When September rolls in and the first apples hit the markets, my kitchen goes straight into cozy mode. The first time I made these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, my husband walked in and said, “What smells like a fair and a bakery had a baby?” I laughed, but he was right. Imagine crispy waffle edges, warm cinnamon-apple bites, and that sticky-sweet glaze dripping over every golden ridge. We couldn’t stop at one honestly, not even at two. Now it’s our fall tradition. Simple ingredients, no deep frying, and the payoff? Huge.

If you’re a fan of anything with cinnamon, apples, and an easy twist, this recipe is your new best friend.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Waffle Donuts Recipe

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are the best kind of breakfast-meets-dessert mashup. Here’s what makes them an instant keeper:

Fast & No Frying: Traditional fritters need hot oil and lots of cleanup. These bake in your waffle iron; less mess, same crispy bite.

Soft Inside, Golden Outside: You get a pillowy apple-studded center with those signature waffle crisp edges.

Perfect for Brunch or Dessert: Serve them warm with coffee for breakfast or drizzle with caramel and top with ice cream for an unforgettable treat.

Customizable: Use any variety of apples, switch up the glaze, or even make them gluten-free.

Much like our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Baked Oatmeal, this recipe is proof you don’t need fancy to get flavor.

Ingredients for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this warm and comforting recipe to life:

For the Donut Batter:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 large egg
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup milk
¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Apple Mixture:

1 cup finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp lemon juice

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk
¼ tsp vanilla extract

You probably already have these on hand; just like with our Apple Fritter Bites, the pantry-friendly approach keeps things simple.

How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Making these deliciously crispy apple waffle donuts is surprisingly easy. Here’s how it all comes together:

1. Cook the apples:
Toss chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Sauté in a pan over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Let cool.
2. Mix the batter:
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, beat egg, sugar, milk, sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Fold in the cooked apples.
3. Cook the waffles:
Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Spoon ¼–⅓ cup batter per section (depending on iron size). Cook 3–4 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly.
4. Glaze and serve:
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Drizzle over warm waffle donuts and serve.

For another apple treat worth devouring, give our Apple Crumble Cheesecake a try next.

Tips and Variations

Want to tweak the recipe? Here are a few helpful tips and creative spins:

Swap the apples:
Try Fuji, Honeycrisp, or even pink lady apples for different sweetness and texture. You can also use chopped pears for a fun fall twist.
Make it gluten-free:
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly more tender, but just as tasty.
Add crunch:
Fold in a few chopped pecans or walnuts for an added bite and nutty flavor.
Try it with caramel glaze:
Replace milk in the glaze with a spoonful of warm caramel sauce for a richer finish, like a mini version of our Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars.
Freezer-friendly:
Cook, cool, and freeze. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for a quick cozy breakfast.

For something similarly cozy with a cinnamon vibe, check out Apple Cinnamon Bread next.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the waffle donuts crisp?
Let them cool on a wire rack so steam doesn’t soften the texture. You can also pop them back in the waffle iron for 30 seconds before serving.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store them unglazed in the fridge for up to 3 days. Glaze just before serving for best results.

Can I bake this batter in a donut pan?
Yes! Spoon into a greased donut pan and bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes. The shape will change, but the flavor stays delicious.

What’s the best apple for this recipe?
Granny Smith holds its shape and adds tang, but Honeycrisp offers sweetness and juiciness. For balance, use a mix!

If you love apple-forward treats, don’t miss these Apple Cinnamon Rolls for another cozy bite-sized option.

Final Touch

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts strike the perfect balance between easy and indulgent. They’re crispy outside, soft inside, and packed with real apple flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a fall brunch, a quick weekday breakfast, or a warm dessert, they’re bound to become a household favorite.

They’ve earned a permanent spot in our kitchen, and if you ask my husband, they taste like “fair food, but better.”

For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!

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Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Why You’ll Love This Apple Waffle Donuts Recipe

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition