If you’re ready to discover a sweet treat that merges the best of breakfast and dessert, you’ve come to the right place! This Delicious Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe takes the cozy, comforting flavors of traditional apple fritters and transforms them into crispy, fluffy waffle-shaped donuts loaded with cinnamon-spiced apples. Imagine golden, warm donuts with a melt-in-your-mouth glaze—absolutely irresistible and perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself any day of the week!

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple but makes every ingredient count. Each component brings a unique touch—from the tender apples adding a fresh bite, to the cinnamon and nutmeg warming the batter, and the glaze delivering that sweet, silky finish. Get ready for a harmonious blend that’s as approachable as it is delicious.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and fluffiness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures your waffle donuts rise beautifully and stay tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all those sweet flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the batter and add richness.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and smooth.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds a buttery richness and helps with browning.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples: Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for crispness and a hint of tartness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The classic spice that makes apple fritters unforgettable.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle, cozy warmth.
- Oil for greasing the waffle maker: Prevents sticking and achieves perfect crisp edges.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweetens and creates that glossy finish.
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Thins the glaze for easy drizzling.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Enhances the flavor of the glaze beautifully.
How to Make Delicious Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly creates an even base so your donuts will rise consistently and have that perfect light texture.
Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then whisk in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. This silky wet mix brings together the richness and moisture that make the donuts tender on the inside.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just blended. Be careful not to overmix—you want the batter a bit lumpy to keep your donuts tender and airy.
Step 4: Fold in Apples and Spices
Now, fold in the diced apples along with cinnamon and nutmeg. This step infuses the batter with that irresistible apple fritter flavor, making every bite bursting with cozy, spiced sweetness.
Step 5: Prepare Your Waffle Maker
Preheat your waffle maker according to its instructions and grease it lightly to ensure the donuts don’t stick. A well-prepped waffle iron is key to achieving a crisp, golden outside.
Step 6: Cook the Waffle Donuts
Pour the batter onto the waffle maker, covering about three-quarters of the surface. Close the lid and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the waffle donuts are beautifully golden and fluffy. This quick cooking locks in moisture while crisping the edges.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the waffle donuts cook, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. This glaze brings the perfect sweet, glossy finish that will elevate your apple fritter waffles to doughnut heaven.
Step 8: Cool Slightly
Remove the cooked waffles carefully and place them on a wire rack to cool for a few minutes. This short rest helps keep them firm enough to cut without crumbling.
Step 9: Cut into Donut Shapes
Using a round cutter, create donut shapes by cutting circles out of each waffle. Save the edges for a fun snack or to nibble while you glaze the donuts.
Step 10: Glaze the Donuts
Generously drizzle the glaze over the warm waffle donuts. The warmth helps the glaze spread evenly and soak in slightly, adding that irresistible shine and sweetness.
Step 11: Serve Warm
Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. These waffles are just waiting to be dunked in your favorite coffee or savored on their own!
How to Serve Delicious Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. A dusting of cinnamon can also add a beautiful aroma and accentuate that fall-inspired flavor.
Side Dishes
These apple fritter waffle donuts pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or a side of crispy bacon if you want a savory balance. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn this into an indulgent dessert too.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few donut waffles with layers of cream cheese frosting or caramel sauce between them for a fun twist. You could also thread them onto skewers with slices of apple and marshmallows for a festive party treat everyone will talk about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and flavor for up to two days. Be sure to keep them covered well, so they don’t dry out.
Freezing
These donuts freeze beautifully! Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to a month and make a quick, delightful breakfast or snack anytime you want.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This will crisp up the edges again and revive the glaze’s glossy finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work wonderfully because of their balance between tartness and sweetness, feel free to experiment with Fuji or Pink Lady apples for a slightly different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to use a waffle maker to make these donuts?
Yes, the waffle maker gives these donuts their signature crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Without it, you won’t achieve the unique texture that makes this Delicious Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe so special.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Sure! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by covering it tightly and storing it in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking to redistribute the apples and spices.
What can I use instead of powdered sugar for the glaze?
If you want a less sweet option, a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup can work beautifully, though the traditional powdered sugar glaze really enhances the nostalgic apple fritter flavor.
Are these donuts healthy?
While these are definitely a treat and packed with delicious flavors, they do contain sugar and butter, so enjoy them as an indulgence. The diced apples do add a bit of natural fruit goodness!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Delicious Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe enough for anyone who loves a warm, sweet bite with a bit of nostalgia. They’re easy to whip up, fun to share, and absolutely crave-worthy. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your new go-to comfort food for breakfasts, brunches, or anytime you want a special treat!
Print
Delicious Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Delicious Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the classic flavors of apple fritters with the fun, crispy texture of waffles, shaped into delightful donut rings. With juicy diced apples, warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, and a sweet vanilla glaze, they are perfect for a comforting breakfast or a sweet snack you’ll want every day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Other
- Oil for greasing the waffle maker
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until well blended for an even spice distribution throughout the batter.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly, then whisk in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy to ensure a velvety batter base.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the texture.
- Add apples: Fold in the diced apples carefully, distributing them evenly throughout the batter so every donut has flavorful apple pieces.
- Preheat and grease waffle maker: Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the plates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook waffles: Pour the apple batter onto the preheated waffle maker, covering about three-quarters of the surface to allow expansion. Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes until the waffles turn golden brown and crisp.
- Prepare glaze: While the waffles cook, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth to create a sweet and creamy glaze.
- Cool waffles: Carefully remove the waffles and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly, making them easier to handle for cutting.
- Cut donut shapes: Use a round cutter to create donut shapes from each waffle, cutting out the centers to form the donut hole and trimming any excess edges.
- Glaze the donuts: Generously pour or drizzle the glaze over the warm waffle donuts to coat them with a sweet, glossy finish.
- Serve: Serve the apple fritter waffle donuts warm to enjoy the perfect balance of crisp exterior, tender apple-studded interior, and sweet glaze.
Notes
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced tartness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffles light and fluffy.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your waffle maker—watch for golden brown color.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional cinnamon on the glaze before serving.
- These donuts are best eaten fresh but can be kept in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

