Description
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine everything you love about a warm apple fritter with the crispy edges and beautiful shape of a waffle donut. They’re filled with tender cinnamon apples, lightly sweetened, and cooked until golden brown.
Ingredients
For the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups peeled and finely diced apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Apple Mixture
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel and core the apples.
Cut them into very small pieces.
Small pieces work best because they cook quickly and distribute evenly throughout the waffle donut batter.
Place the diced apples in a bowl and toss them with lemon juice.
Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Apples
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The apples should soften slightly but still retain some texture.
Remove from the heat and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
This quick step gives the apples that delicious caramelized apple-fritter flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
Mix well.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Melted butter
- Vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth.
Make sure the melted butter isn’t extremely hot when adding it to the eggs.
Step 5: Make the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Stir gently until just combined.
Do not overmix.
The batter should be thick, similar to a traditional waffle batter but slightly more substantial because of the apples.
Step 6: Add the Apples
Fold the cooled cinnamon apples into the batter.
Mix gently until the apple pieces are evenly distributed.
You want plenty of apples throughout the batter without breaking them apart.
🧇 Step 7: Preheat the Waffle Donut Maker
Preheat your waffle donut maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Lightly grease the plates with cooking spray or a small amount of melted butter.
This helps prevent sticking and creates a beautiful golden crust.
Step 8: Add the Batter
Spoon the batter into each waffle donut cavity.
Don’t overfill the cavities.
The batter will expand as it cooks.
If your waffle maker has a recommended fill line, use it as your guide.
Step 9: Cook
Close the waffle maker and cook according to its instructions, usually around 3–5 minutes.
The waffle donuts should be:
- Golden brown
- Firm around the edges
- Cooked through in the center
Avoid opening the waffle maker too early because this can cause the donuts to split or stick.
Step 10: Transfer to a Wire Rack
Carefully remove the waffle donuts using silicone or wooden utensils.
Place them on a wire rack rather than directly on a plate.
A wire rack allows steam to escape and helps the exterior remain crisp.
Continue cooking until all the batter has been used.
🍯 Step 11: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and optional melted butter.
Start with 2 tablespoons of milk.
Add more a little at a time until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
For a thick bakery-style glaze, keep it fairly thick.
For a drizzle, thin it slightly.
Step 12: Glaze the Waffle Donuts
Allow the waffle donuts to cool for a few minutes.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the top.
You can also dip one side directly into the glaze.
For an extra indulgent finish, let the first layer set and then add another drizzle.
Notes
The consistency of the batter is important.
It should be thick enough to hold the diced apples without becoming runny.
If your apples are particularly juicy, pat them dry after cutting them.
Your waffle maker may also cook faster or slower depending on the model.
The first batch is a good test. Check the color and center before adjusting the cooking time for the remaining batter.
Avoid pressing down on the waffle maker while cooking. Let the machine do the work.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10–12 waffle donuts
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 19g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 4g