Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Irresistible Treat Recipe

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Craving something sweet that’s both fluffy and crispy? Try my Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts! This treat combines the best of two worlds—classic apple fritters and delicious waffle donuts. With the right mix of ingredients and easy steps, you’ll whip these up in no time. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that transforms simple apples into a decadent delight!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of warm spices and tart apples creates a mouthwatering experience that is both comforting and indulgent.
  2. Versatile Treat: These waffle donuts can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert, making them a perfect choice for any occasion.
  3. Fun Cooking Method: Using a waffle maker adds a unique twist to traditional donuts, resulting in a fun and easy cooking experience.
  4. Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields a generous amount, making it ideal for gatherings where you want to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

Core Ingredients for Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 tablespoon baking powder

– ½ teaspoon baking soda

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

– ½ teaspoon salt

– ¾ cup packed brown sugar

– 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk + vinegar)

– 2 large eggs

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– 1 cup apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (Granny Smith for tartness works best)

Optional Ingredients for Flavor Enhancement

– ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

– Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)

Equipment Needed (Waffle Maker, Fryer)

You need a waffle maker to cook the batter into waffles. A deep fryer or heavy deep pan is essential for frying the donuts. Make sure to have a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters for shaping the donuts. Have cooking spray handy to prevent sticking in the waffle maker.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dry and Wet Mixtures

Start by gathering your ingredients. You need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt. In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together until they blend well.

In another bowl, mix ¾ cup of packed brown sugar with 1 cup of buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients until smooth. This step is important for a good texture.

Combining Ingredients for the Batter

Now, slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir gently until they just combine. Overmixing will make your donuts tough, so be careful. Next, fold in 1 cup of finely diced apples. Use Granny Smith apples for a tart kick. Make sure the apples are evenly spread in the batter.

Cooking Waffle Donuts in the Waffle Maker

Preheat your waffle maker according to its instructions. While it heats up, lightly grease the waffle plates so the batter doesn’t stick. Pour enough batter to cover the plates. Close the lid and cook for about 3-4 minutes. The waffles should be golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them and keep warm.

Frying the Apple Donuts

In a deep fryer or heavy pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is key for perfect frying. If the oil is too cool, the donuts will soak up grease. Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters to cut out ring shapes from leftover batter. Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying them for 1-2 minutes on each side. Once they are golden, place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Final Touches: Coating and Serving

In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for the coating. Once the donuts cool a bit, roll each one in the sugar mix. For an extra treat, serve the waffle donuts warm with a drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk. Arrange them on a plate, drizzle with glaze, and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon. Enjoy your delicious Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts!

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Achieving Fluffy Donuts

To make fluffy donuts, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined. This helps keep the air in the dough. Use cold buttermilk to help create a lighter texture. Make sure your waffle maker is preheated for even cooking.

How to Select the Right Apples

Choose Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor. Their crunchiness adds great texture to the fritters. If you like sweeter donuts, you might mix in some Fuji or Honeycrisp apples. Always pick firm apples without bruises. This ensures the best taste and texture.

Temperature Control for Frying

Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too fast. If it’s too cool, they will soak up oil and become greasy. Fry in small batches to keep the temperature steady.

Presentation Ideas for Serving

Serve the waffle donuts on a colorful plate. Drizzle a simple glaze over them for a nice finish. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top for added flavor. You can also stack them high for a fun display. Pair them with fresh fruit for a bright touch.

Pro Tips

  1. Choose the Right Apples: Using Granny Smith apples adds a perfect tartness to balance the sweetness of the batter.
  2. Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to ensure your waffles and donuts remain light and fluffy.
  3. Check Oil Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure your oil is at 350°F (175°C) for perfectly cooked donuts without excess grease.
  4. Glaze for Extra Flavor: For a delightful finishing touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the warm waffle donuts.

Variations

Gluten-Free Options

You can make these apple fritter waffle donuts gluten-free. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that work cup-for-cup with regular flour. This way, you keep the taste and texture while making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Flavor Variations (Caramel, Chocolate)

To enhance flavors, add caramel or chocolate. For caramel, drizzle it on top after frying. You can mix in chocolate chips into the batter for a rich twist. Dark chocolate pairs well with apples too! Experimenting with these flavors can bring a new joy to your donut experience.

Healthy Alternatives (Baking vs. Frying)

If you want a healthier option, consider baking instead of frying. Use the waffle maker to bake your donuts. Just pour the batter in and let it cook as usual. This method cuts down on oil and calories but still gives you that delightful taste. You can also reduce sugar to make them lighter while keeping the flavor intact.

Storage Info

How to Store Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

To keep your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge is a better option. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid drying out.

Reheating Instructions for Optimal Freshness

When you want to enjoy these tasty treats again, reheating is key. The best way to do this is in a toaster oven. Set it to a low temperature and warm them for about 5 minutes. This keeps them crisp on the outside while warming the inside. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose some crunch. Heat for about 15-20 seconds for best results.

Shelf Life and Freezing Tips

If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as explained above for a fresh taste.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these donuts ahead of time. Prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can cook the waffles and fry the donuts when you are ready to enjoy them.

What is the best way to glaze the donuts?

To glaze the donuts, mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk. Stir until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over your warm donuts for a sweet finish. It adds a nice touch and makes them look great.

Are there any alternatives to buttermilk in the recipe?

Yes, you can use regular milk mixed with vinegar. Use 1 cup of milk and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This creates a buttermilk substitute that works well in the recipe.

How do I prevent the donuts from becoming greasy?

To avoid greasy donuts, make sure your oil is hot enough. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) before frying. Fry them in small batches. This helps maintain the right temperature and keeps the donuts light and crispy.

Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can try using pears or berries. Just make sure to chop them small. This will help them cook evenly and blend well with the batter. Each fruit will give a unique flavor to your donuts.

In this post, we covered the key ingredients and steps for making delicious Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. We explored tips for fluffy donuts and ways to store them. You learned about variations for special diets and flavor options.

Making these treats can be fun and rewarding. You can impress your friends and family with your skills. Enjoy the process and the tasty results. Happy cookin

- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt - ¾ cup packed brown sugar - 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk + vinegar) - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (Granny Smith for tartness works best) - ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating) - Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well) You need a waffle maker to cook the batter into waffles. A deep fryer or heavy deep pan is essential for frying the donuts. Make sure to have a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters for shaping the donuts. Have cooking spray handy to prevent sticking in the waffle maker. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt. In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together until they blend well. In another bowl, mix ¾ cup of packed brown sugar with 1 cup of buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients until smooth. This step is important for a good texture. Now, slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir gently until they just combine. Overmixing will make your donuts tough, so be careful. Next, fold in 1 cup of finely diced apples. Use Granny Smith apples for a tart kick. Make sure the apples are evenly spread in the batter. Preheat your waffle maker according to its instructions. While it heats up, lightly grease the waffle plates so the batter doesn’t stick. Pour enough batter to cover the plates. Close the lid and cook for about 3-4 minutes. The waffles should be golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them and keep warm. In a deep fryer or heavy pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is key for perfect frying. If the oil is too cool, the donuts will soak up grease. Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters to cut out ring shapes from leftover batter. Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying them for 1-2 minutes on each side. Once they are golden, place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for the coating. Once the donuts cool a bit, roll each one in the sugar mix. For an extra treat, serve the waffle donuts warm with a drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk. Arrange them on a plate, drizzle with glaze, and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon. Enjoy your delicious Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts! To make fluffy donuts, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined. This helps keep the air in the dough. Use cold buttermilk to help create a lighter texture. Make sure your waffle maker is preheated for even cooking. Choose Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor. Their crunchiness adds great texture to the fritters. If you like sweeter donuts, you might mix in some Fuji or Honeycrisp apples. Always pick firm apples without bruises. This ensures the best taste and texture. Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too fast. If it’s too cool, they will soak up oil and become greasy. Fry in small batches to keep the temperature steady. Serve the waffle donuts on a colorful plate. Drizzle a simple glaze over them for a nice finish. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top for added flavor. You can also stack them high for a fun display. Pair them with fresh fruit for a bright touch. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: Using Granny Smith apples adds a perfect tartness to balance the sweetness of the batter. Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to ensure your waffles and donuts remain light and fluffy. Check Oil Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure your oil is at 350°F (175°C) for perfectly cooked donuts without excess grease. Glaze for Extra Flavor: For a delightful finishing touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the warm waffle donuts. {{image_4}} You can make these apple fritter waffle donuts gluten-free. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that work cup-for-cup with regular flour. This way, you keep the taste and texture while making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. To enhance flavors, add caramel or chocolate. For caramel, drizzle it on top after frying. You can mix in chocolate chips into the batter for a rich twist. Dark chocolate pairs well with apples too! Experimenting with these flavors can bring a new joy to your donut experience. If you want a healthier option, consider baking instead of frying. Use the waffle maker to bake your donuts. Just pour the batter in and let it cook as usual. This method cuts down on oil and calories but still gives you that delightful taste. You can also reduce sugar to make them lighter while keeping the flavor intact. To keep your Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge is a better option. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid drying out. When you want to enjoy these tasty treats again, reheating is key. The best way to do this is in a toaster oven. Set it to a low temperature and warm them for about 5 minutes. This keeps them crisp on the outside while warming the inside. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose some crunch. Heat for about 15-20 seconds for best results. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as explained above for a fresh taste. Yes, you can make these donuts ahead of time. Prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can cook the waffles and fry the donuts when you are ready to enjoy them. To glaze the donuts, mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk. Stir until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over your warm donuts for a sweet finish. It adds a nice touch and makes them look great. Yes, you can use regular milk mixed with vinegar. Use 1 cup of milk and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This creates a buttermilk substitute that works well in the recipe. To avoid greasy donuts, make sure your oil is hot enough. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) before frying. Fry them in small batches. This helps maintain the right temperature and keeps the donuts light and crispy. Absolutely! You can try using pears or berries. Just make sure to chop them small. This will help them cook evenly and blend well with the batter. Each fruit will give a unique flavor to your donuts. In this post, we covered the key ingredients and steps for making delicious Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. We explored tips for fluffy donuts and ways to store them. You learned about variations for special diets and flavor options. Making these treats can be fun and rewarding. You can impress your friends and family with your skills. Enjoy the process and the tasty results. Happy cooking!

Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Delicious waffle donuts infused with apples and spices, perfect for brunch.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.75 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
  • as needed oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until fully combined. Set this dry mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, buttermilk, eggs, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together vigorously until you achieve a smooth and well-blended mixture.
  • Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring gently. Mix until the two are just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this will keep your donuts light and fluffy.
  • Gently fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without overly breaking them apart.
  • Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure crisp cooking. While it heats, lightly grease the waffle plates with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Pour enough batter into the preheated waffle maker to cover the plates fully, then close the lid. Cook the waffles for approximately 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the waffles, and keep them warm while you prepare the donuts.
  • In a deep fryer or heavy deep pan, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oil is hot enough to fry the donuts to a perfect golden brown without becoming greasy.
  • Using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters of differing sizes, cut out ring shapes from the leftover batter. If there is more batter than you need for the waffles, proceed to cut out as many donuts as you can.
  • Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, frying them for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until they achieve a beautiful golden color. Once cooked, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating. Once the donuts have cooled enough to handle, roll each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring an even coat.
  • For an extra indulgent treat, serve the waffle donuts warm, drizzled with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with a splash of milk until smooth and creamy.

Notes

Serve warm with a glaze for extra indulgence.
Keyword apple fritters, brunch, waffle donuts

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