Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

If the best parts of a warm apple fritter and a soft glazed donut teamed up with a waffle, you’d get these incredible Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts — a recipe that’s crisp on the outside, tender inside, bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples, and finished with a silky glaze that melts into every crease. They look like waffles, eat like donuts, and taste like warm bakery-fresh apple fritters.

This genius mashup gives you the flavor of a deep-fried apple fritter without frying and the fun donut shape without needing a donut pan. A waffle maker does all the work — giving each donut its iconic ridged texture and perfectly crisp edges. Whether you’re making these for a fall breakfast, weekend brunch, or just because you’re craving something delicious, they are guaranteed to disappear fast.

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine juicy apple bits, cozy spices, and a fluffy batter. Once they’re cooked golden, you dip them in a vanilla glaze that sets into a sweet, crackly finish. They’re warm, soft, sweet, cozy, and perfect with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.

Below you’ll find the complete recipe, tips, variations, and everything you need — including your fully customized JSON.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

• No frying required — easier, quicker, and less messy.
• Perfect texture — crispy ridges + tender apple-packed interior.
• Simple ingredients you likely already have.
• Ready fast — cook in just a few minutes per donut.
• Kid-friendly, holiday-friendly, brunch-friendly — everyone loves them.
• Versatile — add nuts, caramel, maple glaze, or extra spices.

They’re the ultimate fall-meets-breakfast treat.

Ingredients

For the Apple Mixture

• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Batter

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
3. Cook 5–7 minutes until apples soften and caramelize slightly.
4. In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
5. In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
6. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
7. Fold in the warm apple mixture.
8. Grease waffle iron lightly.
9. Add batter in donut-sized portions (small scoops).
10. Cook until golden and crisp, 2–4 minutes depending on waffle maker.
11. Stir powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
12. Dip warm waffle donuts into glaze or drizzle on top.
13. Place on cooling rack to set.

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Crispy, tender waffle-style donuts filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and dipped in a sweet vanilla glaze for the perfect fall-inspired treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 donuts

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 265

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Apple Mixture

• 2 apples peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Batter

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.33 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 0.25 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Waffle maker
• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Heat butter in a skillet and cook apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until softened.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
3. Whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla in another bowl.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in apple mixture.
5. Heat and lightly grease waffle iron.
6. Cook batter in donut-sized scoops until golden.
7. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze.
8. Dip warm waffle donuts in glaze and let set on a cooling rack.

Notes

For best flavor, serve warm with fresh apple slices.

Tips for Perfect Waffle Donuts

• Don’t overmix the batter — keeps them fluffy.
• Cook apples long enough to soften fully; crunchy apples disrupt texture.
• Use a medium-high waffle setting for crisp ridges.
• Glaze while warm so it melts into the grooves.
• Double the apple mixture for extra apple-packed donuts.

Variations

• Maple Glaze – replace milk with maple syrup.
• Caramel Drizzle – drizzle caramel instead of glaze.
• Apple Pie Version – add a pinch of cloves.
• Nutty Style – add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
• Cinnamon Roll Glaze – add cream cheese to the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Hot cider
• A latte or cappuccino
• Vanilla yogurt
• Bacon or sausage for a full breakfast

These are also perfect for Thanksgiving morning, Christmas brunch, or a cozy fall weekend.

Fun Fact

Apple fritters date back centuries, originating from European fried-dough traditions. Pairing them with waffles is a modern twist that keeps all the nostalgic flavor while making them easier and lighter — no frying oil required!