Description

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a delightful fusion of two breakfast favorites—crispy waffle donuts filled with spiced apple chunks and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfectly tender on the inside with a golden, crisp exterior, they offer the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with a hint of vanilla. Easy to whip up in a waffle iron, these treats make an irresistible morning indulgence or a fun dessert.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

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

Additional Mix-Ins

1½ cups peeled, diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith)
Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Glaze and Topping

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Extra powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Set them aside to be folded into the batter later.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly mixed.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
Add Apples and Nuts: Fold the diced apples and, if using, the chopped pecans or walnuts gently into the batter to evenly distribute.
Preheat and Grease Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
Cook Waffle Donuts: Spoon approximately ¼ cup of batter onto the waffle iron for each donut. Close the lid and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the waffle donuts are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Cool on Rack: Carefully transfer the cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly, which keeps them crisp and prevents sogginess.
Prepare Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
Glaze and Dust: Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm waffle donuts, then dust with extra powdered sugar for an added sweet touch and pretty presentation.
Serve Warm: Enjoy the apple fritter waffle donuts warm for the best texture and flavor experience.

Notes

Using tart apples like Granny Smith balances sweetness with a pleasant tang.
For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with vinegar and use dairy-free butter.
Do not overmix the batter to ensure tender waffle donuts.
Adding nuts is optional but adds a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
Waffle cooking times may vary based on your iron; adjust accordingly to avoid burning or undercooking.
These waffle donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in a toaster or oven.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American