Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

Meet your new go-to treat: the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe. It’s delightfully indulgent, delivering that classic cinnamon-kissed apple fritter flavor—crispy, golden, tender, and just sweet enough—remixed into a fun waffle-donut hybrid. With a cloud of glaze that sets to a glossy finish and apple bits in every bite, this recipe brings together the best of fall flavors and breakfast nostalgia in a format that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re gathering friends, cozying up with coffee, or wowing brunch guests, this is the sort of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is the secret here: each ingredient for this Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe serves a real purpose, from creating pillowy donuts to that signature spiced finish. Let’s break down why every item matters—you might already have most of them in your kitchen!

• All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy, soft base of your donuts, giving the fritters their tempting structure.
• Sugar: Adds essential sweetness and helps the donuts achieve a gorgeous golden crust.
• Baking powder: Lifts the batter, making your donuts irresistibly light.
• Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to create airiness and tenderness.
• Salt: Enhances every flavor and balances sweetness—don’t skip it!
• Cinnamon: Warm, cozy spice that pairs beautifully with apples (and makes your kitchen smell amazing).
• Buttermilk: Adds tang and extra moisture for soft, fluffy interiors.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Brings rich flavor and a touch of decadence to every bite.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and keep things tender.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor, adding floral sweetness that enhances both apple and glaze.
• Chopped apples (peels removed): The star of the show! Fresh apple chunks bring bursts of juicy texture and bright flavor.
• Oil for frying: Essential for getting those crunchy, perfectly browned edges.
• Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily into glaze, coating each donut with a sweet finish.
• Whole milk: Helps make the glaze silky and pourable—for that dramatic dip-and-drip moment.
• Extra vanilla extract (for glaze): Infuses even more warm flavor into the glossy coating.

How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large bowl and whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This quick dry-mix step ensures that the rising agents and spices are evenly distributed for consistent, perfect donuts every time.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. This simple blend brings the batter to life, adding moisture and richness that makes the finished fritter-donuts so satisfying. It’s the foundation for a creamy-batter magic trick.

Step 3: Make the Donut Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Don’t over-mix—stopping when you see a few streaks of flour is perfect. Lastly, fold in your chopped apples for juicy bites tucked in every donut. The Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe is all about chunks of real apple in every slice!

Step 4: Cook Waffles

Preheat your waffle iron (each model heats up a bit differently, so check your manufacturer’s instructions for best results). Scoop in the batter and cook until your waffles are fluffy, well set, and golden. Let the waffles cool slightly, then cut them into segments—these will become your donut pieces for frying.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Now, preheat your deep fryer (or a heavy pot with a few inches of oil). Working in batches, fry two waffle segments at a time, turning as needed, until each piece is deeply golden and crisp—usually about a minute per side. Drain your hot Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts on a paper towel-lined plate to keep them light, not greasy.

Step 6: Dip in Glaze

While the donuts are still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a pourable glaze. Dip each donut in the glaze, letting the excess drip off before moving them to a wire rack. Give them about 20 minutes to let the glaze set for the ultimate sticky-sweet finish.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

There’s nothing quite like a shimmering glaze, but if you want to get extra, try sprinkling a pinch of ground cinnamon on top or adding a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. For fall flair, a few curls of fresh apple skin or a sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans look (and taste) amazing.

Side Dishes

Pair your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe with a steaming mug of coffee, hot apple cider, or a refreshing glass of cold milk. For brunch, I love serving these alongside thick-cut smoky bacon or a crisp fruit salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the donut wedges artistically on a tiered cake stand for a brunch centerpiece, or skewer them on sticks and serve in Mason jars for a playful touch. For parties, set out bowls of warm caramel or chocolate sauce for dipping, transforming these donuts into a customizable treat bar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any leftovers, let the donuts cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze will keep them moist, and a quick zap in the microwave will bring back a hint of that just-fried warmth.

Freezing

Looking to make the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe ahead? Once fully cooled and glazed, freeze the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month—pop one out whenever the craving strikes!

Reheating

To serve from frozen or restore day-old donuts to their prime, reheat in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and the glaze is glossy again. The microwave works in a pinch, but a low oven keeps them closest to that fresh-fried texture.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith create a pleasantly balanced flavor, but sweeter varieties, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, taste wonderful too. Just be sure to peel them for the best texture in your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe.

Do I need a deep fryer to make these?

No deep fryer needed—a heavy pot and a kitchen thermometer work perfectly. Just heat enough oil to submerge the donut pieces, and monitor the temperature so you get that perfect golden crust without overcooking.

Can I bake instead of fry for a lighter version?

While frying creates that traditional crispy edge, you can skip the oil and bake the waffle sections at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture won’t be quite as decadent, but you’ll still have a delicious apple fritter-inspired treat!

What’s the best way to keep the glaze from becoming sticky?

Let glazed donuts rest on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes, preferably in a cool, dry spot, so the glaze can fully set. If you’re in a humid environment, a few extra minutes of air-drying helps the glaze stay shiny and less sticky.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to cook the batter shortly after mixing, since the baking powder and baking soda react right away. But you can chop apples and mix the dry ingredients ahead, then stir everything together when you’re ready for fresh Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe at home—it’s not just about satisfying a sweet tooth, but sharing a warm, nostalgic moment with every bite. So invite someone over, brew a pot of coffee, and treat yourself to a little kitchen magic. You’re about to fall in love!

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