These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the best of two worlds—wafers and donuts! They’re soft, sweet, and full of delicious apple goodness, making them perfect for breakfast or a treat.
Plus, who can resist the fun of waffles shaped like donuts? I love piling on some icing and enjoying them with a cup of coffee. They always bring a smile to my face! ☕🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your waffles. If you’re gluten-free, you can swap in a gluten-free flour blend, which works well in most recipes.
Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness. If you’re looking to reduce caloric intake, consider using honey or maple syrup. Just remember, adjust for liquid consistency!
Granny Smith apple: Their tartness adds a great balance. If you can’t find them, any crisp apple will do—Honeycrisp or Fuji can make a sweet substitution.
Buttermilk: It gives a nice tang and tender texture. If you’re out, make your own by mixing milk with a little vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes!
Cinnamon and nutmeg: These spices elevate the flavor. Feel free to experiment with pumpkin spice or omit them if you prefer.
How Can I Perfectly Cook Waffle Donuts?
Cooking waffle donuts requires precision—especially since they cook quickly! Here’s how to get them just right:
- Make sure your waffle iron is preheated. A hot iron ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Don’t overfill the waffle maker; 1/4 cup of batter is usually the right amount. It gives room to puff up!
- Close the lid securely, but avoid forcing it down. Let the steam work for you—this helps with fluffiness.
- Check your waffles after 3 minutes, but don’t rush them. Every waffle maker is different.
Following these steps will lead to perfectly golden, fluffy waffle donuts that you’ll adore!
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Waffle Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- Cooking spray or additional butter for the waffle iron
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider or milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 10 minutes to cook. You can enjoy these tasty waffle donuts in about 25-30 minutes total, making it a quick and satisfying treat for breakfast or snack time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Waffle Iron:
Start by preheating your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the plates with cooking spray or a bit of melted butter to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the egg lightly. Then whisk in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
4. Bring It All Together:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix! It’s okay if a few lumps remain. Then, fold in the chopped apple pieces for that fruity goodness!
5. Cook the Waffle Donuts:
Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter onto the preheated waffle iron for each waffle. Close the lid and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep a close eye on them!
6. Let Them Cool:
Once done, carefully remove the waffles and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. This keeps them from getting soggy.
7. Make the Glaze:
While your waffles cool, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon (if using) until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more cider or milk as necessary.
8. Drizzle and Serve:
Once your waffles are warm and slightly cooled, generously drizzle them with the glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy them with fresh apple slices on the side if you like!
Enjoy your warm, cinnamony apple-filled waffle donuts drizzled with sweet glaze! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Substitute Other Types of Flour for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and flavor, but both options can work well!
How Do I Store Leftover Waffle Donuts?
Store any leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the toaster or microwave for a short time until warmed through.
Can I Freeze These Waffle Donuts?
Absolutely! Let the waffle donuts cool completely, then stack them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then reheat for the best texture.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk? Can I Use Regular Milk?
No worries! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 3/4 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe!
