Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts: A Sweet, Crispy, Cinnamon-Filled Treat

If you love apple fritters but also adore waffles, the apple fritter waffle donut is the ultimate mashup of two breakfast classics. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, with sweet apple chunks and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, these donuts are perfect for fall mornings, brunch parties, or any time you crave a warm, cozy treat.

Why You’ll Love These Donuts

• No Frying Needed: Waffle iron creates crispness without deep-frying.
• Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple steps.
• Flavorful: Apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg bring classic fall flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup milk
• Fruits & Toppings:
  • 1 cup diced apples (peeled)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
  • ½ tsp cinnamon (for glaze dusting)

Instructions

1. Preheat Waffle Iron: Lightly grease your waffle iron with cooking spray or butter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in diced apples.
5. Cook Waffles: Scoop batter into the waffle iron (about ¼ cup per donut), cook until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with remaining batter.
6. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon until smooth.
7. Glaze Donuts: Drizzle glaze over warm waffle donuts or dip the top for extra coverage. Let set for 5 minutes.
8. Serve: Enjoy immediately with coffee, tea, or apple cider for a perfect breakfast or dessert treat.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

A delicious mashup of apple fritters and waffles, soft inside, crispy outside, drizzled with cinnamon glaze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 donuts

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp nutmeg
• 0.25 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.75 cup milk

Fruits & Glaze

• 1 cup diced apples peeled
• 0.5 cup powdered sugar for glaze
• 1-2 tbsp milk for glaze
• 0.5 tsp cinnamon for glaze dusting

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Waffle iron
• Whisk
• Small bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
4. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, then gently fold in diced apples.
5. Scoop batter into waffle iron, cook until golden brown and crisp.
6. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon to make glaze.
7. Drizzle glaze over warm donuts and let set for 5 minutes.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Optionally add nuts to the batter for extra crunch.

Tips for Perfect Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

• Even Apple Chunks: Cut apples into small, uniform pieces to prevent clumping and ensure even baking.
• Crispy Edges: Lightly preheat the waffle iron and avoid overfilling for a crisp exterior.
• Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a warm, cozy fall flavor.

Variations

• Caramel Apple Glaze: Substitute the cinnamon glaze with caramel sauce for a decadent twist.
• Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and milk with almond milk. Use coconut oil instead of butter.
• Savory Sweet: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast Treat: Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle of maple syrup.
• Brunch Party: Stack on a tiered plate with small bowls of glaze for dipping.
• Snack Time: Perfect for lunchboxes or afternoon coffee breaks.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

• Apple fritters originated in North America as a fried pastry filled with apples and spices.
• Waffle donuts are a modern twist, combining two beloved breakfast favorites into one.
• Using a waffle iron instead of frying makes this recipe approachable for home cooks while keeping the authentic fritter flavor.

Nutrition Highlights (per donut)

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 15g
• Vitamin A: 6% DV
• Vitamin C: 2% DV