You won’t believe how delightful these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are! They combine the soft, tender texture of a donut with the crispy goodness of a waffle. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these treats are easy to whip up and sure to please the whole family.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is a great way to bring something special to your table without a lot of fuss. The ingredients are simple, and you likely have them in your pantry already. Plus, the combination of diced apples, warm spices, and a sweet glaze makes every bite a bit of happiness. Best of all, they cook quickly in a waffle iron, making them a fast favorite for busy mornings.

How to Make It

Making these waffle donuts is as easy as mixing a few bowls and flipping a switch on your waffle iron. You’ll blend your dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them with fresh apples. In no time, you’ll have golden, crisp donuts ready to drizzle with a delicious glaze.

What You Need

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
2 large eggs
⅓ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1½ cups peeled, diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith)
Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Cooking Steps

Peel, core, and dice apples into small chunks. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
Fold in diced apples and nuts if using.
Preheat the waffle iron and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter.
Spoon ¼ cup batter onto the waffle iron for each donut. Close the lid and cook until golden and crisp, about 3–5 minutes.
Transfer cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack.
To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle glaze over slightly cooled waffles and dust with extra powdered sugar.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

You can enjoy these delightful treats on their own, or pair them with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast. Drizzle a little more glaze on top or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special dessert. They’re perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or any cozy afternoon snack.

How to Store

To keep your leftover waffle donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can place them in the freezer. Just make sure to separate each donut with parchment paper, so they don’t stick together. When ready to eat, reheat them in a toaster or microwave until warm.

Recipe Tips

Use Granny Smith apples for a nice tart flavor that balances the sweetness.
Make sure your waffle iron is preheated for the best crispy texture.
Don’t over-mix the batter; it’s okay if a few lumps remain.
If you prefer a slightly thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
Feel free to get creative with nuts for added crunch, or try a little orange zest in the glaze for a refreshing twist.

Variations & Swaps

For a cinnamon-sugar topping, toss finished waffle donuts in a mix of sugar and cinnamon instead of glazing.
Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
To make it dairy-free, use a non-dairy milk substitute and coconut oil in place of butter.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using. However, it’s best to cook them fresh for the best texture.

Can I freeze these waffle donuts?
Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month.

What’s the best way to reheat them?
For the best results, reheat these in a toaster or oven to restore their crispness. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too, but they may lose their texture.

What if I can’t find tart apples?
You can use sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp, but consider adding a little extra cinnamon for balance.

What common mistakes should I avoid?
Be careful not to overmix your batter, as this can lead to dense waffles. Also, ensure your waffle iron is fully hot before adding the batter for a crispy finish.