Description

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the delightful flavors of cinnamon-spiced apple fritters with the crispy texture of waffles, then are fried to golden perfection and glazed with a sweet vanilla icing. This fun, indulgent treat is perfect for breakfast or dessert lovers looking for a creative twist on classic apple fritters.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

3/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup peeled and diced apples (about 1 large apple)

For Frying

Vegetable oil for frying

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 – 3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, then stir in the melted butter until fully incorporated.
Make the Batter: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—do not overmix to keep the batter tender.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the peeled and diced apples, ensuring an even distribution throughout the thick batter.
Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with vegetable oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Cook Waffles: Spoon about 1/3 cup of the batter into each section of the waffle iron. Close the lid and cook until the waffles turn golden brown and develop a crisp texture.
Repeat Waffle Cooking: Remove the cooked waffles and continue the process until all batter is used.
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, adjusting milk quantity as needed for a smooth glaze consistency.
Cut Donut Shapes: Allow the waffles to cool slightly, then use a round cutter to cut each waffle into donut shapes.
Heat Oil: In a deep pan, heat approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
Fry Waffle Donuts: Fry each waffle donut for 1-2 minutes per side until a deep golden brown color forms. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Glaze Donuts: While warm, dip the waffle donuts into the prepared glaze, letting excess drip off before placing them on a rack to set.
Serve: Serve these warm apple fritter waffle donuts immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

Use a sturdy apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
The waffle batter should be thick but scoopable; adjust flour or milk slightly if needed.
Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly in an oven to restore crispness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes plus 10 minutes frying
Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple fritters, waffle donuts, fried donuts, cinnamon apples, breakfast donuts, sweet snack