Rain tapped gently against the windows that Sunday morning, the kind of soft, steady rhythm that invites you to linger in pajamas a little longer. My grandson had stayed over the night before, and when I came downstairs, I found him already flipping through my old recipe binder, one of those thick three-ring notebooks filled with yellowed, splattered pages and handwritten notes.
“Grandma,” he said, eyes bright with curiosity, “can we make donuts that are waffles?” I chuckled at his question but paused. You know what? Why not? I remembered something similar I made years ago with my daughter—apple fritters for the church bake sale. We never used a waffle maker back then, but my grandson’s innocent question sparked an idea.
With a few apples left from the orchard trip and my waffle iron humming on the counter, we got to work. It turned into a cozy morning of batter-streaked fingers, powdered sugar snowfalls, and giggles as my y grandson declared himself the “Official Donut Inspector.” By the time the kitchen smelled of cinnamon, apples, and golden edges sizzling in oil, we knew we’d stumbled into something special.
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are warm, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and filled with little apple gems that soften just right. They’re the kind of treat that makes you slow down and savor a rainy morning with someone you love.
Short Description
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the best of two classics: crispy fried donut edges and fluffy waffle insides, all studded with tender cinnamon apples and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Key Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup diced apples (peeled if desired)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Waffle maker
- Deep frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Donut or biscuit cutter
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
Step 2: Cook in the Waffle Maker
Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease if needed. Spoon enough batter to fill the waffle grid without overflowing. Close the lid and cook until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside, usually about 3–5 minutes depending on your waffle iron.
Step 3: Cut into Donut Shapes
Let the waffles cool briefly, then use a round cutter to shape each waffle into a donut. You can save the centers for donut holes.
Step 4: Fry the Donuts
In a deep pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully drop in the waffle donuts a few at a time and fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Step 5: Drain and Dust
Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. While still warm, generously dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Meets Fluffy: You get the irresistible crispy edge from frying and the soft, airy interior from waffles.
Warm Apple Cinnamon Flavor: Classic fall spices and diced apples add that nostalgic fritter flavor.
Fun and Unique: A creative twist that brings joy to weekend brunch or cozy mornings.
Kid-Friendly: Easy enough to make with kids and tasty enough to keep them asking for seconds.
Customizable: Easily adapted with different fruits, glazes, or mix-ins.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense, chewy waffles. Stir just until the flour is moistened.
Overfilling the waffle iron: The batter will spill over and cook unevenly. Only fill the grid about ¾ full.
Cutting the waffles too early: Let them cool slightly or they might tear apart while cutting.
Oil too hot or too cold: If too hot, the donuts will brown too fast. If too cold, they’ll absorb oil. Use a thermometer and keep it around 350°F.
Skipping the powdered sugar too soon: Dust while still warm so it sticks better and melts slightly into the ridges.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve warm with coffee, tea, or hot apple cider for breakfast or brunch.
Add a drizzle of maple glaze or caramel sauce for a dessert-style treat.
Pair with bacon and scrambled eggs for a sweet-savory balance.
Serve family-style on a platter with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt.
Great for fall gatherings, baby showers, or cozy Saturday mornings.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in oven or toaster oven for crispiness.
To Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
To Reheat: Use the toaster oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-made waffle mix?
Yes, though the flavor won’t be quite the same. Add cinnamon and apples to enhance it.
2. What kind of apples work best?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold their shape well during cooking.
3. Do I have to fry them?
You can skip the frying, but they won’t have that crispy donut finish. Try air frying for a lighter option.
4. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, make the waffles ahead and refrigerate. Fry and dust just before serving.
5. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well, but texture may vary slightly.
Tips & Tricks
Let the waffle batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking to help the flour hydrate.
Sprinkle diced apples with a bit of cinnamon before folding into the batter for extra spice.
Keep cooked waffles warm in a low oven while prepping the rest.
Cut waffles with a round biscuit cutter for neat donut shapes.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for even more cozy flavor.
Recipe Variations
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Instead of powdered sugar, toss warm donuts in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Maple Glazed: Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and maple syrup. Drizzle over cooled donuts.
Berry Twist: Replace apples with diced strawberries or blueberries.
Pumpkin Spice: Add ¼ cup pumpkin puree and ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice to the batter for a seasonal spin.
Nutty Crunch: Stir in ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
Final Thoughts
Making these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts brought back the kind of morning that makes you slow down and savor the little things. The smell of cinnamon and sweet apple frying in the kitchen was like a warm hug, the kind only food can give.
These donuts aren’t fussy or formal. They’re comfort dressed up with a little fun—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with just enough sweetness to feel like a treat. I hope this recipe finds its way into one of your own special mornings, shared with someone who makes you laugh, or maybe just a quiet moment for yourself. Either way, you deserve it.
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup diced apples peeled if desired
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently, then fold in diced apples.
- Preheat and grease your waffle maker. Spoon in the batter and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 3–5 minutes.
- Let waffles cool slightly, then cut into donut shapes using a round cutter.
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. Fry the donut-shaped waffles for 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Avoid overcrowding.
- Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar while warm. Serve immediately.
