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This sounds like a fantastic and creative recipe! Combining the flavors of an apple fritter with the convenience of a waffle iron is a brilliant idea. Based on the dry ingredients you’ve provided, here is a complete, fleshed-out recipe for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts.
These will be like crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside waffles with all the spiced apple goodness of a classic fritter.
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
This recipe assumes you’re using a standard waffle iron. The result is a hybrid treat that’s perfect for a special breakfast or dessert.
Yields: About 4-6 waffle donuts (depending on your waffle iron size)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3-5 minutes per waffle
Ingredients
Dry Mix (as provided):
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients & Add-Ins:
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2 large eggs
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¾ cup buttermilk* (see note below for substitute)
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¼ cup (½ stick / 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup finely chopped apple (about 1 medium apple; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
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Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating (Highly Recommended):
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Simple Glaze (Optional):
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2-3 tablespoons milk or apple cider
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Prepare the Apples: Peel and finely chop the apple. Toss the chopped apple with a tablespoon of the dry mix to prevent it from sinking in the batter.
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Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron to a medium-high setting. If it has adjustable temperature, set it to about 75% power.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Then whisk in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Gently fold in the chopped apples (and optional nuts).
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Cook the Waffle Donuts: Lightly grease the waffle iron with non-stick spray or a brush of oil. Spoon the batter onto the center of the iron, using slightly less than you would for a regular waffle (the batter will spread). Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffle donuts are golden brown and crisp. They cook faster than traditional waffles.
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Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the waffles are cooking, mix the ½ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Place the melted butter in another bowl.
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Coat the Donuts: As soon as each waffle donut is done, carefully remove it from the iron. While it’s still hot, brush both sides with the melted butter, then dip both sides in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat. Place on a wire rack.
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Glaze (Optional): If using, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth. Drizzle over the coated waffle donuts.
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Serve immediately! They are best enjoyed warm and fresh.
*Buttermilk Note:
If you don’t have buttermilk, make a quick substitute: place 2 teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice in a measuring cup. Add enough regular milk to make ¾ cup total. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles slightly.
Why This Recipe Works
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Baking Powder & Soda: This combination provides a quick, light rise, giving the “donut” a tender, cake-like crumb.
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Cinnamon in the Batter: Infuses the entire waffle with warm, fritter-like flavor.
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The Double Cinnamon-Sugar: Coating the hot waffles in butter and cinnamon sugar is what truly transforms them from waffles into “donuts,” creating that classic fritter exterior.
Enjoy your delicious and innovative breakfast creation
