Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts | The Best Fall Breakfast Treat

If you love apple fritters, donuts, and waffles, then you’re going to fall head over heels for these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. This creative mashup combines the cozy flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples with the crispy edges of waffles and the sweetness of glazed donuts. The result? A golden, caramelized breakfast treat that’s perfect for fall mornings, holiday brunches, or anytime you’re craving comfort food.

These waffle donuts are made with pantry staples, fresh apples, and a quick homemade glaze, so you can whip them up in less than 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Three favorites in one – apple fritters, waffles, and donuts combined.

• Quick & easy – ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

• Perfect for fall – apples, cinnamon, and glaze make this cozy and seasonal.

• Crowd-pleaser – great for brunch, snacks, or dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the waffles:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

• 1 large egg

• 3/4 cup milk

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the apple filling:

• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp milk

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the apples – In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until tender and caramelized. Set aside.

2. Make the batter – In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, whisk egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.

3. Preheat the waffle maker – Lightly grease with cooking spray or butter.

4. Assemble the waffle donuts – Spoon batter into the waffle maker, add a spoonful of apple mixture in the center, then cover with more batter. Cook until golden and crisp.

5. Glaze the donuts – In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Dip each waffle donut into the glaze while warm.

6. Serve & enjoy – Let the glaze set slightly, then dig into warm, gooey Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts.

Tips & Variations

• Extra indulgent: Drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with powdered sugar.

• Apple swap: Use pears for a fun twist.

• Add crunch: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling.

• Shortcut version: Use canned biscuit dough or pancake mix instead of homemade batter.

• Air fryer finish: Crisp cooked waffle donuts in the air fryer for 2 minutes for bakery-style crunch.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are the ultimate fall treat—crispy, gooey, glazed, and packed with apple cinnamon flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re guaranteed to disappear as fast as you make them. Serve them with hot coffee or apple cider for a cozy, comforting bite that tastes just like autumn.