If you’re craving a delectable treat that combines the comforting flavors of apple fritters with the fun shape of donuts, you’re in for a real delight with this Irresistibly Easy Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe. Imagine crispy edges, soft and tender inside, bursting with cinnamon-spiced apple goodness and finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a sweet glaze. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a classic donut experience without the hassle of deep-frying, thanks to a waffle iron. Whether you’re making a weekend breakfast or a special snack, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the first step to achieving the magic of these apple fritter waffle donuts. Each item not only plays a crucial role in taste and texture but also ensures the final product is light, fluffy, and bursting with seasonal apple goodness.
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that provides structure, or opt for gluten-free flour to suit dietary needs.
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon: Adds warm spice that makes every bite cozy; feel free to increase for a bolder flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg: A subtle hint of earthiness, and you can skip it for a more straightforward sweetness.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar: Sweetens perfectly; you can try coconut sugar for a more natural option.
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder: The leavening hero that helps your donuts rise light and fluffy—make sure it’s fresh.
- 1/2 teaspoon Table Salt: Enhances all the flavors while keeping balance.
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch: Gives tenderness and a slight crisp to the exterior, arrowroot starch is a great alternative.
- 1 large Egg: Binds the ingredients—use a flax egg for a plant-based swap.
- 1 cup Milk: Moistens the batter and keeps the texture rich; almond or oat milk work wonderfully for dairy-free.
- 1/4 cup Oil: Keeps each bite soft and moist; vegetable or melted coconut oil are great choices.
- 1 cup Shredded Apples: The star of the recipe, adding fresh flavor and moisture—diced apples give a chunkier mouthfeel.
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar: Essential for the glaze, which you can adjust for thickness if you want a sweet drip.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and a sweet aroma—almond extract can be a fun twist.
- 1/4 cup Cinnamon Sugar: Perfect for sprinkling on top to finish with that classic donut charm.
How to Make Irresistibly Easy Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by whisking together your dry ingredients—flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch—in a large bowl until perfectly combined. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then stir in milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your waffles tender! Fold in the shredded apples carefully, ensuring every bite will have that wonderful fruity texture.
Step 2: Heat and Grease Your Waffle Iron
Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s essential to lightly grease it with oil or non-stick spray to make sure your apple fritter waffle donuts release easily and develop those golden, crispy edges.
Step 3: Cook the Donuts
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter into each section of the waffle iron, spreading evenly but not overfilling so the batter can cook through properly. Close the lid and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and springy to the touch. Carefully remove the donuts and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly while you finish cooking the rest.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Mix your cinnamon sugar blend in a shallow bowl so it’s ready to coat the warm donuts. This step is what transforms your waffles into the irresistible apple fritter donut hybrids—we want every bite dusted with that perfect sugary crunch.
Step 5: Glaze Your Donuts (Optional)
For an extra touch of sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar and a splash of milk or water until smooth, then drizzle this glaze over the warm donuts. The glaze adds a shiny finish and a lovely sweet punch that complements the cinnamon and apple flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Irresistibly Easy Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
These waffles are fantastic on their own, but a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar or a light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look bakery-worthy. If you want to get creative, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn these into a decadent treat perfect for any time of day.
Side Dishes
Serving apple fritter waffle donuts with fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or a handful of blueberries, creates a delightful balance of freshness and sweetness. A warm mug of spiced tea, apple cider, or even a rich coffee goes wonderfully alongside, making your snack or breakfast feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the donuts and layering with cream cheese frosting for a playful twist, almost like a tiny donut cake! Alternatively, you can thread them onto skewers with bits of fresh apple and serve as a fun, interactive dessert for gatherings. The possibilities are endless when you want to impress with your Irresistibly Easy Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your apple fritter waffle donuts have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them moist and flavorful without losing that freshly made appeal.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your donuts individually on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. They keep well for up to a month, making it easy to enjoy your favorite treat whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or day-old donuts in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes to bring back that crisp exterior and warm, fluffy inside. Avoid the microwave as it can make them soggy, missing the magic of that crisp edge you love.
FAQs
Can I use diced apples instead of shredded?
Absolutely! Diced apples provide a chunkier texture, which some people prefer as it offers bigger bursts of apple flavor in each bite. Just be sure the pieces are small enough to cook fully inside the donut batter.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
You can make it vegan by substituting the egg with a flax egg and using plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, along with a neutral oil such as coconut or vegetable oil. The result will be just as delicious and perfect for vegan friends or family.
Do I have to use a waffle iron? Can I fry these like traditional apple fritters?
The waffle iron is key to making these donuts quick and less greasy, giving that unique waffle texture with crispy edges. While you could fry the batter, it would be more like traditional apple fritters, losing the easy aspect this recipe celebrates.
How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Simply adjust the amount of liquid you add to the powdered sugar. For a thicker glaze, use less liquid; for a thinner drizzle, add a bit more. It’s easy to customize based on your preference and how you want the final look.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the batter and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking to redistribute any settled ingredients, and enjoy fresh waffles whenever you’re ready.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Irresistibly Easy Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe enough if you want a fun spin on classic flavors that’s quick, mess-free, and utterly delicious. Every bite offers that nostalgic apple cinnamon goodness with a modern waffle twist that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. So go ahead, give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Irresistibly Easy Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Irresistibly Easy Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, a perfect blend of crispy waffle texture and warm apple fritter flavors. These baked treats are simple to make and combine the sweetness of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg with a fluffy, tender interior. Finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a powdered sugar glaze, they make a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert option that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour for dietary needs)
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (Increase for a bolder taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (Can be omitted for a milder profile)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option)
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (Ensure freshness for optimal results)
- 1/2 teaspoon Table Salt (Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Arrowroot starch works as an effective substitute)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large Egg (Swap for a flax egg for a vegan alternative)
- 1 cup Milk (Almond milk or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free version)
- 1/4 cup Oil (Vegetable or melted coconut oil are perfect choices)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Almond extract offers a delightful variation)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup Shredded Apples (Diced apples create a chunkier texture if preferred)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Mix with additional ingredients for a thicker consistency in glaze)
- 1/4 cup Cinnamon Sugar (Sprinkle generously for a sweet finish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch. Whisk well to evenly distribute all spices and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg lightly, then add milk, oil, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Add Shredded Apples: Fold the shredded apples into the batter carefully, ensuring even distribution throughout without breaking them down too much.
- Cook Waffle Donuts: Lightly grease the waffle iron. Spoon the batter evenly into the waffle donut molds and close the lid. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat until all batter is used, making approximately 12 donuts.
- Prepare Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or water to create a glaze of desired thickness.
- Coat or Glaze Donuts: While the waffle donuts are still warm, either dip them in the powdered sugar glaze or sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar for the classic apple fritter flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Let the donuts cool on a wire rack slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based milk.
- Gluten-free flour can be used, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it to mimic gluten’s binding properties.
- Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg amounts according to personal spice preference.
- Use fresh, firm apples for best texture; shredding apples incorporates moisture and texture evenly.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffles light and tender.
- Waffle irons vary—check at 3 minutes and adjust cooking time as needed.
- These waffle donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be warmed up the next day in a toaster or oven.
