Name: Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 3/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 medium apples, peeled and diced; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tbsp milk (for glaze)

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A fun twist on a classic treat, apple fritter waffle donuts combine the warm, spiced flavor of apple fritters with the crispy edges of waffles and the sweetness of glazed donuts. These are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe takes three of my favorite comfort foods—apple fritters, waffles, and donuts—and fuses them into one delightful bite. I get the crispness from the waffle iron, the softness of the donut texture, and the spiced apple filling that reminds me of a bakery-style apple fritter. It’s also quicker than frying since I use the waffle iron instead of deep oil, which makes the whole process easier and less messy.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Salt
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Milk
Unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla extract
Apples, peeled and diced
Powdered sugar
Milk (for glaze)

Directions

I start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a mixing bowl.
In another bowl, I beat the eggs with both sugars until light, then stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
I fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
I gently stir in the diced apples so they’re evenly distributed in the batter.
I preheat my waffle iron and lightly grease it.
I scoop some batter into the iron, close it, and cook until golden brown and crisp.
Once cooled slightly, I whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze.
I dip or drizzle the waffle donuts with the glaze before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8–10 waffle donuts. I can prepare them in around 15 minutes and cook them in another 10 minutes, so the total time is about 25 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra spice. If I want a richer texture, I swap in sour cream or Greek yogurt for part of the milk. For a fall-inspired variation, I use apple cider in the glaze instead of regular milk. I’ve also tried adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch.

storage/reheating

I keep leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for about 4–5 days. To reheat, I pop them in the toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crisp edges. I avoid reheating in the microwave since it makes them soft instead of crisp.

FAQs

Can I make these with boxed pancake or waffle mix?

Yes, I can use a boxed mix as a shortcut and just add the diced apples and spices for flavor.

Do I need a donut pan for this recipe?

No, I don’t. Since these are made in a waffle iron, I get the donut-like texture without needing a special pan.

Can I bake them instead of using a waffle iron?

I can bake the batter in a donut pan at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–18 minutes, though I’ll miss out on the crispy waffle texture.

Which apples work best for this recipe?

I like to use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

Can I freeze apple fritter waffle donuts?

Yes, I can freeze them after cooking and cooling. I wrap them tightly and store them for up to two months, then reheat them in the toaster oven when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Apple fritter waffle donuts are one of my favorite treats to make when I want something special but don’t want to fuss with frying. They’re crispy, soft, and full of spiced apple flavor, and I can change them up with different glazes or add-ins. They’re perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or a sweet snack any time of day.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts