Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a mouthwatering mashup of classic apple fritters and sweet waffles crisp on the outside, tender inside, and packed with cinnamon-spiced apples. Each donut is glazed to glossy perfection, delivering indulgent flavor and chewy texture in every bite. These treats are fun for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and far easier to make than traditional fried donuts.
You’ll love how shredded apples blend into a slightly spiced batter and are cooked quickly in a waffle iron, then drenched in a vanilla glaze and finished with a sparkle of cinnamon sugar. These donuts offer the ultimate comfort best enjoyed warm with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
For the Waffle Donut Batter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup milk
- ½ tablespoon oil
- 1½ cups shredded apples
For the Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar
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For finishing
How to Create Your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Step 1: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch. Create a well at the center and add in the egg, milk, and oil. Mix just until smooth, then gently fold in the shredded apples to distribute them evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Waffle Donuts
Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease with oil or nonstick spray. Spoon batter into the waffle iron, spreading evenly. Cook for 4–5 minutes per batch, until waffles are golden and crisp. Remove and cool slightly on a wire rack.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk amount for desired glaze thickness.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish
Dip each waffle donut, one at a time, into the glaze use tongs to coat both sides then return to the wire rack and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Let glaze set for 20 minutes before serving.
My Best Tips for Waffle Donuts
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Shred apples with the skins for texture and color, or peel for a classic fritter look.
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Don’t overmix the batter just until combined for light, tender donuts.
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Use a mini waffle iron for smaller, snackable donuts.
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Glaze while donuts are still warm for the best absorption.
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Make ahead and reheat for easy breakfasts freeze and warm in a toaster or oven.
Delicious Variations to Try
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Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
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Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
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Stir diced pears or mixed spices like allspice for autumnal twist.
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Swap glaze for maple icing.
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Add dried fruit or raisins alongside apples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these donuts ahead?
Yes, they freeze and reheat beautifully just glaze after warming.
What apples work best?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji give great texture and flavor.
Can I fry the waffle donuts?
Yes, for extra crispness deep fry until golden after cooling out of the iron.
Are they good for dessert or breakfast?
They’re perfect for both fantastic fresh or reheated.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, substitute all-purpose with gluten-free blend.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container for 2–3 days; reheat in toaster or oven for best results.
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 8-10 waffle donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fall-inspired fusion of classic apple fritters and crispy waffles, topped with vanilla glaze and cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
Waffle Donut Batter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 large egg
1/3 cup milk
1/2 tbsp oil
1 1/2 cups shredded apples
Glaze
2 cups powdered sugar
3–4 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Finishing
Cinnamon sugar, for sprinkle topping
Instructions
Prepare batter: Whisk dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in shredded apples.
Cook donuts: Preheat and grease waffle iron. Spoon batter into iron, cook 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool.
Make glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Adjust consistency.
Glaze and finish: Dip waffle donuts in glaze, sprinkle cinnamon sugar. Let set 20 minutes.
Notes
Shred apples with peel for texture.
Avoid overmixing.
Use mini waffle iron for smaller donuts.
Dip glaze while warm for best results.
Store up to 2 days or freeze.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (1/10 recipe)
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: apple fritter waffle donuts, glazed apple donuts, cinnamon apple waffles, fall breakfast recipe, apple fritter dessert
