Recipe Card
Hook – Quick Description:
Crispy, golden waffle donuts filled with apple chunks and warm cinnamon sugar — the best of donuts, waffles, and fritters all in one treat!
Servings & Timing:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes (in waffle maker or donut pan)
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Yield: 10–12 donuts
Dietary Badges:
🍎 Classic Dessert
🧇 Kid-Friendly
✨ Perfect for Fall Baking
Ingredients (Checklist Style):
For the Donuts:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk (or buttermilk for richer flavor)
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted) or neutral oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
For the Glaze (Optional):
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk or cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions (Concise & Numbered):
Preheat waffle maker or oven to 350°F (175°C) if using a donut pan. Grease lightly.
In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed (don’t overmix).
Fold in diced apples.
Scoop batter into waffle maker or donut pan. Cook 3–4 minutes in waffle maker, or 12–15 minutes in oven, until golden.
Let cool slightly. Dip warm donuts into glaze or dust with cinnamon sugar.
Serve warm for that fritter-like flavor!
Additional Notes:
Best eaten fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days.
Reheat in toaster oven or air fryer for crispness.
Can swap glaze for a dusting of powdered sugar.
Brief Introduction
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the cozy flavors of cinnamon apples and fritters with the fun shape of donuts and the texture of waffles. Perfect for fall mornings, brunch spreads, or anytime you want a treat that feels special but doesn’t require deep frying.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Mixing the Batter
Whisk dry ingredients together.
Combine wet ingredients separately.
Fold everything together gently for a fluffy donut.
Adding Apples
Dice apples small so they cook evenly.
Toss them in a little cinnamon sugar before folding in for extra flavor.
Cooking
Waffle maker: golden, crisp edges.
Donut pan: fluffy and cake-like.
Glazing
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Dip donuts while still slightly warm for that classic glazed fritter look.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose is classic, but you can use 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Milk: Buttermilk = richer, fluffier donuts.
Butter: For flavor, but oil works for moisture.
Apples: Granny Smith = tart, Honeycrisp = sweet.
Glaze: Optional, but makes them taste like bakery-style fritters.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Toss warm donuts in cinnamon + sugar mix instead of glaze.
Maple Glaze: Swap milk for maple syrup in glaze.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to batter.
Serving Ideas:
With hot coffee or spiced tea.
As a fun brunch dessert.
Drizzle with caramel for extra indulgence.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage: Store at room temp in airtight container up to 2 days.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts up to 2 months; thaw & glaze before serving.
Reheating: Pop in toaster oven or air fryer for 2–3 minutes to crisp edges.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated, per donut with glaze, 12 servings)
Calories: ~190 kcal
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 7g
Sugar: 15g
FAQs
Q: Can I bake these without a waffle maker?
A: Yes — use a donut or muffin pan at 350°F for ~15 minutes.
Q: Can I make them healthier?
A: Yes — reduce sugar, use whole wheat flour for half the mix, or bake without glaze.
Q: Do they taste like apple fritters?
A: Yes! Crispy edges, soft apple-filled centers — just without deep frying.
Q: Can I use applesauce instead of apples?
A: Applesauce adds moisture but not chunks. Best to combine both for texture.
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