Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the classic flavors of apple fritters with the fun, crispy texture of waffles shaped like donuts. These delightful treats feature a spiced apple-studded batter cooked in a waffle iron and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze and optional toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or caramel sauce. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack, they offer a warm, tender inside with a lightly crisp exterior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 waffle donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Fritter Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Waffle Donut Cooking
- Vegetable oil, for greasing the waffle iron
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (or more, as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts)
- Sprinkles
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to ensure even distribution for consistent flavor and rise.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, lightly beaten eggs, melted and cooled butter, and vanilla extract, making sure the butter is not hot to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Mix Wet and Dry Components: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined. A few lumps are okay; avoid overmixing to keep waffles tender.
- Fold in the Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed, adding moisture and classic apple fritter texture.
- Rest the Batter (Optional): Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes to allow gluten to relax and leavening to activate, resulting in lighter waffles.
- Preheat and Grease the Waffle Iron: Heat the waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions and lightly grease it with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Waffle Donuts: Pour 1/2 to 3/4 cup of batter onto the hot waffle iron, being careful not to overfill. Close and cook for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, indicated when steam stops and waffles release easily.
- Cool the Waffles: Remove cooked waffle donuts carefully and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly, preventing sogginess.
- Repeat Cooking: Repeat the greasing and cooking process with the remaining batter to make additional waffles.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Adjust milk gradually to reach a thick but drizzle-able consistency.
- Glaze the Waffle Donuts: Dip each waffle donut into the glaze or drizzle it over the top evenly.
- Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts, sprinkles, or drizzle with caramel sauce as desired for extra flavor and texture.
- Set the Glaze: Place glazed waffles on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set slightly, avoiding stickiness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Resting the batter is optional but recommended for fluffier waffles.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp for best flavor balance.
- Adjust glaze thickness with milk to your preference for dipping or drizzling.
- Grease the waffle iron well each time to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- These waffles are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in a toaster or oven.
Keywords: Apple fritter waffle donuts, apple waffles, spiced apple batter, glazed waffle donuts, dessert waffles
