3 Irresistible Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts You Must Try Now

Author: Carry

Published: July 16, 2025

Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! Imagine biting into a warm, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside waffle that tastes just like your favorite apple fritter donut. That’s exactly what these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are – the perfect mashup of breakfast and dessert that’ll make your taste buds dance. I came up with this recipe one lazy Sunday morning when I couldn’t decide between waffles and donuts (why choose, right?). The cinnamon-kissed batter studded with juicy apple pieces fries up into little pockets of heaven. Trust me, once you try these, regular waffles will seem so… ordinary.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Let me tell you why these little beauties will become your new obsession:

Breakfast AND dessert – Who says you can’t have both? The cozy cinnamon-apple flavor makes them perfect for lazy weekend mornings, but they’re sweet enough to satisfy that after-dinner craving too.
That magical texture – Crispy fried edges like a donut with that signature waffle grid pattern giving way to soft, apple-studded centers. It’s pure texture heaven!
So easy to make – No fancy techniques here! Just mix, waffle, quick fry, and dust with sugar. Even my kids can help with this one (though they mostly just fight over who gets to lick the bowl).

Seriously, these disappear faster than I can make them – you’ve been warned!

Ingredients for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun – especially when you see how simple this magic comes together! Here’s what you’ll need to raid from your pantry and fridge:

2 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level it, don’t scoop! That extra bit of air makes all the difference.
1/4 cup granulated sugar – Just enough sweetness to let the apples shine. If your apples are super sweet, you can knock this down to 3 tablespoons.
1 tablespoon baking powder – Our fluffy-maker! Make sure yours is fresh – nothing sadder than flat waffle donuts.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Trust me, it balances the sweet perfectly.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – The cozy hug that makes these taste like autumn in every bite.
1 cup milk – Whole milk gives the richest texture, but any milk works in a pinch.
2 large eggs – Room temperature if you can plan ahead (they incorporate better).
1/4 cup melted butter – Unsalted is my go-to, and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – The good stuff, please! That imitation vanilla has no place in these beauties.
1 cup diced apples – I’m team Granny Smith for their tartness, but any firm apple works. Peel ’em or don’t – I love the little red flecks from unpeeled Pink Ladies!
Oil for frying – Vegetable or canola oil both work great. You’ll need about an inch in your skillet.
1/2 cup powdered sugar – For that snowy finish that makes everyone’s eyes light up.

See? Nothing crazy – just good, simple ingredients that create absolute magic when they come together. Now let’s get mixing!

Equipment You’ll Need

Before we dive into mixing, let’s round up our trusty kitchen tools – nothing fancy required, promise! Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:

A waffle iron – Any standard one will do, though I’m partial to my Belgian waffle maker for those deep pockets that hold all that cinnamon-y goodness.
Two mixing bowls – One for dry ingredients, one for wet. Size doesn’t matter much here – mine are mismatched and full of character!
A good whisk – No need for electric mixers here. A sturdy wire whisk is perfect for blending our batter to smooth perfection.
A frying pan – Just a basic 10-inch skillet will work beautifully for giving our waffles that irresistible donut-like crisp.
Measuring cups and spoons – Because baking is a science, and we want these to turn out perfect every time.
A spatula – For gently folding in those juicy apple pieces without overmixing.
Tongs or a slotted spoon – For safely flipping and removing our golden waffle donuts from the oil.

That’s it! No special gadgets needed – just the basics that most home cooks already have hanging around their kitchen. Now let’s put them to work!

How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – transforming these simple ingredients into crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside waffle donut magic! Follow these steps, and you’ll be biting into apple fritter heaven in no time.

Preparing the Batter

First things first – heat up your waffle iron while you mix. That way it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook. Now, let’s make magic:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Get all those dry ingredients well acquainted!
In another bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This is where the richness comes from, so don’t skimp on the whisking.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. A few lumps are totally fine – overmixing makes tough waffles, and we want tender bites!
Gently fold in the diced apples. I like to sprinkle them with a pinch of cinnamon first for extra flavor. Be careful not to overmix – you want those apple pieces to stay intact for juicy little surprises in every bite.

