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

Scale

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)

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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.