There’s a certain comfort that comes from the smell of warm apples sizzling with cinnamon—each whiff evokes memories of cozy mornings spent at home. On one such morning, inspired by the need for a new breakfast obsession, I discovered the magic of Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. This delightful twist on classic apple fritters combines the fluffy goodness of waffles with the sweet, doughy appeal of donuts, creating a treat that’s both indulgent and easy to whip up.
Whether you’re looking for a fun brunch idea or a special way to enjoy a mid-afternoon snack, this recipe is an irresistible choice. The combination of tart apples, warm spices, and a drizzle of sweet glaze makes each bite an experience to savor. With just a handful of ingredients and a waffle iron, you’ll be on your way to impressing family and friends with these delightful creations. Let’s dive in and bring a bit of cozy warmth to your kitchen!
Why are Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts irresistible?
Cozy Comfort: Embrace the warmth of cinnamon and apples, capturing the heart of a homemade breakfast delight.
Easy Preparation: With just a few ingredients and a waffle iron, these treats come together quickly.
Unique Shape: The fun donut shape offers a twist that’s perfect for both breakfast and dessert.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Sweet, tart, and warmly spiced, they’re sure to impress anyone at your table.
Versatile Enjoyment: Serve them fresh or enjoy leftovers reheated, and don’t forget to drizzle with glaze or top with your favorite ice cream for extra decadence!
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to create these delightful treats!
For the Batter
- All-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the donut, with a substitution option for gluten-free flour.
- Baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent to ensure fluffy, delicious donuts.
- Baking soda – Provides extra fluffiness alongside the baking powder.
- Salt – Enhances sweetness and amplifies overall flavor.
- Ground cinnamon – Infuses warm spice, making each bite comforting and aromatic.
- Nutmeg – Adds a hint of warmth; optional but pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Large eggs – Provides moisture and binds the ingredients together.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter; adjust according to your taste.
- Light brown sugar – Introduces a deep caramel flavor that elevates the taste.
- Buttermilk (or milk + vinegar) – Tenderizes the batter; use any milk alternative for non-dairy needs.
- Unsalted butter – Contributes richness; remember to melt it for easier mixing.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the sweet, cozy flavor profile.
- Peeled, diced tart apple (e.g., Granny Smith) – Adds fruity flavor and delightful chunks throughout the batter.
- Optional nuts (pecans or walnuts) – Introduces crunch and added flavor depth.
For the Glaze
- Powdered sugar – The sweet base of the glaze that creates a delightful topping.
- Milk – Helps achieve the perfect consistency for drizzling.
- Vanilla extract – Adds an extra layer of flavor to your glaze.
Get ready to indulge in the cozy and inviting flavors of Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts!
How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
-
Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks, allowing them to shine as the star ingredient. Set them aside for later use, keeping their freshness intact.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This aromatic blend sets the perfect foundation for your batter.
-
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Take a moment to savor that sweet aroma!
-
Combine Mixtures: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with love until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough donuts, so embrace that exquisite lumpy texture!
-
Add Apple and Nuts: Fold in the diced apples and nuts (if you’re using them) with a gentle hand. This will spread that sweet and crunchy goodness throughout the batter.
-
Preheat Waffle Iron: Grease your waffle iron lightly with nonstick spray or a dab of butter to ensure that golden crispy exterior.
-
Cook Donuts: Spoon approximately ¼ cup of batter onto the waffle iron for each donut. Close the lid and cook until the donuts are golden brown and crisp, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
-
Cool Donuts: Carefully transfer your delicious donuts to a wire rack, allowing them to cool slightly. This helps maintain their crunchiness!
-
Make Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. This dreamy glaze will add a finishing touch to your warm donuts.
-
Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled donuts and feel free to dust them with powdered sugar. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and watch them disappear!
Optional: Top with whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor their cozy flavors even on your busiest mornings! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, etc.) and separately combining the wet ingredients (eggs, sugar, buttermilk, etc.) in airtight containers. Refrigerate both mixtures and simply combine them when you’re ready to cook. For the best quality, fold in the diced apples just before cooking to ensure they stay crisp. When you’re ready to serve, just preheat your waffle iron and cook until golden and delicious. With these prep tips, breakfast will be a breeze!
