These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a fun twist on a classic treat! They’re fluffy, sweet, and filled with yummy apples and cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Honestly, who wouldn’t want a donut that looks like a waffle? I love adding a drizzle of glaze on top—it’s a delightful sweet touch! Enjoy these fresh and warm with a cup of coffee!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for our waffles. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try using a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for best results!
Granulated Sugar: Besides sweetening, this helps create a lovely golden color. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option or use stevia if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Chopped Apples: Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness. Other good choices include Honeycrisp or Fuji. If apples aren’t available, try using peaches or pears instead for a different flavor.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices elevate the flavor. If you prefer a lighter taste, you can reduce the amount or swap out nutmeg for ground cardamom for a different twist.
How Do You Ensure Your Waffles Are Perfectly Cooked?
The key to perfect waffles is managing the cooking time and temperature. Preheating your waffle iron is essential; it helps achieve that crispy exterior and fluffy inside.
- Make sure the waffle iron is fully heated before adding batter—this usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Cook until golden brown. Every waffle maker operates a bit differently, so start with 3-5 minutes and check frequently.
Don’t forget to lightly grease the iron with cooking spray or butter. This helps the waffles release easily and prevents sticking. Enjoy those delicious, golden treats!
How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Waffle Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Cooking spray or additional butter for waffle iron
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. Once everything is ready, you can enjoy these delicious Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating the Waffle Iron:
Start by preheating your waffle iron to ensure it gets nice and hot. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or unsalted butter to prevent sticking later.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until they’re well combined. This will be the base for your delicious batter!
3. Combining the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, crack in the two large eggs. Beat them lightly, then add in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s smooth and well blended.
4. Bringing It All Together:
Now it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until everything is just mixed. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
5. Adding the Apples and Spices:
Fold in the finely chopped apples, brown sugar, and ground nutmeg into the batter gently. This adds the delicious apple flavor that everyone will love!
6. Cooking the Waffle Donuts:
Spoon about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the batter onto the preheated waffle iron. The amount may vary based on the size of your iron. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through; this usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
7. Cooling and Preparing the Glaze:
Once the waffle donuts are cooked, carefully remove them and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. In the meantime, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
8. Drizzling and Serving:
Now for the fun part! Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm apple fritter waffle donuts. Serve them right away for the best taste and enjoy the warm, sweet goodness!
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are sure to be a hit—enjoy them with friends or family, or keep them all to yourself! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for proper texture. Your waffle donuts might turn out slightly different in texture, but they will still be delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Apples?
If you don’t have apples on hand, you can use finely chopped pears, peaches, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar level a bit, as different fruits have varying sweetness levels!
How Do I Store Leftover Waffle Donuts?
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 briefly until warmed through. Enjoy!
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking. Just be sure to give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken a bit while sitting. Fresh is best, but it’s a great time-saver!
