Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
These apple fritter waffle donuts combine the crisp edges of a waffle with the soft, fluffy centre of a baked donut. They are gently spiced, packed with tender apple pieces, and finished with a light glaze that melts into every dip and groove. This is an easy, family friendly bake that feels a little special without being complicated. From start to finish, they take around 45 minutes.
Ingredients
For the waffle donut batter
- 200g plain flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 75g caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 180ml whole milk
- 60g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
For the glaze
- 120g icing sugar
- 2 to 3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
- Prepare the waffle iron: Preheat your waffle donut maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the plates with melted butter or non stick spray.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and caster sugar until evenly combined.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Make the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Fold in the diced apple, taking care not to overmix.
- Cook the waffle donuts: Spoon the batter into the waffle donut moulds, filling each about three quarters full. Close the lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
- Cool: Carefully remove the waffle donuts and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
- Glaze and finish: Mix the icing sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Dip each warm waffle donut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off before serving.
Tips
Why are my waffle donuts pale?
Make sure the waffle iron is fully preheated before cooking. A hot plate gives better colour and crisp edges.
How do I stop the apples from sinking?
Dice the apples very finely and fold them gently through the batter. Large chunks tend to sink and release too much moisture.
Can I make these extra crispy?
Leave them in the waffle maker for an extra 30 seconds once steam stops escaping. This helps the outside firm up nicely.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with extra glaze on the side
- Dust lightly with cinnamon sugar instead of glaze
- Enjoy with a cup of tea or fresh coffee
Storage
Room temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day. They are best enjoyed fresh.
Refrigerator
Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Warm briefly before serving to soften the texture.
Freezing
Freeze unglazed waffle donuts for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature and glaze before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated fat: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I make these without a waffle donut maker?
Yes, you can use a standard waffle iron and cook small rounds, then cut into donut shapes once cooled.
What apples work best for this recipe?
Crisp apples such as Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Pink Lady work best as they hold their shape when cooked.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It is best made fresh, but you can prepare the batter up to 2 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated.
Are these suitable for children?
Yes, they are lightly spiced and naturally sweet, making them ideal for all ages.
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Course: DessertCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesSoft and lightly spiced apple fritter waffle donuts with crisp edges and a smooth vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
200g plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
75g caster sugar
2 large eggs
180ml whole milk
60g unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large apple, diced
120g icing sugar
Milk, for glaze
Directions
- Preheat and grease the waffle donut maker.
- Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Whisk wet ingredients together until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients and fold in apple.
- Cook batter in waffle donut maker until golden.
- Cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Dip in glaze and allow to set before serving.
Notes
- Use crisp apples for best texture.
- Do not overfill the waffle moulds.
- Best enjoyed fresh and warm.

