Introduction:
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are the ultimate mash-up treat! They start with a quick cinnamon-spiced batter folded with caramelized apples, then cooked in a waffle iron until golden and crisp. Once cooled slightly, they’re dipped in a simple vanilla glaze — giving them that classic donut finish. No frying needed, just a waffle maker and some pantry staples. Your kitchen will smell like a bakery in no time!
🍏 Ingredients:
For the Apple Mixture:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (cooled)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon for a spiced glaze
🧑🍳 Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Caramelized Apple Mixture
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and slightly caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined — do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the cooked apples (along with any buttery syrup in the pan).
Step 3: Cook in Waffle Maker
- Preheat your waffle maker and lightly grease it (spray or butter).
- Scoop about ¼ to ⅓ cup of batter into the center of the waffle maker (amount depends on your model).
- Cook until golden brown and crisp, about 3–5 minutes (waffle irons vary, so peek as needed).
- Transfer to a cooling rack and repeat with remaining batter.
Step 4: Glaze the Waffle Donuts
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Dip the top of each waffle donut into the glaze or drizzle over with a spoon.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes to allow glaze to set.
🍩 Method Summary:
Step | Method |
---|---|
Apple Filling | Sauté apples in butter and spices until soft |
Batter | Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine |
Cooking | Cook in waffle iron until golden and crispy |
Glazing | Dip in vanilla glaze and let set |
💡 Tips & Variations:
- Add-ins: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Maple Glaze: Replace milk with maple syrup in the glaze for a fall twist.
- Mini Version: Make mini waffle donuts for a party tray!
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate and reheat in a toaster oven. Glaze after reheating.