Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
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.
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.