APPLE FRITTER WAFFLE DONUTS

I can still remember the county fair, the smell of fried dough hanging heavy in the air, and the pure joy of biting into a warm, crispy apple fritter. It was always my favorite treat, but sometimes I wished for a little extra something, a twist on the classic. Today, I’m beyond thrilled to share a recipe that combines all those nostalgic flavors into one utterly irresistible bite: my Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts! I promise you, these are so delicious and easy to make that they will instantly become your family’s new favorite breakfast or dessert!

Why You’ll Fall Head-Over-Heels for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Okay, friends, let’s talk about why these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are about to become your new obsession. We’re talking about the perfect marriage of two beloved treats: the crispy, golden-brown goodness of a waffle and the sweet, cinnamon-spiced comfort of an apple fritter. But here’s the real kicker: we’re making them donut-shaped! These aren’t just any donuts; they are a symphony of textures and flavors that will dance on your taste buds.

• Effortless Elegance: Impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is surprisingly simple and quick.
• Unforgettable Flavor: The warm cinnamon spice, the sweet, tender apples, and the crispy, slightly caramelized edges of the waffle…it’s a flavor explosion!
• Completely Customizable: Want to add a little extra something? A sprinkle of chopped pecans, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will take these donuts to the next level.

The Secret to Perfect Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. I’m going to walk you through each step of this recipe, sharing all my tips and tricks to ensure that your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts turn out perfectly every single time. Don’t worry, this is totally doable, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen! We’ll start with the ingredients you’ll need. Let’s gather our supplies!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• For the Waffle Donut Batter:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Apple Fritter Filling:
  • 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the Glaze:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4-6 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• For Frying:
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apple Fritter Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. This will help them stay tender and prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the donuts.
2. Make the Waffle Donut Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter has cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts.
5. Fold in the Apple Filling: Gently fold the apple mixture into the batter until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick and studded with delicious apple pieces.
6. Heat the Oil: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. Too cold, and the donuts will be greasy; too hot, and they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through.
7. Fry the Donuts: Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter (about ¼ cup each) into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Flip them gently with a slotted spoon to ensure even cooking.
8. Drain on Paper Towels: Remove the fried donuts from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This will help them stay crispy and not greasy.
9. Make the Glaze: While the donuts are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to drizzle.
10. Glaze the Donuts: Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, coating them evenly. Alternatively, you can drizzle the glaze over the donuts using a spoon or fork.
11. Let the Glaze Set: Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack and let the glaze set for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming too sticky.
12. Enjoy! Serve your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts warm and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Success Tips for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Want to guarantee donut perfection? Here are a few golden rules I always follow:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is crucial! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, chewy donuts. Mix until just combined, leaving a few lumps in the batter.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep a close eye on the oil temperature. Use a thermometer to ensure it stays consistent at 350°F (175°C). Adjust the heat as needed.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Frying too many donuts at once will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts. Fry in batches, leaving plenty of room for the donuts to cook evenly.
• Use Fresh Apples: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They will hold their shape during frying and provide a delicious flavor contrast to the sweetness of the glaze.
• Let the Donuts Cool Slightly Before Glazing: Glazing warm donuts will help the glaze adhere better and create a beautiful, glossy finish. However, avoid glazing them while they are still hot, as the glaze may melt and run off.

Variations and Adaptations

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so versatile! Feel free to experiment and make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the batter for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
• Nutty Delight: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Surprise: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent chocolate twist.
• Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for some of the milk in the glaze for a rich, maple-flavored glaze.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Instead of glazing the donuts, toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar while they are still warm.

Serving Suggestions

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are delicious on their own, but they can also be elevated with a few simple accompaniments:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the warm, spiced donuts.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy finish.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries or sliced apples for a healthy and refreshing contrast.
• Coffee or Tea: Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting breakfast or dessert.

These Recipes Pair Perfectly with Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

If you’re craving more apple-inspired treats, I’ve got you covered! For a bite-sized version of the classic, try my Apple Fritter Bites. They’re perfect for parties or a quick snack. And for a cozy fall treat, you absolutely must try my Baked Apple Cider Donuts, they bring all the fall flavor. Looking for a fun and interactive dessert? Look no further than Caramel Apple Nachos! They are always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re more of a bars person, Caramel Apple Bars are the way to go. They are soft, chewy, and packed with apple goodness. For a handheld delight, I always recommend my Fried Peach or Apple Pies. They are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. And for a cookie that tastes like a slice of pie, bake up a batch of my Apple Pie Cookies. They’re adorable and delicious!

Storage Instructions

While these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, you can store them for later. Here’s how:

• Room Temperature: Store the glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose some of their crispness, but they will still be delicious.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the unglazed donuts. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. Once thawed, you can glaze them and enjoy.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! My recipe for the most amazing Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts you’ll ever taste. This recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a chance to create memories in the kitchen, to share a moment of pure joy with your loved ones. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of these delightful donuts. Enjoy every bite! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! And don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #AppleFritterWaffleDonuts. I can’t wait to see them!

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the best of both worlds: the crispy, golden-brown goodness of a waffle and the sweet, cinnamon-spiced comfort of an apple fritter, all in a donut shape. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for breakfast or dessert and will surely become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Spoon
• Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Thermometer
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towel-lined plate
• Wire rack

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 medium apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4-6 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Apple Fritter Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
• Make the Waffle Donut Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter has cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs.
• Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
• Fold in the Apple Filling: Gently fold the apple mixture into the batter until evenly distributed.
• Heat the Oil: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature.
• Fry the Donuts: Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter (about ¼ cup each) into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Flip them gently with a slotted spoon to ensure even cooking.
• Drain on Paper Towels: Remove the fried donuts from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• Make the Glaze: While the donuts are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Glaze the Donuts: Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, coating them evenly. Alternatively, you can drizzle the glaze over the donuts using a spoon or fork.
• Let the Glaze Set: Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack and let the glaze set for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Enjoy! Serve your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts warm and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use fresh, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in tough donuts. Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) for even cooking. Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze unglazed donuts for longer storage. For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the batter, or folding in chopped nuts or chocolate chips.