Cooking the Waffles

Now for the transformation from batter to waffle:

Lightly grease your waffle iron – I use a pastry brush with a bit of melted butter or a quick spritz of cooking spray. Trust me, you don’t want these beauties sticking!
Pour about 1/3 cup batter (or enough to fill your waffle iron plates without overflowing) onto the hot iron. Close the lid and let the magic happen!
Cook until golden brown and crisp, usually about 3-4 minutes depending on your waffle iron. You’ll know they’re ready when the steam slows down and they smell like cinnamon apples.
Carefully remove the waffles and let them cool slightly on a wire rack while you cook the rest. Resist the urge to stack them – they’ll steam and get soggy!

Frying for Donut Texture

Here’s where we take these from waffles to next-level waffle donuts:

Heat about 1 inch of oil in a frying pan over medium heat (around 350°F if you’re using a thermometer). The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
Working in batches, gently slide the waffles into the hot oil. They’ll only need about 30 seconds per side – just enough to crisp up the outside without absorbing too much oil.
Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip them carefully when golden brown. Watch closely – they can go from perfect to overdone in seconds!
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them cool just enough that you don’t burn your tongue (though I totally understand if you can’t wait!).

The finishing touch? A generous dusting of powdered sugar while they’re still warm. Then try to resist eating them all in one sitting – I dare you!

Tips for Perfect Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

After making these more times than I can count (okay fine, I lost count after batch number twelve last fall), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to ensure waffle donut perfection every time:

Tart apples are your best friends – Granny Smith’s tanginess balances the sweetness beautifully. If you use sweeter apples like Fuji, reduce the sugar by a tablespoon.
Keep that oil temperature just right – Too hot and they’ll burn; too cool and they’ll soak up oil. If you don’t have a thermometer, test with a small piece of bread – it should golden in about 30 seconds.
Don’t overmix the batter – Lumps are good! Overworked batter makes tough waffles. Stir just until the flour disappears, then walk away from the spoon.
Serve immediately – These are at their absolute best fresh and warm, when that contrast between crispy exterior and fluffy interior is magical. Though I won’t judge if you “accidentally” eat one straight from the oil!
Get creative with toppings – While powdered sugar is classic, sometimes I drizzle with caramel or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. My neighbor swears by a cinnamon-sugar dusting instead.

The best tip of all? Make a double batch – they disappear faster than you’d believe, especially if you’ve got hungry kids (or husbands) lurking in the kitchen!

Serving Suggestions

Now for the best part – how to serve these heavenly apple fritter waffle donuts! While they’re absolutely perfect dusted simply with powdered sugar, here are some of my favorite ways to dress them up:

Classic dusting – Just pile on that snowy powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish. Pro tip: Use a fine mesh strainer to get an even dusting.
Caramel drizzle – Warm up some caramel sauce and zigzag it over the top for extra decadence. The sweet caramel makes the apples sing!
Ice cream sandwich – Slice one waffle donut in half and sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between. Pure bliss!
Cinnamon whipped cream – Whip heavy cream with a bit of cinnamon and powdered sugar, then dollop generously.
Apple cider glaze – Mix powdered sugar with a splash of apple cider for a tangy-sweet glaze that takes these over the top.

Pair these waffle donuts with a mug of coffee or a chilled glass of Watermelon Mint Juice for a refreshing balance. They’re also a great addition to your next brunch board alongside Cornbread Waffle Bites with Honey Butter Syrup, offering both sweet and savory flavors.

Looking for more breakfast ideas? Try these indulgent Breakfast Enchiladas or add a savory touch with a Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake.

