Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe for the Best Fall Treat

Posted on October 8, 2025

apple fritter waffle donuts - featured image

The crispy edges, the fluffy center, and that unmistakable apple-cinnamon aroma—apple fritter waffle donuts are everything cozy fall mornings dream of. Picture this: warm, caramelized apples nestled in a batter that’s pressed into a waffle maker and glazed to perfection. It’s the kind of treat that makes you want to curl up with a blanket, a hot cup of coffee, and savor every bite. Trust me, this recipe has been my go-to for years, and it never disappoints!

If you’re like me, fall means apple everything. From apple pies to cider, there’s something magical about the way apples pair with cinnamon and nutmeg. I stumbled onto this recipe during a crisp October morning when I wanted to make something special but didn’t have time for deep-frying. Enter the waffle maker—a genius hack that turns messy fritters into easy, no-fuss waffle donuts. And let’s be real, waffle donuts are the perfect hybrid of indulgence and convenience.

This recipe is ideal for weekend brunches, festive gatherings, or even a quick snack on a chilly afternoon. Once you try it, I guarantee you’ll be making it on repeat all season long. Let’s dive into the delicious details!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: No need for frying or fancy equipment! These waffle donuts come together in under 30 minutes.
Iconic Fall Flavors: Packed with apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, they embody everything we love about autumn.
Kid-Friendly: The waffle shape is fun for kids, and the sweet glaze is always a hit.
Customizable: You can tweak the recipe for different dietary needs or flavor preferences, making them perfect for everyone.
Mess-Free: Since they’re made in a waffle maker, cleanup is a breeze compared to traditional deep-fried fritters.
Crispy and Fluffy: The waffle maker creates a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.

What sets these apart is the combination of textures and flavors. The caramelized apples add bursts of sweetness, while the waffle maker ensures every bite has those golden, crispy edges we crave. Plus, the glaze gives them a bakery-quality finish that’s oh-so satisfying.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the batter:

2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the apples:

1 1/2 cups diced apples (choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Pro Tip: If you don’t have fresh apples, you can use canned apple pie filling for a shortcut. Just chop the apple pieces smaller for better distribution in the batter.

Equipment Needed

Waffle maker (a standard or Belgian waffle maker works perfectly)
Mixing bowls (one large and one medium)
Whisk or electric hand mixer
Spatula for folding the batter
Small saucepan (to cook the apples)
Cooling rack (optional, but helps with glazing)

If you don’t have a waffle maker, don’t worry—you can use a griddle or skillet to make pancake-style fritters. They won’t have the same crisp edges, but they’ll still be delicious!

Preparation Method

Prepare the apples: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool.
Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy.
Fold in the apples: Gently fold the cooled apple mixture into the batter using a spatula. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed without overmixing.
Heat the waffle maker: Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Grease it lightly with nonstick spray or melted butter.
Cook the waffle donuts: Pour about 1/4-1/3 cup of batter onto the waffle maker, depending on its size. Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked waffles to a cooling rack and repeat with the remaining batter.
Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Glaze the donuts: Once the waffle donuts are slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or dip them directly into the glaze for full coverage. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: If you prefer extra crispy edges, let the waffle donuts cook for an additional minute before removing them from the waffle maker.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Don’t skip caramelizing the apples: This step adds depth of flavor and ensures the apples don’t release too much moisture into the batter.
Preheat the waffle maker: A properly heated waffle maker is key to achieving crispy edges and even cooking.
Use a cooling rack: Placing the waffle donuts on a rack after cooking prevents them from getting soggy on the bottom.
Adjust the glaze consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Experiment with flavors: Add a pinch of cardamom or a splash of maple syrup to the batter for a unique twist.

Variations & Adaptations

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.
Dairy-Free Version: Use almond milk or oat milk in the batter and glaze, and swap the butter with coconut oil.
Spiced Apple Delight: Add a pinch of cloves and ginger to the batter for an extra layer of fall spice.
Berry Twist: Replace the apples with diced pears or fresh berries for a fruity variation.
Make it decadent: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

For a fun party idea, set up a topping station with crushed nuts, sprinkles, and caramel drizzle for guests to customize their waffle donuts.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These apple fritter waffle donuts are best served warm, fresh out of the waffle maker. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of apple cider for the ultimate fall experience.

Refrigeration: Store leftover waffle donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed waffle donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm refrigerated or frozen waffle donuts in the toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Pro Tip: If storing glazed donuts, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (1 waffle donut):

Calories: 220
Carbs: 32g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g

Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C, making these waffle donuts a slightly better indulgence. Using baked methods instead of frying also reduces excess oil and calories.

If you’re looking for a treat that feels indulgent but skips the fryer, this recipe is a great option!

Conclusion

There you have it—apple fritter waffle donuts that bring the best of fall flavors to your kitchen. Crispy, fluffy, and packed with caramelized apple goodness, they’re the perfect treat to make for family, friends, or just yourself. I love how easy this recipe is, and honestly, it’s become one of my favorite ways to enjoy apples during the season.

Let me know how you customize yours! Do you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist? Drop a comment below, share your photos, or tag me on social media—I can’t wait to see your creations!

Warm wishes and happy cooking! 🍎

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?

Yes, you can! Just dice the apple pieces smaller to ensure they mix well into the batter.

What’s the best waffle maker for this recipe?

Any standard or Belgian waffle maker works great. If you prefer extra crispy edges, opt for a waffle iron with deeper grooves.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Store the cooked waffle donuts in the fridge or freezer, and reheat them just before serving.

What apples are best for this recipe?

Firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best because they hold their shape while cooking.

Can I skip the glaze?

Of course! They’re delicious on their own, but a dusting of powdered sugar is a great alternative to the glaze.