Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Introduction
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the best of two beloved treats: crispy, tender waffles and the sweet, spiced flavor of apple fritters. These bite-sized delights are perfect for a special breakfast or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced small
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your waffle maker and lightly grease it with nonstick spray.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Fold in diced apples gently.
- Step 5: Scoop 1/4 cup of batter into the waffle maker and cook until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes.
- Step 6: Let waffles cool slightly, then cut into donut-sized rounds using a donut cutter or a round tool.
- Step 7: Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the donut rounds until crisp and golden, about 1–2 minutes per side.
- Step 8: For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip or drizzle over the donuts.
- Step 9: Let the glaze set before serving. Enjoy warm!
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness in every bite.
- For a crispy texture, ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying the donut rounds.
- Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the batter for extra warm spice flavor.
- Substitute the glaze with a simple cinnamon sugar coating for a less sweet option.
- If you don’t have a donut cutter, use any round cookie cutter or a small glass to shape the waffles.
Storage
Store any leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated in a toaster oven to restore crispness. Avoid refrigerating, as it may make them soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the donut rounds at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through. They won’t be as crispy but will still taste delicious.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the batter just before cooking to keep the waffles light and fluffy. However, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead and combine with wet ingredients just before use.
PrintApple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the crispiness of fried donuts with the sweet, tender chunks of fresh apple infused in a spiced waffle batter. Finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, they are a delightful twist on classic apple fritters that can be made easily with a waffle maker and a quick fry for the perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 donut waffles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Add-ins
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced small
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Waffle Maker: Preheat your waffle maker and lightly grease it with nonstick spray to ensure the batter does not stick during cooking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until well combined for a balanced spiced flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and homogeneous to provide moisture and richness to the batter.
- Mix Batter and Add Apples: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just mixed, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the small diced apple pieces evenly throughout the batter.
- Cook Waffles: Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter into the preheated waffle maker, spreading slightly if needed. Cook until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Cut Donut Shapes: Allow the waffles to cool slightly for easier handling. Use a donut cutter or round tool to cut the waffles into donut-sized rounds.
- Fry Donut Rounds: Heat oil in a deep pan to medium-high temperature. Fry the donut-shaped waffle pieces for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until crisp and golden brown, then remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable for a sweet finishing touch.
- Glaze and Serve: Dip the fried waffle donuts into the glaze or drizzle it over them. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the waffle maker is well greased to prevent sticking.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffles tender and light.
- If you do not have a donut cutter, use two different sized round cutters or a sharp knife to shape the waffles.
- Adjust the oil temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.
- Serve immediately after glazing for optimal taste and texture, though they can be reheated briefly before serving.
Keywords: Apple fritter, waffle donuts, fried donuts, apple dessert, glazed donuts, homemade donuts, breakfast dessert

