Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts (Printable Version)

Golden waffles loaded with caramelized cinnamon apples and topped with sweet vanilla glaze - a perfect breakfast-dessert hybrid.

# What You'll Need:

→ Waffle Batter

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tsp baking powder
04 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
05 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
06 - Pinch of salt
07 - 1/2 cup buttermilk
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 2 tbsp melted butter
10 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Apple Filling

11 - 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small
12 - 1 tbsp butter
13 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
14 - 1/2 tsp cinnamon

→ Glaze

15 - 1 cup powdered sugar
16 - 2-3 tbsp milk
17 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender and caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
03 - In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until just combined. Fold in the apple mixture gently.
04 - Preheat and lightly grease a waffle iron. Spoon batter into the center of each mold. Close and cook for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and cool on a wire rack.
05 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth. Adjust thickness with more milk or sugar if needed.
06 - Once waffle donuts are warm (not hot), dip tops into glaze or drizzle with a spoon. Let set before serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
  • Requires no deep fryer yet delivers authentic donut flavor
  • Perfect way to use up those extra apples
  • Adaptable for any season or occasion
02 -
  • These waffle donuts satisfy both sweet breakfast and dessert cravings in one dish
  • The recipe requires no special equipment beyond a waffle iron perfect for donut lovers without deep fryers
  • Each waffle donut contains real fruit making them slightly more nutritious than traditional donuts
  • They freeze beautifully for quick weekday breakfasts
03 -
  • Let your waffle iron preheat completely before adding batter to ensure even cooking and optimal crispness
  • For extra apple flavor fold a tablespoon of apple butter into your glaze
  • Rest your batter for 5 minutes before cooking to allow the leavening agents to activate fully

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