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🍎🧇🍩 Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts – The Ultimate Fall Breakfast Fusion!

If you can’t decide between waffles, donuts, or apple fritters — why not have all three? 🍎✨ These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are the ultimate fall-inspired breakfast hybrid, blending the crispy sweetness of apple fritters with the fluffy texture of waffles and the donut’s irresistible glaze. Each bite bursts with warm cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in golden waffle dough, drizzled with a silky vanilla glaze that melts into every crevice. They’re light, crisp, and ready in under 20 minutes — no deep frying needed! Perfect for cozy autumn mornings, weekend brunch, or a sweet treat with coffee, these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are as fun to make as they are to eat. 🍏🍩🧇✨
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 Donuts
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

For the Apple Filling:
  • 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Waffle Donut Batter:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¾ cup buttermilk or milk + 1 tsp vinegar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 –2 Tbsp milk adjust for desired consistency
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
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Equipment

  • Waffle iron or mini waffle maker
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Saucepan (for apples)
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Prepare the Apple Filling
  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
  3. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples soften and caramelize slightly.
  4. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Make the Batter
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  2. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until incorporated — do not overmix.
  4. Fold in the cooled apple mixture.
Cook the Waffle Donuts
  1. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Spoon about ¼ cup of batter into each section (depending on your waffle maker size).
  3. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
  4. Carefully remove and cool slightly on a wire rack.
Make the Glaze
  1. In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
  2. Dip each waffle donut into the glaze or drizzle it over the top.
Serve & Enjoy
  1. Serve warm and enjoy that glorious mix of cinnamon, apple, and sugary glaze. 🍎🧇🍩

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze (without glaze) for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Toast or air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes; glaze after reheating.
🥄 Variations
Caramel Apple Version: Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of glaze. 🍯
Maple Glaze: Replace milk with maple syrup for a fall twist.
Pumpkin Spice Waffle Donuts: Add 2 Tbsp pumpkin purée and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice.
Cinnamon Roll Style: Add a cream cheese icing swirl on top!
Vegan Option: Use almond milk, flax egg, and vegan butter.
❓ 10 FAQs
Do I need a special waffle donut maker?
Nope — a regular waffle maker works perfectly!
Can I make these ahead?
Yes — store them and glaze right before serving for freshness.
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
You can, but homemade tastes fresher and less sweet.
What’s the best apple to use?
Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Can I use pancake mix instead of making the batter?
Yes! Add cinnamon and fold in the apples for a quick shortcut.
Can I bake them instead of using a waffle maker?
Try baking in a donut pan at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How do I keep them crispy?
Cool on a wire rack so steam doesn’t make them soggy.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — perfect for brunch crowds!
Can I skip the glaze?
Sure — sprinkle with cinnamon sugar instead for a lighter version.
🏁 Conclusion
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are everything you love about fall wrapped into one sweet, cozy bite. 🍎🧇✨ Crispy edges, warm spiced apples, and a glossy glaze make them the perfect indulgent breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.
No frying, no fuss — just golden, delicious comfort that’s as beautiful as it is easy to make. Enjoy them fresh off the waffle iron with a cup of coffee, and welcome fall the sweetest way possible! 🍩🍏🍁