?

Nope! A standard waffle iron works perfectly. The key is not to overfill the molds and to adjust cooking time as needed for your particular waffle maker.

Can I make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts gluten-free?

Definitely. Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend (look for one that substitutes 1:1), and check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free too.

Can I make these ahead of time for a brunch party?

Yes! Assemble and glaze them the night before, then store covered at room temperature. Give them a quick warm-up in the morning for that bakery-fresh appeal, or simply make the batter and apple mixture ahead, then cook and glaze right before serving.

Is there a way to make the glaze less sweet?

If you prefer a lighter glaze, thin it out with a bit more milk, or cut the powdered sugar by a quarter and add a touch of lemon juice or cream cheese for tang. The result is delicious and not overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your favorite breakfast or dessert, give these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts a try. They’re easy, super fun to share, and promise a taste that’s pure comfort in every single bite. I can’t wait for you to experience just how magical this quirky fusion can be!

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Makes about 6 waffle donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a delightful combination of fluffy waffle texture with the flavors of apple fritters, topped with a sweet glaze. These waffle donuts are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a special treat.

Instructions

Diced Apple Topping: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until tender and caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly.
Waffle Donut Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until just combined. Fold in the apple mixture gently.
Cooking the Waffle Donuts: Preheat and lightly grease a waffle iron. Spoon batter into the center of each mold. Close and cook for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and cool on a wire rack.
Preparing the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth. Adjust thickness with more milk or sugar if needed.
Finishing Touches: Once waffle donuts are warm (not hot), dip tops into glaze or drizzle with a spoon. Let set before serving.

Notes

You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the apple topping for extra texture.
Ensure the waffle iron is preheated well for best results.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Waffle, Glazing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 waffle donut
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, Waffle Donuts Recipe, Apple Fritter Recipe, Breakfast Ideas, Sweet Treats