The tender apple pieces and sweet glaze on these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts make them impossible to resist. They’re a cozy, easy fall treat—perfect with an afternoon cup of coffee.
This recipe for mini apple fritter waffle donuts was first published in August 2018 and updated in August 2025.
Waffle Donuts
Years ago in Indiana we discovered a bakery that made giant, melt-in-your-mouth apple fritters. Those memories inspired these compact apple waffle donuts—an effortless way to enjoy fritter flavor without frying. Using a mini waffle iron turns donut batter into bite-sized, golden pockets filled with warm apple and spice.
In autumn I always keep apples on hand for snacking and baking. They work beautifully in everything from cakes to granola bars, and they’re perfect shredded into this batter so each bite delivers apple flavor and tender texture.
These mini apple fritter waffle donuts are versatile: serve them for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a simple dessert. For a special touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic fall flavors. Warm spices and soft apple pieces create a comforting, aromatic treat.
- No frying required. You get the taste of an apple fritter without handling hot oil—just a waffle maker.
- Glaze-filled pockets. The icing settles into every waffle crevice for sticky, sweet bites.
- Family friendly. Kids and adults both love these, and they disappear fast.
Key Ingredients
With pantry staples and a couple of apples you’ll have batter ready in minutes. The simple glaze is quick to mix while the donuts cool.
- Warm spices: Cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg brighten the apple flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a light, slightly crisp exterior.
- Egg and milk: Provide structure and moisture for soft, tender donuts.
- Oil: A small amount keeps the batter from drying while cooking.
- Apples: Shredded with the peel left on so the fruit cooks quickly and distributes evenly.
- Glaze: Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla whisk together to a dippable consistency; finish with optional cinnamon sugar.
How To Make Apple Waffle Donuts
These cook quickly, so preheat your waffle iron before mixing the batter.
Make the batter. Combine flour, spices, sugar, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl. Whisk wet ingredients (egg, milk, oil) into the center until blended.
Add the apples. Shred apples (peels on) using a grater or food processor and fold them into the batter so each spoonful has fruit.
Cook the waffles. Spray a preheated mini waffle iron with nonstick spray. Drop batter by the tablespoon into the center and cook 3–5 minutes until golden and set—five minutes may be needed for a crisp exterior on smaller irons.
Cool and glaze. Transfer cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze. Dip each donut, flip to coat both sides, let excess drip off, then return to the rack to set. Optionally dust with cinnamon sugar.
BruCrew Tips
Simple tips for reliable results:
- Preheat the waffle iron fully so the donuts cook evenly and develop a golden crust.
- Spray both sides of the iron liberally with nonstick baking spray for easy release and the best texture.
- No waffle iron? Use a greased donut pan and bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for a quick alternative.
Storage Recommendations
These donuts are best the day they’re made. Store leftovers in a loosely sealed container in the refrigerator. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a few seconds to refresh their texture before serving.
FAQs
Waffle donuts are donut-style batter cooked in a waffle iron. They combine waffle texture with donut flavor and collect glaze in each pocket.
They’re tasty either way, but warm is best—serving them hot enhances the apple and spice aroma and softens the glaze slightly.
More Easy Apple Recipes
- Apple Nachos
- Apple Cider Donut Holes
- Puff Pastry Apple Tart
- Strawberry Applesauce
- Butter Pecan Apple Skillet Cake
If you tried this recipe, please leave a rating and a comment below—your feedback helps others find and enjoy it.
Recipe
Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
24 waffle donuts
10 minutes
5 minutes
15 minutes
Shredded apples and a sweet glaze transform simple batter into irresistible mini apple fritter waffle donuts—ideal with coffee or as a quick dessert.
Ingredients
For the Waffle Donut batter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup milk
- ½ tablespoon oil
- 1½ cups shredded apples
For the Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the egg, milk, and oil and stir until combined.
- Fold in the shredded apples.
- Spray the preheated waffle iron with nonstick spray. Drop batter by the tablespoon into the center and cook 3–5 minutes, until golden and set.
- Transfer waffles to a wire rack to cool.
- Whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth. Dip each waffle donut into the glaze, flipping to coat both sides.
- Let excess drip off, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if desired, and allow the glaze to set.
Notes
- Always preheat your waffle iron for even cooking and the best texture.
- Spray the iron generously on both plates so the donuts release easily.
- If you don’t have a waffle iron, spoon batter into a greased donut pan and bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in a loosely sealed container and reheat briefly before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 91
Total Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 8mg
Sodium: 49mg
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 17g
Protein: 1g
Nutrition facts are estimates and not guaranteed. For specialized dietary advice, consult a registered dietitian.