Some recipes just feel like home—and for me, this is one of them. I first made these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts on a lazy Saturday morning when I wanted something comforting but quick. My kids were still in pajamas, I had my second cup of coffee in hand, and the smell of cinnamon and caramelized apples filled the kitchen like a warm hug. Now, these have become one of our favorite weekend treats—especially in the fall when apples are at their best.
About the Recipe
This recipe takes the classic flavor of an old-fashioned apple fritter and reimagines it as a light, golden waffle-shaped donut. You get soft, fluffy texture with pops of tender cinnamon-spiced apple and a sweet vanilla glaze that sets beautifully as the donuts cool.
Perfect for:
- Weekend breakfasts and brunches
- A fun baking project with kids
- Dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fall and holiday mornings when you want something special
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small skillet
- 2 mixing bowls
- Whisk and spoon or spatula
- Waffle iron (donut-shaped preferred, but any will work)
- Wire rack for cooling
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the apple filling:
- 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the cinnamon apples
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir and cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples are soft and lightly caramelized. Set aside to cool.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Combine the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.
4. Make the batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy.
5. Fold in the apples
Gently fold in the cooled apple mixture with a spatula. This is where the magic starts—the apples bring in warmth and sweetness in every bite.
6. Cook the waffle donuts
Preheat and lightly grease your waffle iron. Spoon the batter into the molds (about 2–3 tablespoons per section) and close the lid. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
7. Make the glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. You can adjust the thickness by adding more sugar or milk as needed.
8. Glaze the donuts
Once the waffle donuts are warm (not hot), dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over using a spoon. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per waffle donut (approximate):
- Calories: 190
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 100mg
Values may vary based on size and thickness of each waffle.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Best served fresh: These are at their fluffiest and most delicious when eaten the same day.
- To reheat: Warm gently in a toaster oven or microwave (10–15 seconds) to bring them back to life.
- Add more apple: If you love fruit-heavy bites, feel free to double the apple mixture.
- Try other glazes: Maple glaze, cream cheese drizzle, or cinnamon glaze all work beautifully.
- No buttermilk? Use regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar as a quick substitute.
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until tender and caramelized. Set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the cooked apple mixture.
- Preheat and lightly grease your waffle iron. Spoon batter into each mold and cook for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust thickness as needed.
- Once the waffle donuts are warm (not hot), dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over with a spoon. Let set before serving.
