These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a fun twist on a classic treat! They’re fluffy and tender, filled with bits of sweet apples and cinnamon, then topped with a light glaze.
Every bite feels like a cozy hug, perfect for breakfast or a snack! I love enjoying them fresh out of the waffle maker—so warm and tasty, you won’t want to share! 🍏🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your waffles. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works well, and you won’t lose that fluffy texture!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and tang. If you don’t have any, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a quick buttermilk substitute.
Apples: Granny Smith apples add a tart contrast. Feel free to use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor. Just make sure they are firm and crisp for the best texture!
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness. If you want to cut down on sugar, consider using coconut sugar or honey, but adjust your wet ingredients accordingly if you choose honey.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Waffle Donuts?
Cooking these waffle donuts properly is crucial for that soft inside and crispy outside! Here’s how to nail it:
- Preheat your waffle maker thoroughly before adding batter. This helps cook the waffles evenly.
- Use enough batter, but don’t overfill. About 1/4 to 1/3 cup is usually perfect.
- Close the lid and cook until the steam stops coming out, which typically takes around 3-5 minutes. This ensures they are golden inside.
- Let them cool slightly on a wire rack to keep them from getting soggy.
These tips will help you create wonderfully fluffy and crisp waffles every time! Enjoy your delightful creation!
How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Waffle Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced small
- Vegetable oil or non-stick spray for waffle maker
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 20-30 minutes to cook, depending on your waffle maker. You’ll spend some time mixing the batter and making the glaze, but the best part is enjoying these warm treats fresh from the waffle iron!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, leading to better-flavored waffles!
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until they’re blended. Then add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. This mixture brings moisture and richness to your waffles.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps! Overmixing can lead to tough waffles, so a few lumps are perfectly fine!
4. Add Apples:
Carefully fold in the diced apples into the batter. Make sure they are evenly distributed for bursts of apple goodness in every waffle donut.
5. Preheat Waffle Maker:
While your batter is resting for a minute, preheat your waffle maker. Lightly grease it with vegetable oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
6. Cook Waffles:
Once the waffle maker is ready, pour enough batter into the center (roughly 1/4 to 1/3 cup, depending on the size). Close the lid and cook for about 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Each waffle maker is different, so keep an eye on the first one to adjust your timing!
7. Make the Glaze:
While you are cooking the waffles, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Add more milk if you’d like a thinner consistency for drizzling.
8. Serve:
Once the waffles are cooked, stack them on a plate and drizzle generously with the glaze. Serve while warm and enjoy the aromatic flavors of apple and cinnamon!
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a delightful fusion of crispy and fluffy, perfect for breakfast or a special treat. Enjoy your cooking and happy eating! 🍏🍩
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, feel free to experiment with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Gala apples for a sweeter flavor. Just make sure to use firm apples for the best texture!
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This will mimic the acidity and thickness of buttermilk.
How Do I Store Leftover Waffle Donuts?
Store any leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Freeze These Waffle Donuts?
Yes! These waffle donuts freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave before serving.
