Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts – Crispy, Sweet & Irresistible
Treat yourself to Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts – a fun twist on classic apple fritters! Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, loaded with sweet apple chunks and a cinnamon glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a sweet indulgence!
Equipment
- Waffle iron with donut mold or mini waffle maker
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Optional: piping bag for batter
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 cup peeled and diced firm apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: cinnamon sugar, caramel drizzle, or melted chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat Waffle Iron: Lightly grease and preheat waffle iron or mini donut maker.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat eggs, milk, and melted butter in a separate bowl.
- Combine: Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. Fold in diced apples gently.
- Portion Batter: Use a scoop or piping bag to fill donut molds evenly. Avoid overfilling.
- Cook Donuts: Close waffle iron and cook 3–5 minutes until golden brown. Remove carefully to a cooling rack.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency as desired.
- Glaze Donuts: Dip or drizzle glaze over warm donuts. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, nuts, or drizzle caramel/chocolate if desired.
- Serve: Let glaze set 5–10 minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
- Apple Choice: Firm apples maintain texture; softer apples may become mushy.
- Extra Crunch: Fold in chopped nuts or sprinkle on top.
- Flavor Variations: Add raisins, dried cranberries, or caramel drizzle.
- Make Ahead: Batter can be refrigerated up to 12 hours; fold in apples just before cooking.
- Storage: Keep glazed donuts at room temperature up to 1 day; unglazed in fridge 2–3 days; freeze unglazed for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in toaster oven or air fryer 3–5 minutes before serving.