If you love the warm, cozy flavors of apple fritters and the crisp, golden goodness of waffles, you’re in for a treat. These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the best of both worlds. Imagine tender cinnamon-spiced apples tucked into a fluffy batter, cooked until golden in a waffle iron, then brushed with butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar—or finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. It’s everything you crave in a fall breakfast or dessert, with none of the stress.

This recipe is perfect for chilly mornings, family brunches, or anytime you want something comforting that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery. You don’t need any fancy skills or special equipment beyond a waffle maker. If you can stir, scoop, and drizzle, you can absolutely make these.

Let’s dive in and get that batter going—you’re closer to waffle donut heaven than you think.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are more than just a fun mash-up. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and surprisingly flexible. Here’s why they’re worth making today:

• No deep frying – That means less mess, less oil, and more ease.

• Warm and cozy flavors – Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and apples make these feel like a hug in food form.

• Crispy edges and soft centers – Thanks to the waffle iron, you get the best textures in every bite.

• Perfect for sharing – Everyone from toddlers to grandparents loves these. And yes, they make great leftovers—if you have any.

Suitable For

Whether you’re new to baking or already have your go-to weekend recipes, these waffle donuts fit right in. They’re great for:

• Weekend brunches with friends or family

• A fall-themed breakfast or dessert table

• Holiday mornings like Thanksgiving or Christmas

• A cozy breakfast-for-dinner treat

• Anyone who’s obsessed with apples and cinnamon

Ingredients for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

This recipe uses simple pantry staples, but the flavor is anything but basic.

Core Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour – The base of your batter. Make sure to measure it properly by spooning and leveling.

• Granulated sugar – Adds just enough sweetness.

• Baking powder & baking soda – This duo helps your waffle donuts rise and stay fluffy.

• Salt – A small but essential touch to balance the sweetness.

• Cinnamon & nutmeg – These warm spices are key to that apple fritter flavor.

• Buttermilk – Adds richness and tender texture. It also activates the baking soda.

• Egg – Binds the batter and adds structure.

• Melted butter – For richness and flavor.

• Vanilla extract – Adds depth and sweetness.

• Diced apples – The star of the show. Peel and chop them finely so they soften perfectly in the waffle iron.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• Granulated sugar

• Cinnamon

• Melted butter for brushing

Optional Glaze:

• Powdered sugar

• Milk

• Vanilla extract

These elements come together quickly, and once you’ve made them once, you’ll probably have it memorized.

Substitutions and Tips

Here are a few swaps and suggestions in case you need to adjust:

• No buttermilk? Mix ¾ cup milk with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.

• Gluten-free? Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

• Dairy-free? Swap the buttermilk with a plant-based milk + vinegar, and use melted coconut oil or dairy-free butter.

• Make it yours – Add chopped walnuts or pecans, or stir in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a holiday twist.

• Don’t skip the spices – Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for the warm apple fritter flavor.

Best Apples for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Choosing the right apple makes all the difference. You want something that holds its shape while softening just enough in the waffle iron.

• Granny Smith – Tart and firm. These are perfect if you like a bit of contrast to the sweet batter.

• Honeycrisp – A great balance of sweetness and structure.

• Fuji or Braeburn – Sweet, crisp, and won’t turn mushy.

Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious or McIntosh, which can turn too soft and watery in the batter.

Pro tip: Dice your apples small (about ¼-inch cubes). This helps them cook quickly and evenly without leaving raw bits in the finished donut.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a professional kitchen setup to make waffle donuts, but a few tools will make things easier and cleaner.

Must-Have Tools

• Waffle iron – Standard or mini will work. Non-stick is ideal.

• Mixing bowls – One for wet ingredients, one for dry.

• Whisk and spatula – To mix and fold everything together without overworking.

• Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy matters, especially in baking.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Apple peeler and corer – Speeds up prep time, especially if you’re making a big batch.

• Cookie scoop or ice cream scoop – Helps portion the batter cleanly into the waffle maker.

• Cooling rack – Lets your waffle donuts firm up and prevents sogginess underneath.

• Pastry brush – For spreading melted butter before adding cinnamon sugar or glaze.

Having the right tools isn’t about being fancy—it’s about making the process smoother so you can focus on the fun part: eating.

How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Let’s get right into it—because once you smell the warm cinnamon apples hitting the hot waffle iron, you’ll wish you had started sooner. Making Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts is a breeze, even if you’re not an everyday baker. Each step is easy to follow and full of flavor payoff.

