Golden, crisp-edged, and warmly spiced, Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are where cozy comfort meets handheld delight. Imagine the classic apple fritter, with its soft cinnamon-swirled apples and sweet glaze, reborn in the waffle iron for extra crunch and waffle pockets that catch every drizzle of icing.

These donuts are perfect for autumn mornings, weekend brunches, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something quick and irresistibly good. With just a few pantry staples and a waffle maker, you can have warm, bakery-style donuts at home in under 30 minutes.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts?

For the best flavor and texture, go with a firm, slightly tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold up well to heat and bring out a vibrant apple flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and glaze.

Ingredients for the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Apples: The star of the show. Choose firm apples like Granny Smith for the perfect sweet-tart balance and texture.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the batter, holding everything together as it cooks in the waffle iron.

Baking powder: Gives the donuts their lift and soft interior.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the waffle edges.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.

Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and helps with moisture.

Vanilla extract: Adds a warm background flavor that complements the apples.

Ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic apple fritter flavor.

Nutmeg (optional): Adds a subtle, cozy depth.

Powdered sugar + milk: Used for the sweet glaze on top.

Butter: Adds richness and prevents sticking in the waffle iron.

How To Make the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and dice your apples into small pieces. Sauté them in a skillet with a little butter, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of sugar until just softened. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the cooked apples.

Step 3: Cook in Waffle Iron

Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Spoon the batter into each waffle section, close the lid, and cook until golden brown and crisp on the edges. Repeat with remaining batter.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

While the donuts are still warm, whisk together powdered sugar and a splash of milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over each waffle donut. Dust with extra cinnamon or powdered sugar if desired.

Serving and Storing These Donuts

These waffle donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, right after glazing. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the toaster or oven to restore their crisp texture.

What to Serve With Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts?

Fresh Fruit Salad

Balance the sweetness with a light medley of berries, melon, and citrus.

Maple Sausage Patties

Add a savory element to the plate with the richness of breakfast sausage.

Whipped Cream or Yogurt

A dollop on the side makes each bite extra creamy and satisfying.

Caramel Latte or Chai Tea

Pair with a cozy drink to complement the warm spices.

Scrambled Eggs

Round out the breakfast with simple protein that doesn’t overshadow the star.

Want More Donut-Inspired Breakfast Ideas?

If you love these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, check out some of these comforting morning treats:

Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins for a soft and sweet bake.
Condensed Milk Snow Cookies if you’re craving melt-in-your-mouth bites.
Apple Fritter Bread Recipe when you’re in the mood for a sliceable version of today’s treat.
Cinnamon Roll Cake for a crowd-pleasing brunch dish.
Salted Caramel Cupcakes for a twist of salty-sweet indulgence.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe with pumpkin spice or a caramel drizzle? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 waffle donuts
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Wake up your mornings with Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with warm cinnamon-apple flavor. These easy donuts are made right in your waffle maker and finished with a luscious glaze that drips into every golden pocket. Whether you’re searching for a cozy breakfast idea, an easy recipe for weekend brunch, or sweet food ideas for fall, this treat checks all the boxes. It’s a quick breakfast, delicious dessert, and delightful snack all in one.

Instructions

1. Peel, core, and dice the apple. Sauté with 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon until just soft. Set aside to cool.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. In another bowl, beat the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine with the dry mixture and fold in the sautéed apples.

4. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Pour batter into the waffle slots and cook until golden brown and crisp.

5. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with milk to create a glaze. Drizzle over warm waffle donuts.

6. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Don’t overmix the batter—lumps are okay and help keep the donuts fluffy.

For an extra twist, add a pinch of apple pie spice to the glaze for more autumn flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Waffle iron
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 waffle donut
Calories: 210
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: easy breakfast, donut recipe, apple fritter, fall brunch, quick sweet snacks