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A cozy, cinnamon-spiced waffle recipe that combines caramelized apples, tender waffle batter, and a sweet vanilla glaze to mimic the flavors of classic apple fritters with the ease of waffles.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 waffle donuts 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing apples)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for seasoning the apples)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp milk (to adjust glaze consistency)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice apples into roughly 1/4-inch pieces.
  2. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add diced apples, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon; sauté 4–6 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
  4. Remove apples from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  6. In another bowl, whisk 2 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
  7. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined; batter should be slightly lumpy.
  8. Fold the sautéed apples into the batter evenly.
  9. Preheat and lightly grease the waffle iron if necessary.
  10. Scoop batter into the waffle iron without overfilling.
  11. Cook waffles for 3–5 minutes or until golden with crisp edges.
  12. Optionally, finish waffles in an air fryer for 2–3 minutes or bake at 375°F for 5–8 minutes for extra crispiness.
  13. Transfer waffles to a cooling rack to cool slightly.
  14. Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp milk, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract in a bowl, adjusting milk to achieve a smooth, pourable glaze.
  15. Drizzle glaze over warm waffles and allow to set before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use an air fryer or oven finish after cooking waffles in the waffle iron., Batter can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator; stir gently before cooking., Glaze can be omitted or replaced with cinnamon sugar or cream cheese frosting if preferred., For gluten-free versions, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend containing xanthan gum., For dairy-free versions, use plant-based milk and butter substitutes, and replace sour cream with non-dairy yogurt or applesauce., Canned apple pie filling can be used if chopped finely and drained to avoid excess liquid in batter., Waffles can be stored unglazed in an airtight container at room temperature for 24 hours or refrigerated up to 3 days., Freeze cooled, unglazed waffles individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months., Reheat frozen waffles in an air fryer, toaster oven, or oven, then glaze after reheating for best texture and appearance.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 waffle donut
  • Calories: 290–340 per waffle donut
  • Fat: 12g per waffle donut
  • Carbohydrates: 45g per waffle donut
  • Protein: 5g per waffle donut