Storing and Reheating

Let’s be real – these apple fritter waffle donuts rarely last long enough to need storing in my house! But on the off chance you have leftovers (or want to prep ahead), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

Room temperature storage: If you’ll be eating them within a few hours, just pop them in an airtight container with a paper towel underneath to absorb any moisture. They’ll stay crisp this way for about 4-6 hours – perfect for when company’s coming!

Refrigerator magic: For longer storage (up to 3 days), layer the cooled waffle donuts between parchment paper in an airtight container. The parchment prevents sticking, and the container keeps them from drying out. Pro tip: Hold off on the powdered sugar until you’re ready to serve!

Freezer-friendly: Yes, you can freeze these beauties! Let them cool completely, then freeze individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months this way – just perfect for surprise breakfast treats!

Reheating Like a Pro

Now, here’s how to bring back that just-made magic:

Toaster method: My go-to for single servings! Pop frozen or refrigerated waffle donuts straight into the toaster on a medium setting. The heat revives the crispiness beautifully.
Oven refresh: For a larger batch, arrange on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for 5-8 minutes. This method keeps them from getting soggy.
Air fryer revival: If you’ve got one, 2-3 minutes at 350°F makes them taste like they’re fresh out of the oil!

One word of warning – microwaving makes them soft and chewy (which my kids actually prefer, but I say ruins that perfect texture!). Whatever method you choose, don’t forget to add that final dusting of powdered sugar right before serving – it makes all the difference!

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Nutritional Info

Okay, let’s be real – we’re not eating these because they’re health food! But because I know some of you (like me) like to keep tabs on what you’re enjoying, here’s the nutritional breakdown per waffle donut. Just remember – these numbers are estimates since apple sizes and oil absorption can vary slightly:

Calories: 280
Sugar: 15g (mostly from the apples and powdered sugar – you could reduce this by skipping the dusting if you prefer)
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g (that’s the butter doing its delicious work)
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g (thank you, apple skins!)
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Now, I’m no nutritionist – just a home cook who ran these numbers through my favorite recipe calculator. The exact amounts will depend on how much oil your waffles absorb during frying (I blot mine well!) and whether you go heavy or light on the powdered sugar topping. My philosophy? Everything in moderation – including moderation! So enjoy these as an occasional treat without guilt.

With just a few pantry staples and a waffle iron, you’re minutes away from enjoying a cozy, homemade treat that tastes like a warm hug. Be sure to explore more unique recipes like our Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread or these nostalgic Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Bites for your next kitchen adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve gotten so many questions about these apple fritter waffle donuts since I started making them – here are the ones that pop up most often, along with all my best tips!

Q1. Can I bake these instead of frying them?
You sure can! While frying gives that authentic donut texture, you can absolutely bake them if you prefer. Just cook the waffles as usual, then pop them on a baking sheet at 400°F for about 3-5 minutes to crisp up. They won’t be quite as indulgent, but still delicious!

Q2. What are the best apple substitutes if I don’t have Granny Smith?
Any firm apple works great! My top picks are Honeycrisp for sweetness, Braeburn for balanced flavor, or even pears in a pinch. Avoid super soft apples like Red Delicious – they turn to mush. Pro tip: If using sweeter apples, reduce the sugar in the batter by a tablespoon.

Q3. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
I don’t recommend it – the baking powder starts working immediately, so your waffles won’t rise as well. But you can mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately the night before, then combine them in the morning. Just give the batter a quick stir before cooking!

Q4. Why do my waffles stick to the iron?
Oh, I’ve been there! Make sure your waffle iron is properly preheated and well-greased (I use butter for best results). Also, don’t peek too soon – let them cook at least 2 minutes before checking. If they’re still sticking, your iron might need re-seasoning or a good cleaning.

Q5. Can I skip the powdered sugar topping?
Absolutely! These are delicious plain, or you could try a cinnamon-sugar sprinkle, maple syrup drizzle, or even a light glaze. My neighbor likes them with a schmear of cream cheese – get creative! But honestly, that snowy sugar dusting is half the fun for me.