Warm. Crispy. Glazed. Everything you love about apple fritters, waffles, and donuts—in one ridiculously delicious treat.
If a cinnamon donut, a golden waffle, and an apple fritter had a baby, this would be the result: Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. They’re crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, filled with warm spiced apples, and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze. No deep frying needed!
Perfect for cozy weekend breakfasts, fall brunches, or even a fun dessert, these waffle donuts come together quickly and will make your kitchen smell like heaven.
🍂 Why You’ll Love These Waffle Donuts
- No fryer required: All the indulgence of an apple fritter with none of the oil splatter.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes using basic pantry staples.
- Texture heaven: Crisp waffle edges with soft, gooey apple bits inside.
- Totally customizable: Top with nuts, caramel, whipped cream, or ice cream.
- All the fall flavors: Apples + cinnamon = instant cozy vibes.
🍎 Ingredients
For the Waffle Donuts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling
- 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely diced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Apples
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the cooked apples.
Step 3: Cook the Waffle Donuts
Preheat and lightly grease your waffle iron. Spoon the batter into the center of each section (don’t overfill!). Cook for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust with more milk or sugar to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Glaze & Serve
Dip the tops of the warm (but not hot) waffle donuts into the glaze, or drizzle with a spoon. Let the glaze set for a few minutes—if you can wait that long!
🍽 How to Serve
- With a hot coffee or chai latte
- Topped with vanilla ice cream for dessert
- With extra glaze and chopped nuts
- Alongside bacon or eggs for sweet-and-savory brunch
- Toasted the next day with a pat of butter
💡 Pro Tips
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady so they don’t get mushy.
- Grease your waffle iron well between batches to prevent sticking.
- Let waffles cool slightly before glazing—too hot and the glaze will melt off.
- Freeze leftovers unglazed and reheat in the toaster or oven.
- Spice up your glaze with a pinch of cinnamon or apple pie spice!
🥄 FAQs
Q: Can I use a mini waffle maker?
A: Yes! Just reduce the cooking time slightly.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Totally. Store unglazed donuts in the fridge or freezer and reheat before glazing.
Q: Can I bake these in a donut pan instead?
A: You can! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes.
Q: Are they gluten-free?
A: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check your baking powder.
Q: Can I cut back on the sugar?
A: Absolutely—feel free to reduce the sugar or use coconut sugar instead.
📋 Nutrition Info (per donut – approx.)
- Calories: 280–320
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 20g
🧡 Final Thoughts
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are the ultimate hybrid treat: cozy, sweet, and just a little indulgent. Whether you serve them for a lazy fall breakfast or dress them up for dessert, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
So fire up that waffle iron, grab your favorite apples, and enjoy the warm, cinnamon-spiced magic in every bite. 🍁