Some recipes carry a bit of nostalgia, and Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are one of them. They combine the crispy golden edges of waffles with the sweet, glazed goodness of a donut. The apples tucked inside bring warmth and comfort, reminding me of my nonna’s kitchen where fritters always made the house smell heavenly. Now, this recipe is a playful twist on that tradition. Perfect for a holiday breakfast or a cozy weekend treat, these waffle donuts are all about indulgence and joy. If you love fall-inspired desserts, you might also enjoy this Apple Crumble Cheesecake for another seasonal favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These apple waffle donuts are everything you want in a sweet bite; crispy outside, tender inside, filled with spiced apples, and coated in a simple glaze. They’re versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or a snack when you’re craving something special. Plus, they’re easy to make with ingredients you likely already have. Imagine serving a stack of them for dessert, maybe after something savory like Smashburger Quesadillas to balance out the flavors. Once you try these, you’ll see why they’re bound to become a family favorite.
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Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in a sweet glaze, these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts bring together the best of waffles and donuts for a treat that feels indulgent and comforting.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 donuts 1x
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups peeled, finely chopped apples
Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup milk
4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
2. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until combined. Fold in chopped apples.
4. Preheat waffle maker and cook waffles until golden brown. Cool on a rack.
5. Cut waffles into halves or quarters to form donut-sized pieces.
6. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. Fry waffle pieces for about 1 minute per side until golden.
7. Drain on paper towels and transfer to a rack.
8. In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze.
9. Dip warm donuts into glaze until coated. Let set on rack for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice to create a seasonal variation.
Replace milk with apple cider in the glaze for a tangy finish.
These donuts taste best warm but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 243
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 82mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Ingredients
For the waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled, finely chopped apples
For frying & glaze:
- Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tsp vanilla extract
It’s a short list of pantry staples and fresh apples that come together beautifully. If you love apple-based treats, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip is another simple recipe worth bookmarking.
How to Make It
- Mix the batter: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in one bowl. In another, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir wet into dry, then fold in the apples.
- Cook the waffles: Heat your waffle maker and cook until golden brown. Place finished waffles on a cooling rack.
- Shape the donuts: Once cooled, cut waffles into halves or quarters to create donut-sized pieces.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry each piece until golden brown, about a minute per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Glaze: Dip warm waffle donuts in the glaze, then let them set on a rack before serving.
The process is straightforward and delivers big rewards. If you like quick no-bake desserts, check out these No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls for another fun treat.
Tips and Variations
- Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- Seasonal spin: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice to create a fall variation.
- Cider glaze: Replace milk with apple cider for a tangier finish.
- Oven-baked: Instead of frying, bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes before glazing.
- Serving idea: Pair warm donuts with vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style dish.
These ideas keep the recipe flexible and fun. And if you’re in the mood for something cozy and savory, this Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta makes a comforting dinner to complement a sweet dessert like this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these apple fritter waffle donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry and glaze them a few hours in advance. Store in an airtight container and warm briefly before serving.
What type of apples should I use?
Firm apples like Granny Smith work best, as they hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the glaze.
Can I air fry instead of deep fry?
Yes, lightly spray with oil and air fry at 375°F for about 6–8 minutes until golden.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for a month.
Final Thoughts
Apple fritter waffle donuts are proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create something that feels indulgent and memorable. The crisp exterior, soft apple center, and sweet glaze make each bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, holidays, or just because, they’ll bring smiles to the table. For another festive option perfect for gatherings, take a peek at this Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board, which pairs beautifully with sweet desserts like these donuts.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
