Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Introduction
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the cozy flavors of classic apple fritters with the fun texture of waffles. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re perfect for a special breakfast or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced small
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your waffle maker and lightly grease it with nonstick spray.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Fold in diced apples.
- Step 5: Scoop 1/4 cup of batter into the waffle maker and cook until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes.
- Step 6: Let waffles cool slightly, then cut into donut-sized rounds using a donut cutter or round tool.
- Step 7: Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the donut rounds until crisp and golden, 1–2 minutes per side.
- Step 8: For glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip or drizzle over donuts.
- Step 9: Let the glaze set before serving. Enjoy warm!
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
- For a lighter version, bake the waffle rounds instead of frying them, brushing with melted butter before baking.
- Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the batter for a spicier twist.
- If you don’t have a donut cutter, use a large and a small round cutter or a glass and bottle cap to form the shapes.
Storage
Store leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at low temperature to maintain crispness. The glaze is best fresh, but if stored, glaze may become sticky or absorb moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
What oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, to get a crisp, golden finish without adding extra flavor.
PrintApple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the crisp texture of deep-fried waffle rounds with the warm flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples and a sweet vanilla glaze, creating a delightful twist on classic apple fritters perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 donut rounds 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Add-ins
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced small
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Waffle Maker: Preheat your waffle maker and lightly grease it with nonstick spray to ensure the waffle donuts do not stick during cooking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Ingredients and Fold in Apples: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the diced apples to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Cook Waffle Rounds: Scoop 1/4 cup of batter into the preheated waffle maker and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per batch.
- Cut Donut Shapes: Let the waffle rounds cool slightly, then use a donut cutter or a round tool to cut the waffles into donut-sized rounds with holes in the center.
- Fry Donut Rounds: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donut rounds in the hot oil until crisp and golden on both sides, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Dip or drizzle the glaze over the warm donut rounds. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving for the best texture and taste. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained around 350°F for even frying to avoid greasy donuts.
- You can substitute the apple with other firm fruits like pear for a different flavor.
- For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add a little more milk gradually.
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Leftover donut rounds can be reheated in the oven to regain crispiness before glazing.
Keywords: apple fritter waffle donuts, apple fritters, waffle donuts, fried donuts, cinnamon apple donuts, breakfast donuts, glazed donuts

