These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a fun twist on classic treats! With fluffy batter and bits of sweet apple, they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Who needs regular donuts when you can have these waffle-style delights? I love serving them warm with a drizzle of icing. They make breakfast feel like a special occasion! 🥞🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is your base for the batter. If you want a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead. I’ve had great success using a brand like Bob’s Red Mill.
Granulated sugar: Standard sugar adds sweetness here. Brown sugar is a wonderful substitute, giving a deeper flavor and a hint of molasses.
Apples: Granny Smith are fantastic for their tartness, which balances perfectly with the sweetness. You can substitute with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk makes the waffles tender. If you don’t have it, make a quick substitute using milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice (let it sit for 5 minutes before using).
Glaze ingredients: You can play around with flavored extracts like almond or even maple syrup if you want to switch things up. Adjust sugar and milk to get your desired glaze consistency.
How Do I Get the Perfect Waffle Texture?
Getting your waffles just right is all about the batter and cooking technique. Pay special attention to a few key points:
- Do not overmix the batter! This can lead to tough waffles. Mix just until the flour is combined.
- Make sure your waffle iron is preheated before adding the batter. This ensures a nice crispy exterior.
- Don’t overfill the iron. A spoonful covering the surface should do, as the batter will spread while cooking.
- Every waffle maker is different, so keep an eye on them. Aim for that golden brown color for the best texture.
Letting them cool on a rack prevents sogginess. Enjoy your delightful waffle donuts hot for the best experience!
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 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith)
- Cooking spray or melted butter, for waffle iron
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (more if needed)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. You’ll end up with delicious, warm waffle donuts in just around 35 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Waffle Iron:
Start by preheating your waffle iron. Make sure to grease it lightly with cooking spray or melted butter so your waffles don’t stick.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of spices will create a delicious flavor for your waffles!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, crack the egg and add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until well combined. This is where the magic happens!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Next, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until everything is just combined—don’t worry if it’s a little lumpy; overmixing can make your waffles tough!
5. Add the Apples:
Now, carefully fold in the diced apples. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every bite has that wonderful apple flavor.
6. Cook the Waffles:
Grab a spoon and scoop enough batter to just cover the surface of your preheated waffle iron; avoid overfilling. Close the waffle iron and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown. Each waffle iron is a little different, so keep an eye on them!
7. Cool and Glaze:
Once done, carefully remove the waffle and let it cool on a rack for a minute or two. During this time, you can make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Drizzle the glaze generously over your warm waffle donuts. You can stack them up and even dust with powdered sugar for a little extra sweetness. Dig in and enjoy the delightful flavors of these apple fritter waffle donuts!
These delectable treats are perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, combining the crispy edges and soft center that reminds you of classic apple fritters, all topped with a sweet icing.
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give a nice tartness, you can use sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they’re peeled and diced for even distribution in the batter.
How Can I Make These Waffles Healthier?
To make a healthier version, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or using a sugar substitute like coconut sugar. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze to keep it lighter.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No problem! You can easily make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Waffle Donuts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. Enjoy their deliciousness again!