These aren’t your average donuts, and they’re definitely not just plain waffles. They’re the best of both: soft, warm apple chunks wrapped in spiced batter with that irresistible waffle crispness on the outside. Here’s how to bring them to life.

Step 1: Preheat Your Waffle Iron

Before you do anything else, plug in your waffle iron and preheat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step is easy to overlook, but it’s important—the batter needs to hit a hot surface to get that golden crust and those lovely waffle ridges.

Tip: If your waffle iron isn’t nonstick, lightly grease it with cooking spray or a brush of oil so your donuts release easily.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the following:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

Whisk until the spices are evenly distributed. This is where the warm fall flavor starts building, right from the base.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together:

• ¾ cup buttermilk

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stir until well combined. The buttermilk adds a nice tang and keeps everything tender, while the butter and egg give it richness.

Step 4: Combine and Fold in the Apples

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—you want the batter to be soft and slightly lumpy, not dense.

Now fold in:

• 1 cup of finely diced, peeled apples

You’ll want the apple pieces to be small (think ¼ inch or less) so they soften quickly and evenly while cooking. This step brings those cozy apple fritter vibes to life.

Step 5: Cook the Waffle Donuts

Once your waffle iron is hot and ready, scoop the batter into each section. If your waffle iron is donut-shaped, even better, but a standard square waffle maker works just fine.

Tip: Use a cookie scoop or about ¼ cup of batter per waffle section. Close the lid gently and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through.

Lift them out carefully with a fork or spatula and place on a wire rack to cool slightly.

Step 6: Add Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the waffles are still warm—but not piping hot—brush them lightly with:

• Melted butter (about 3 tablespoons total)

Then sprinkle or toss with a mixture of:

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

This gives the outside a sparkly, sweet crunch that’s reminiscent of classic fair donuts.

Step 7: Optional Glaze Drizzle

If you prefer a glazed finish over the cinnamon sugar, or want to do both (no judgment), mix:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 teaspoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth and drizzle over cooled waffle donuts. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

Making Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts is as fun as it is delicious, and these tips will help you get the best results every time.

• Don’t overmix the batter. It’s okay if there are a few lumps—overmixing will make the texture dense.

• Dice your apples small. Bigger chunks may not cook all the way through in the waffle iron.

• Use a hot waffle iron. This helps the waffles cook evenly and get that crisp golden outside.

• Cool on a rack. Placing the finished donuts on a rack instead of a plate keeps them from getting soggy underneath.

• Double the batch. These go fast. You’ll thank yourself later.

How to Store Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Whether you’re making them ahead or stashing a few for later, they store well with just a little care.

At Room Temperature

Store cooled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them in a single layer if possible to preserve the coating.

In the Refrigerator

If you plan to keep them a bit longer, refrigerate in a covered container for up to 4–5 days. Warm them in the toaster oven or microwave before serving to bring back that fresh-from-the-iron texture.

Freezing Tips

To freeze, skip the glaze or sugar coating until after reheating. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, let thaw at room temperature or heat directly from frozen in a toaster oven until warm and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these without a waffle iron?

You can! Pour the batter into a greased donut pan and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes. They’ll be more like cake donuts but still delicious.

Can I use a boxed waffle mix?

If you’re in a pinch, yes—but you’ll miss out on the warm spice blend and homemade flavor that makes these special. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to the mix for a similar profile.

What kind of apples work best?

Granny Smith is the gold standard for baking—firm, tart, and flavorful. Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well. Avoid soft varieties like Red Delicious.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely. Just hold off on the glaze or cinnamon sugar until right before serving to keep the texture fresh.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved these apple fritter waffle donuts, you might enjoy these other sweet and cozy recipes:

• Apple Spice Pancakes: A spiced apple breakfast classic for fall mornings.

• Pumpkin Spice Pancakes Recipe: Warm, fluffy, and filled with autumn spice.

• Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (No Yeast): Quick, gooey cinnamon rolls you can whip up fast.

• Crock Pot Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole: A cozy, slow-cooked breakfast favorite.

• Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling: A shortcut treat that tastes like fall in every bite.

Conclusion

There’s just something magical about the smell of apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen. These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are comforting, easy, and full of nostalgic flavor with a fun twist. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because it’s a chilly Saturday morning, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.

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