Description
Crispy edges, fluffy centers, and caramelized apples make these waffle donuts the perfect cozy fall treat. Easy to prepare and packed with iconic autumn flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 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
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
For extra crispy edges, let the waffle donuts cook for an additional minute. Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture. Adjust the glaze consistency as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle donut
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Protein: 4
Keywords: apple fritter, waffle donuts, fall dessert, apple cinnamon, easy recipe, kid-friendly, gluten-free option