Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Introduction
Apple fritter waffle donuts combine the crisp texture of waffles with the sweet, spiced flavor of classic apple fritters. This easy recipe uses fresh apples and a simple glaze for a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Oil for frying
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Step 2: In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts, if using.
- Step 4: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
- Step 5: Pour enough batter into the waffle iron to cover the surface, close the lid, and cook until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Step 6: While the waffles are cooking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 7: Once the waffles are done, remove them from the waffle iron and let them cool slightly. Dip the tops into the glaze and let the excess drip off.
- Step 8: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious apple fritter waffle donuts!
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and tang in your fritters.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg along with cinnamon to deepen the spice flavor.
- Try drizzling maple syrup over the glazed waffles for extra sweetness.
Storage
Store leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a toaster or oven to restore crispness before glazing again if desired.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the batter right before cooking for the freshest texture, but you can refrigerate the mixed batter for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before cooking.
Can I bake these instead of using a waffle iron?
This recipe is designed for waffle irons to get the classic shape and texture. However, you could bake the batter in a donut pan at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes, but the results will be more like baked apple muffins than fritters.
PrintApple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Delight in these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, a creative twist on classic apple fritters using a waffle iron for a quick and easy treat. Soft, fluffy waffle donuts are studded with juicy diced apples and warming cinnamon, then drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 waffle donuts 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup peeled and diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For Frying / Glaze
- Oil for frying (optional, if extra crispiness desired)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fully combined, ensuring an even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the whole milk, melted unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain waffle tenderness. Carefully fold in the peeled, diced apples and chopped nuts if using.
- Preheat waffle iron: Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the waffles: Pour a sufficient amount of batter onto the waffle iron to cover the surface, close the lid, and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the waffles turn golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Prepare the glaze: While the waffles cook, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the waffles: Remove waffles from the iron and let them cool slightly so the glaze adheres better. Dip the tops of the waffles into the glaze and allow any excess to drip off.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the apple fritter waffle donuts warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For extra crunch and nuttiness, include the walnuts or pecans; omit if allergic or preferred nut-free.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the waffle donuts light and fluffy.
- You can customize by adding a pinch of nutmeg or substituting milk with a non-dairy alternative.
- If you like a crisper texture, lightly brush the waffle donuts with oil and briefly pan-fry them.
- Leftover waffle donuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in a toaster or oven.
Keywords: Apple fritter, waffle donuts, cinnamon, breakfast, snack, glazed waffles, easy dessert

