These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a fun twist on two favorites! Imagine crispy waffles and sweet apple fritters coming together for a treat that’s fluffy and flavorful.
Who can resist warm donuts with bits of apple and a dusting of sugar? I love having them for breakfast, but they make any time feel like a special occasion. Yum! 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: A versatile base for the batter. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Just check the blend for a good rise!
Granulated Sugar: This helps sweeten the batter perfectly. For a lower sugar option, try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. They work well but can change the flavor slightly.
Buttermilk: It adds tanginess and moisture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are my favorite for their tartness. You can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter taste. Choose what you like best!
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add crunch. If you have nut allergies or prefer no nuts, feel free to omit them from the recipe.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crisp on Your Waffle Donuts?
Getting that perfect crisp is key to making these waffle donuts special. Here are some tips to help you achieve that golden-brown outside:
- Ensure your waffle iron is fully preheated before pouring in the batter. A hot iron helps create a better crust.
- Do not overfill the waffle iron! A uniform layer of batter is best, which allows steam to escape and keeps waffles crispy.
- Cook until they are golden brown. This usually takes about 4-6 minutes but check your model, as different machines may require different times.
- Let the donuts cool on a wire rack rather than on a plate. This way, air can circulate around them, which helps maintain their crisp texture.
With these tips, you’ll have deliciously crispy waffle donuts every time! Enjoy making them fresh and warm!
How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Waffle Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, finely chopped apples (Granny Smith preferred)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus around 20 minutes for cooking. Overall, you can expect to spend around 35 minutes to enjoy freshly made Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Waffle Iron:
Start by preheating your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the plates with cooking spray or a little melted butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until combined. This ensures your ingredients mix well and helps the donuts rise perfectly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter together until well combined. This mixture will keep your donuts moist and flavorful!
4. Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! The batter should be thick but spreadable, perfect for waffle making.
5. Add Apples and Nuts:
Fold in the finely chopped apples and nuts if you’re using them. These add great flavor and texture to your waffle donuts.
6. Cook the Waffle Donuts:
Scoop enough batter to fill the waffle iron — about 1/2 to 3/4 full will do (don’t overfill!). Close the lid and cook until golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 4-6 minutes, depending on your waffle maker.
7. Cool and Prepare for Glazing:
Carefully remove the waffle donuts and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. This helps keep them crisp and delicious!
8. Make the Glaze:
While the donuts are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until you have a smooth and drizzleable glaze.
9. Glaze the Donuts:
Once the donuts are slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over them, letting it flow beautifully down the sides. This sweet addition is what makes them irresistible!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes, then enjoy these scrumptious Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts warm for the best flavor and texture. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack!
These donut delights combine the soft, tender crumb of apple fritters with the delightful crispiness of a waffle, all topped with a luscious vanilla glaze. Happy cooking!
Can I Substitute Milk for Buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, just mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken and curdle, simulating buttermilk.
What Type of Apples Work Best?
Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe because of their tartness, which balances the sweetness. However, you can use any apple variety you enjoy, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji!
How Should I Store Leftover Waffle Donuts?
Store leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, but they might lose some crispiness. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or oven to regain that lovely crunch.
Can I Freeze These Waffle Donuts?
Yes, you can freeze them! Place the cooled waffle donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. To enjoy, just thaw and reheat them in the oven or toaster!