Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts – The Ultimate Cozy Brunch Hybrid

I absolutely love these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts—they mash up crisp waffle edges with spiced apple fritter flavors, topped with sweet glaze. They’re the cozy brunch treat I never knew I needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it delivers all the nostalgia of apple fritters in a fun, easy waffle-donut shape. You get cinnamon-speckled apples in every bite, crisp exterior, soft interior, and a sweet glaze that makes them feel indulgent. They’re perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special brunch gatherings.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups pancake or waffle mix

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

• 1 cup milk (dairy or alternative)

• 1 large egg

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter

• 1 cup peeled, diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

• Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 Tbsp milk (plus more as needed)

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: pinch of cinnamon for glaze

directions

1. Preheat a doughnut waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease it.

2. In a bowl, whisk together waffle mix, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. In another bowl, whisk the egg with milk and oil. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients; stir just until combined.

4. Gently fold in the diced apples—be careful not to overmix.

5. Spoon batter into the waffle iron’s donut wells, filling each about two-thirds full.

6. Cook for 3–5 minutes, until waffle donuts are golden and crisp.

7. While they cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth. Adjust thickness with more milk or sugar.

8. Dip each donut in glaze or drizzle it over the top.

9. Let glaze set for a minute, then serve warm and enjoy the crisp-and-soft contrast.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes 6–8 waffle donuts

• Total time: Approx. 30 minutes

  • Prep: 10 minutes

  • Cook: 15 minutes (dependent on waffle iron)

  • Glazing & cooling: 5 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes swap diced apples for chopped pears or mix in freeze-dried apple bits for extra crunch.

• To boost richness, I stir in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted caramel over the glaze.

• I’ll add a splash of maple syrup or sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a flavor twist.

• For a gluten-free version, I use a gluten-free pancake mix.

• To make these vegan, I use plant-based milk, flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flax + 3 Tbsp water), and vegan butter.

storage/reheating

These waffle donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To reheat, I pop them in a toaster oven at 325 °F (165 °C) for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp, then re-glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these in a regular waffle iron?

Yes! You can use a standard waffle iron; the shape will be different but the taste is just as delicious.

How do I prevent the apples from sinking?

I lightly toss them in a teaspoon of flour before folding into the batter—that helps them stay suspended.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely—I’ve served these simply dusted with powdered sugar or brushed with melted butter and cinnamon sugar instead.

Can I prep batter ahead of time?

I can mix the dry ingredients in advance. Then whisk in wet ingredients and apples just before cooking. The batter shouldn’t sit for too long before waffle-ifying.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes—I cool completely, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. To serve, I reheat from frozen in a toaster oven until crisp.

Conclusion

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are my go-to for cozy, blissful brunch moments. With warm apple cinnamon flavor, crisp edges, and sweet glaze, they satisfy all the comfort cravings—without messy frying. Whip up a batch and watch them disappear fast!