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There is nothing quite like biting into warm, fluffy Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts with Sweet Glaze Recipe to brighten any morning or satisfy an afternoon craving. These delightful treats blend the cozy flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples with the crisp exterior of waffle donuts, finishing with a luscious sweet glaze that makes every bite pure bliss. Whether you’re a breakfast lover, snack enthusiast, or just need a comforting homemade dessert, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts with Sweet Glaze Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, creating a harmonious and irresistible bite. The combination of pantry basics with fresh apple bits brings everything together beautifully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the waffles structure and tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures a light and fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with gentle leavening and rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds that iconic warm, spicy apple flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides subtle depth and complexity.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and create richness.
- 1 cup whole milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings rich flavor and crispiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the entire flavor profile.
- 1½ cups peeled and finely diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): The star ingredient providing bursts of juicy sweetness and texture.
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a sweet, smooth coating.
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds warmth and aroma to the finishing touch.
How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts with Sweet Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Waffle Iron
Start by heating your waffle iron and spraying it lightly with nonstick spray. This step is crucial for ensuring your waffle donuts don’t stick and develop a golden, crispy exterior that’s just begging to be dipped in glaze.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. This mixture is where the deep spice flavors start to come alive, setting the stage for the apple’s natural sweetness to shine.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk eggs, whole milk, sour cream or Greek yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This blend ensures your batter stays moist and tender with a subtle richness.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry, Add Apples
Stir the dry mixture gently into the wet ingredients just until combined—overmixing could lead to dense donuts. Then, carefully fold in the finely diced apples. These juicy apple pieces bring texture and bursts of fresh flavor throughout each waffle donut.
Step 5: Cook the Waffle Donuts
Spoon roughly ⅓ to ½ cup of batter onto the heated waffle iron and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until your waffle donuts are a gorgeous golden brown and crisp on the outside. The steam rising at this point is pure comfort, promising a warm treat just moments away.
Step 6: Prepare the Sweet Glaze
While your waffle donuts cook, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. Adjust the milk if you prefer a thinner or thicker glaze—this step makes the final touch irresistibly sweet and luscious.
Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy
Dip or drizzle your warm waffle donuts in the sweet glaze, letting it set slightly or enjoy them fresh and sticky right away. The sticky glaze combined with the tender, spiced apple waffle donut is an absolute game-changer in comfort food snacks.
How to Serve Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts with Sweet Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a dusting of cinnamon, or even some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a little crunch and nutty contrast. Fresh mint leaves can also brighten the presentation and flavor without overpowering the cozy classic taste.
Side Dishes
These apple fritter waffle donuts pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee, spiced chai tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent. For a balanced breakfast, serve alongside crispy bacon or a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking several waffle donuts, layering them with whipped cream and apple slices for a brunch-worthy dessert tower. You could also skewer mini waffle donuts with apple chunks alternating for a fun, finger-food presentation that’s perfect for gatherings or festive breakfasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts with Sweet Glaze Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep the glaze separate until ready to serve if you want to maintain that freshly glazed texture.
Freezing
These waffle donuts freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. This makes it easy to enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover waffle donuts in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy. Add fresh glaze after reheating for that just-made taste.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great for their balanced tartness and sweetness, but feel free to experiment with Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples for slightly different flavor profiles and textures.
Is it possible to make these waffle donuts gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can enjoy these treats without gluten. Be sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well for best results.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
You can mix the batter up to 2 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated, but it’s best to fold in the apples just before cooking so they stay fresh and maintain their texture.
What if I don’t have a waffle iron? Can I bake them instead?
While the waffle iron gives these donuts their signature shape and texture, you could bake the batter in a donut pan at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, though it won’t have quite the same crispiness and waffle pattern.
How do I get the glaze just right?
The glaze should be smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, sprinkle in more powdered sugar. A good glaze complements but doesn’t overpower your waffle donuts.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts with Sweet Glaze Recipe is a heartfelt invitation to create moments of joy and coziness around the table. It’s simple enough for a weekend treat but special enough to wow your friends and family. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for these warm, sweet, and apple-filled delights again and again. Give it a go—you’re in for a true comfort food love affair.
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Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts with Sweet Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 waffle donuts
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are an easy and cozy treat that combines the beloved flavors of apple fritters with the fun shape and texture of waffle donuts. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, loaded with diced apples, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, they make a perfect breakfast or indulgent snack.
Ingredients
For the Waffle Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups peeled and finely diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat and grease the waffle iron: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it using nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure the donuts come out perfectly crispy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar until evenly combined to build the dough’s structure and flavor.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated, creating a creamy base for your batter.
- Combine batter and apples: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the finely diced apples evenly throughout the batter.
- Cook the waffle donuts: Spoon about ⅓ to ½ cup of batter per donut into the preheated waffle iron. Cook each batch for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, or until the waffle donuts are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Prepare the glaze: While the donuts are cooking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed to achieve a pourable glaze.
- Glaze and serve: Once waffle donuts are warm, either drizzle the glaze over them or dip each donut into the glaze to coat completely. Allow the glaze to set slightly or enjoy the donuts immediately for a deliciously sticky treat.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and a slight boost in protein.
- Choose tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
- If you don’t have a waffle iron designed for donuts, regular waffle iron will work but the shape will differ.
- Adjust the glaze thickness by adding milk gradually to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Serve these warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
