Get ready for a tasty treat with Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts! These sweet, fluffy donuts are loaded with apple bits and cinnamon, then cooked to golden perfection in a waffle maker.
Who knew a waffle maker could whip up donuts? Sometimes I just make the batter to smell it baking! Serve them warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delightful breakfast or snack. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your donuts, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour. Just note that this may change the texture a bit.
Granulated sugar: Sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you could use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, but adjust the quantity to taste, as these can be sweeter.
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work best, but feel free to use what you have! Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also add sweetness and moisture. If you want to skip the chopping, pre-packaged apple pie filling could work as a quick substitute.
Cinnamon: This spice gives that warm flavor you’re after. If cinnamon isn’t your favorite, you could swap it for nutmeg or leave it out entirely, though you might miss that classic apple fritter taste.
How Do You Ensure the Donuts Are Cooked Perfectly in a Waffle Iron?
Cooking these waffle donuts requires attention to get that golden, crispy outside while keeping the inside soft. Here are some steps to nail it:
- Preheat your waffle iron thoroughly. A hot iron ensures even cooking.
- Don’t overfill; a scoop of 1/4 to 1/3 cup batter is perfect. Flatten it slightly, but don’t spread too much.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time — usually around 3 to 5 minutes. Check for a golden-brown color!
Let them cool slightly on a wire rack post-cooking, as they’ll continue to cook a little from residual heat. Enjoy these warm and glazy for a delightful treat!
How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped apples (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
- Cooking spray or butter for waffle iron
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to cook, depending on your waffle iron. In total, you’ll be enjoying these tasty treats in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Lightly grease it with some cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This will help your waffle donuts come out nicely without any hassle!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This will ensure all the dry ingredients are nicely combined and ready for the wet ones.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until they are well combined. This will give your waffle donuts their moist and delicious texture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined. Remember, it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy—just don’t overmix!
5. Add the Apples:
Gently fold in the finely chopped apples. This will add a delightful fruity flavor to your waffle donuts!
6. Cook in the Waffle Iron:
Spoon about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of batter onto your preheated waffle iron. Spread lightly to fill the mold but don’t overfill it. Close the lid and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove and Cool:
Once cooked, carefully remove the waffle donuts and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. This helps keep them nice and airy!
8. Prepare the Glaze:
While the waffles cool, whip up the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. This sweet drizzle will complete your donut masterpiece!
9. Drizzle and Serve:
Drizzle the glaze over the warm apple fritter waffle donuts. Serve them warm, and enjoy every bite of this delicious treat!
Enjoy these warm delights for breakfast or as a cozy snack. They are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are tart and perfect for this recipe, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or any apple you enjoy. Just make sure they are finely chopped so they cook evenly!
Can I Make These Donuts Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, give it a gentle stir and then follow the cooking instructions. The waffles are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be reheated in a toaster or oven!
How to Store Leftovers?
To store any leftover waffle donuts, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat before enjoying!
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture, or add a teaspoon if it’s not included. The donuts should still come out delicious!
