When you crave the warm, spiced flavor of an apple fritter but want something a little more fun and creative, these apple fritter waffle donuts hit the sweet spot. Fluffy, spiced waffles packed with tender apples and topped with a dreamy glaze, they’re a decadent twist on two beloved classics.
Whether you’re looking for breakfast ideas pastry lovers dream about, planning a waffle tower for brunch, or even exploring creative dinner waffle recipes, these apple fritter waffle donuts are sure to impress. They also make a fantastic dessert, and they’re easy to customize with your favorite sweet waffle topping ideas.
Here’s how to make these irresistible treats — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a fun family dessert.
Table of Contents
Who Will Love This Recipe? From Breakfast Ideas Pastry Fans to Waffle Tower Creators
These donuts are perfect for:
✅ Anyone who loves warm, cozy pastries in the morning.
✅ Waffle enthusiasts looking for a fresh take on a classic.
✅ Families planning a beautiful waffle tower for a holiday brunch.
✅ Anyone looking to serve unique apple fritters pancakes or waffles at their next breakfast gathering.
If you’re bored of plain waffles or donuts, this apple fritter waffle recipe will wake up your tastebuds and wow your guests.
Why These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Belong in Your Breakfast and Brunch Lineup
Why you’ll love this recipe:
✅ Combines two classics: apple fritters and fluffy waffles.
✅ Perfectly spiced and glazed for a bakery-style finish.
✅ Can be made ahead and reheated for convenience.
✅ Fun to decorate with creative sweet waffle topping ideas like powdered sugar or cinnamon glaze.
Whether you’re stacking them into a towering display or serving them individually, these apple fritter pancakes recipe inspired donuts are a showstopper.
Ingredients: Everything You Need for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Here’s what you’ll need for about 12 waffle donuts:
For the Donuts:
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Granulated sugar – 1/2 cup
- Baking powder – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg – 1/4 teaspoon
- Milk – 1 cup
- Eggs – 2 large
- Melted butter – 4 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Diced apples (peeled and chopped) – 1 1/2 cups
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar – 1 1/2 cups
- Milk – 2–3 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract – 1/2 teaspoon
Optional: extra cinnamon or nutmeg sprinkled on top.
Kitchen Equipment: Tools to Make the Perfect Apple Fritter Waffle Recipe
✅ Waffle iron (donut-shaped if you have one, or standard)
✅ Large mixing bowls
✅ Whisk and spatula
✅ Measuring cups and spoons
✅ Cooling rack
✅ Small bowl for glaze
Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
1️⃣ Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix just until combined. Gently fold in diced apples.
2️⃣ Cook the Waffles
Heat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Pour the batter into the waffle maker and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden brown and cooked through.
3️⃣ Glaze the Donuts
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle or dip the warm waffle donuts into the glaze and place on a cooling rack to set.
4️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm or at room temperature — and prepare for compliments!
Tips for Success: Sweet Waffle Topping Ideas and Apple Fritter Pancakes Tricks
✅ Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance to the sweetness.
✅ Don’t overmix the batter — a few lumps are okay.
✅ Glaze while warm for better absorption and shine.
✅ Add crushed pecans or walnuts for crunch.
You can also top them with powdered sugar, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream — or stack them into a stunning waffle tower with layers of fruit and cream for a show-stopping brunch centerpiece.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Apple Fritter Waffle Recipe Variations
🚫 Using apples that are too sweet — they can make the donuts overly sugary.
🚫 Overcooking — keep an eye on your waffle iron to prevent dryness.
🚫 Skipping the cooling rack — it helps the glaze set and keeps the bottom from getting soggy.
For another creative breakfast idea, check out our churro stuffed French toast — another sweet and indulgent recipe for mornings!
Serving Suggestions: From Dinner Waffle Recipes to Breakfast Towers
✨ Serve warm with extra glaze and powdered sugar for breakfast.
✨ Stack into a waffle tower with whipped cream and fruit for brunch.
✨ Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for dessert.
✨ For a savory twist, pair with bacon or sausage on the side — perfect for dinner waffle recipes.
Creative Variations: Pineapple Waffles Recipe, Brioche Waffles Recipe, and More
🍍 Try adding crushed pineapple for a tropical pineapple waffles recipe version.
🍞 Use brioche bread batter for an ultra-rich and buttery brioche waffles recipe.
🍫 Fold in mini chocolate chips for an even sweeter treat.
🍇 Add dried cranberries or raisins with the apples for extra texture.
These variations keep things interesting and let you customize to suit the season or your cravings.
How to Store and Reheat Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
✅ Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
✅ For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
✅ Reheat in the toaster or oven at 300°F to crisp them up.
Best Pairings: Drinks and Sides for Your Apple Fritter Pancakes Recipe
☕ Hot coffee or chai latte.
🍎 Fresh fruit like sliced pears or berries.
🥛 Cold milk or a warm apple cider.
🥓 Crispy bacon or sausage for a sweet-savory combo.
If you’re looking for more sweet and seasonal ideas, try our pumpkin spice coffee creamer to pair with your brunch spread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes — substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
What type of apples are best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or any tart, firm apple works great.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely — dust with powdered sugar instead if you prefer.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes — mix the batter and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Call to Action: Share and Subscribe for More Apple Fritters Pancakes and Waffle Ideas
We hope you enjoy making and devouring these apple fritter waffle donuts — a decadent yet easy way to bring something special to your breakfast or brunch table. Perfect for fall mornings, holiday brunches, or even creative desserts, these waffle donuts are a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family — and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more apple fritter pancakes recipe, sweet waffle topping ideas, and creative pastry-inspired breakfast recipes.
Print
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts : A Sinfully Delicious Breakfast Treat
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
Description
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine fluffy, spiced waffles with tender apples and a sweet glaze for a decadent breakfast, brunch, or dessert. A fun twist on two beloved classics, these donuts are easy to make, perfectly cozy, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
**For the Donuts:** 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 cup milk 2 large eggs 4 tablespoons melted butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups diced apples (peeled and chopped) **For the Glaze:** 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 2–3 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Optional: extra cinnamon or nutmeg for sprinkling
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. 2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. 3. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir just until combined. Gently fold in diced apples. 4. Heat and lightly grease a waffle iron. Pour batter in and cook according to manufacturer’s instructions until golden. 5. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth to make glaze. 6. Drizzle or dip warm waffle donuts in glaze and let set on a cooling rack. 7. Serve warm or at room temperature, with extra glaze if desired.
Notes
• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice flavor contrast. • Don’t overmix the batter to keep donuts tender. • Glaze while the donuts are still warm for best absorption. • Optional toppings: powdered sugar, caramel drizzle, whipped cream, chopped nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: apple fritter waffle donuts, breakfast ideas pastry, apple fritter pancakes recipe, sweet waffle topping ideas, waffle tower, dinner waffle recipes
