Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

Introduction

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a delightful twist on traditional apple fritters, combining the crisp texture of fried dough with the convenience of waffle batter. These sweet, cinnamon-spiced treats are perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced small
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your waffle maker and lightly grease it with nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until combined.
4. Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, then gently fold in the diced apples.
5. Step 5: Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter into the waffle maker and cook until golden brown, approximately 3–4 minutes.
6. Step 6: Allow the waffles to cool slightly, then cut them into donut-sized rounds using a donut cutter or a round tool.
7. Step 7: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the donut rounds until crisp and golden, about 1–2 minutes per side.
8. Step 8: For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip or drizzle the glaze over the donuts.
9. Step 9: Let the glaze set before serving. Enjoy the donuts warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor that complements the glaze.
• To make these gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• For extra spice, add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the batter.
• If you prefer baking over frying, bake the donut rounds in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes until golden.

Storage

Store the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, but reheat briefly in a toaster or oven to restore crispness. The glaze is best enjoyed fresh but will hold for a day if stored covered.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh apples as frozen ones may add extra moisture, which can affect the batter’s texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain the apples well before folding them into the batter.

What type of oil is best for frying these donuts?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil, to ensure even frying without imparting strong flavors.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 95 reviews

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the best of two delicious treats—crispy fried apple fritters and fluffy waffles—into bite-sized rounds perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these donuts are finished with a smooth vanilla glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 donut rounds 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Add-ins

• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced small

For the Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Other

• Nonstick spray or oil for waffle maker and frying
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prep waffle maker: Preheat your waffle maker and lightly grease it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until well combined to distribute the spices and leavening evenly.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the large egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until fully blended to create the wet batter base.
4. Combine and fold in apples: Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, then fold in the diced apples so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Cook waffles: Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter into the preheated waffle maker. Close and cook until the waffle is golden brown and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Cut into rounds: Let the waffles cool slightly so they hold their shape, then use a donut cutter or a round cutter tool to cut the waffles into donut-sized rings.
7. Fry the donut rounds: Heat oil in a deep pan to roughly 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donut rounds in batches, cooking each side for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the exterior is crisp and golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
8. Prepare glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk (starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more if needed), and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
9. Glaze the donuts: Dip each fried donut ring into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over them. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use a crisp and tart apple variety like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast.
• If you don’t have a donut cutter, use two round cutters of different sizes (one larger for the donut and a smaller one for the hole).
• Maintain the frying oil temperature to ensure crispy donuts without absorbing too much oil.
• The glaze can be adjusted in consistency by adding more or less milk to your desired thickness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly in an oven or air fryer for best texture.

Keywords: Apple fritter, waffle donuts, fried donuts, breakfast donuts, apple dessert, cinnamon, vanilla glaze