These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a fun twist on breakfast! They are fluffy, sweet, and packed with juicy apple pieces, all topped with a yummy glaze.
Who knew you could have donuts for breakfast without the guilt? I love making these for weekend treats—I just can’t resist their tasty charm! 🍏🍩
They’re quick to whip up, too! Just mix your ingredients, bake them in a waffle maker, and enjoy a delightful bite—perfect with a cup of coffee!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your waffle donuts. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend!
Granulated Sugar: Standard sugar works great, but you can substitute it with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor. It will also give a slight caramel note!
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well. However, feel free to use other varieties like Honeycrisp for a sweeter taste or even some cooked apples for a different texture.
Brown Sugar: I love using dark brown sugar for extra molasses flavor, but light brown sugar is just fine too. Don’t have brown sugar? Just mix granulated sugar with a bit of molasses!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl?
The cinnamon swirl gives these waffle donuts an irresistible flavor. To ensure a good swirl, here’s what to do:
- After spooning batter into the waffle iron, sprinkle a little of the cinnamon sugar mix over the batter.
- Then, add more batter on top to cover the cinnamon mix completely. This layering helps keep the swirl intact as it cooks!
- Don’t worry about being perfect; an imperfect swirl adds to the charm!
Try to spread the batter evenly; it helps in getting evenly shaped waffle donuts. You’ll want to check for doneness around the 3-minute mark, but cook longer if you like a crispier exterior!
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for the apple fritter cinnamon swirl)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the apple fritter cinnamon swirl)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and about 15 minutes of cooking time. You’ll have your delicious Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Waffle Iron:
Start by preheating your waffle iron. Make sure to lightly grease it with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This mixture will create a delightful cinnamon swirl in your waffle donuts.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will form the dry base for your batter.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. This will add moisture and flavor to your batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined, but be careful not to overmix—lumps are okay!
6. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the chopped apples. This adds a nice texture and flavor to the donuts!
7. Create the Cinnamon Swirl Layer:
To achieve that delightful cinnamon swirl, dollop a spoonful of batter into the waffle iron. Then, sprinkle some of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. Add a bit more batter to cover the cinnamon sugar so it gets nicely swirled.
8. Cook the Donuts:
Close the waffle iron and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through (this usually takes about 3-5 minutes).
9. Cool the Waffles:
Once cooked, carefully remove the waffles and place them on a cooling rack so they don’t steam and get soggy.
10. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the milk to get your desired consistency.
11. Drizzle the Glaze:
Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm apple fritter waffle donuts. Let it set for a minute so it can stick to every delicious bite!
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your waffle donuts warm and enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea. They make a delightful and sweet addition to any morning!
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are sure to be a hit! With a crispy exterior, tender apple bits, and a sweet glaze, they’ll brighten up any breakfast or brunch table. Enjoy! 🍏🍩
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness and firmness, you can use any apple variety you prefer. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples will provide a sweeter flavor, while Gala apples are juicy and delicious as well. Just ensure they’re peeled and chopped!
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance! Just cover it and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to use, simply stir it slightly to recombine before cooking. Be careful not to overmix!
How to Store Leftover Waffle Donuts?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until warm and enjoy the fresh taste again!
Can I Freeze the Waffle Donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the waffle donuts! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply reheat them directly from the freezer or let them thaw overnight in the fridge.