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe to create your own delightful version!
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to substitute all-purpose flour and cater to gluten-sensitive friends.
- Dairy-Free: Replace buttermilk with any plant-based milk combined with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice for a non-dairy option.
- Nut-Free: Skip the nuts entirely or swap in sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture without allergens.
- Fruit Mix-ins: Experiment with diced pears or peaches for a fruity twist that adds a unique flair to each bite.
- Spicy Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or ground ginger to the dry ingredients for a surprisingly delightful kick!
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in chocolate chips with the apples for an indulgent dessert-like twist that satisfies sweet cravings.
- Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for milk in the glaze for a rich, sweet maple flavor enhancing the whole experience.
- Fancy Finish: Sprinkle toasted coconut or chopped pecans on top of the glaze for an extra crunchy topping that shines with flavor!
Expert Tips for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
- Chop Small: Dice apples into uniformly small pieces to ensure even cooking and delightful bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter; it should be just combined to create fluffy, tender apple fritter waffle donuts.
- Donut Shape Hack: For a fun donut shape, use a round waffle iron and cut out the center with a biscuit cutter after cooking.
- Crispy Finish: Keep cooked donuts warm in a 200°F oven while finishing the remaining batter to maintain their crispy texture.
- Cooling Method: Place cooked donuts on a wire rack instead of a plate to prevent them from getting soggy.
Storage Tips for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
-
Room Temperature: Store apple fritter waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain their delightful texture.
-
Fridge: If you’re keeping leftovers, these treats can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; wrap them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
-
Freezer: To freeze, layer the donuts between sheets of wax paper in a freezer bag and seal tightly. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
-
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a toaster oven or traditional oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until they’re crispy. Glaze them after reheating for that fresh taste!
What to Serve with Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts?
Enhance your cozy breakfast experience with delightful pairings that make every bite even more special.
-
Whipped Cream:
A fluffy dollop adds rich creaminess, perfectly balancing the sweet glaze and warm spices of the donuts. -
Caramel Sauce:
Drizzle this decadent sauce on top for a luscious touch that echoes the sweetness of the apples. -
Fresh Berries:
Tart raspberries or juicy strawberries offer a refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet flavors of the donuts. -
Maple Syrup:
A generous pour of maple syrup complements the vanilla undertones, enhancing the overall sweetness delightfully. -
Ice Cream:
Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream transforms the donuts into an indulgent dessert option that’s perfect for any time of day. -
Coffee or Tea:
A warm mug of coffee or spiced tea enriches the experience, making every bite and sip a comforting ritual.
Enjoy these apple fritter waffle donuts with any of these delightful companions for a balanced meal that feels like a warm hug!
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe FAQs
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Other great options include Honeycrisp or Fuji, which can add a different flavor profile while maintaining a lovely texture.
How should I store leftover apple fritter waffle donuts?
Store your apple fritter waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. If you need to keep them for longer, refrigerate them for up to 3 days—just make sure they are wrapped tightly to keep them from drying out.
Can I freeze the donuts, and how?
Yes, you can! To freeze, layer the donuts between sheets of wax paper in a freezer bag and seal tightly to avoid freezer burn. These delightful treats can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in a toaster oven or traditional oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy and delicious.
What should I do if my batter is too thick?
If your batter seems too thick, it might be because of a slight over-measurement of the flour. Feel free to add a little extra buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Remember, it’s better to have a slightly thick batter than an overly runny one!
Are these donuts safe for my pet?
It’s very important to keep these apple fritter waffle donuts away from pets, as chocolate can be harmful, and some ingredients like sugar aren’t great for them either. Stick to safe treats designed for your furry friends to avoid any issues.
Can I substitute for gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I often make this adjustment, and it works beautifully while maintaining that delightful fluffy texture. Just ensure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum for the best results!
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts: Your New Cozy Breakfast Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks, then set them aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Add Apple and Nuts: Fold in the diced apples and nuts.
- Preheat Waffle Iron: Grease the waffle iron to prepare for cooking.
- Cook Donuts: Spoon approximately ¼ cup of batter onto the waffle iron and cook for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool Donuts: Transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Make Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the donuts and dust with powdered sugar if desired.