Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Introduction
Apple fritter waffle donuts are the perfect blend of crispy waffles and sweet apple fritters in one delightful treat. Bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a smooth glaze, these donuts are irresistible for breakfast or a cozy snack.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups peeled, diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith)
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Step 5: Fold in the diced apples and nuts if using.
- Step 6: Preheat the waffle iron and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter.
- Step 7: Spoon ¼ cup batter onto the waffle iron for each donut. Close the lid and cook until golden and crisp, about 3–5 minutes.
- Step 8: Transfer the cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack.
- Step 9: To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 10: Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled waffles and dust with extra powdered sugar.
- Step 11: Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- For a spicier twist, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of ground cloves.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert version.
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 or serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with a flax or chia egg and use plant-based milk and vegan butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Can I freeze the waffle donuts?
Absolutely! Wrap cooled waffle donuts individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in a toaster or oven before glazing.
PrintApple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the best of both worlds: the sweet and spiced flavors of classic apple fritters with the crispy, golden texture of waffles. These delightful treats feature tender, cinnamon-spiced waffle batter mixed with tart diced apples and optional nuts, cooked in a waffle iron to donut shapes, and finished with a luscious vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, these irresistible mashup donuts bring a unique twist to your morning routine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 waffle donuts 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1½ cups peeled, diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith)
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and dice apples into small chunks. Set aside to incorporate into the batter later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform.
- Make Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the batter tender.
- Add Apples and Nuts: Fold the diced apples and optional chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter evenly.
- Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Waffle Donuts: Spoon about ¼ cup of batter onto the waffle iron for each donut. Close the lid and cook until golden brown and crisp, approximately 3–5 minutes depending on your waffle iron.
- Cool Waffles: Transfer the cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Dust: Drizzle the glaze over the warm, slightly cooled waffle donuts and sprinkle extra powdered sugar on top for an added touch of sweetness.
- Serve: Enjoy the apple fritter waffle donuts warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat any time of day.
Notes
- If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
- For extra crunch, toast nuts lightly before adding to the batter.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffles light and fluffy.
- Adjust milk in glaze to reach desired consistency; thicker glaze will stick better, thinner will drizzle nicely.
- Serve fresh for the best texture, but leftovers can be reheated in a toaster or oven.
Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, breakfast recipe, cinnamon, glazed donuts, apple dessert