If you’ve been on the hunt for a fun twist on classic apple fritters, you are going to fall head over heels for this Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe. Picture tender, fluffy mini waffles studded with juicy shredded apples and warm spices, all coated with a luscious vanilla glaze. These little treats bring together the best of both worlds—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with apple cinnamon goodness in every bite. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or whenever a sweet snack craving strikes. Trust me, once you try these bite-sized delights, they will become an instant favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe calls for simple pantry staples that come together effortlessly to create a unique and tasty treat. Each ingredient plays a special role—flour provides the structure, apples add moist bursts of sweetness, and spices bring that cozy fall flavor we all love.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives your donuts the perfect fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds that warm, aromatic note essential to apple desserts.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with a subtle spice depth.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps your waffle donuts rise light and airy.
- 1/4 teaspoon table salt: Enhances all the flavors with a little savory contrast.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Keeps the texture tender and soft by reducing gluten development.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- 1/3 cup milk: Moistens the batter for a perfect consistency.
- 1/2 tablespoon oil: Keeps the donuts tender and helps with browning.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded apples: The star ingredient bringing juicy, tangy freshness.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates the silky sweet glaze that makes these donuts irresistible.
- 3-4 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Thins the glaze to just the right consistency for coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a lovely aromatic sweetness to the glaze.
- Cinnamon sugar (optional): A finishing sprinkle that amps up the flavor and adds texture.
How to Make Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Waffle Iron
First things first, get your waffle iron warmed up so it’s ready to cook those mini donuts evenly and crisp them just right. Depending on your waffle maker, medium heat usually works best for a golden finish without burning.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients—flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch—until well combined. Then, add the egg, milk, and oil. Stir gently to combine everything without overmixing, so your batter stays light and fluffy. Lastly, fold in the shredded apples, which add incredible moisture and pockets of sweet tartness throughout the batter.
Step 3: Cook the Mini Donuts
Spray your preheated waffle iron with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal. Drop the batter by tablespoonfuls onto the iron, spacing them out so each little donut has room to puff up. Close the iron and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes—the exact timing will depend on your machine. Once they’re golden and springy to the touch, carefully remove the waffles and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
While the mini donut waffles cool, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and glossy. This glaze is sweet, creamy, and the perfect complement to the warm spices and juicy apples in the waffles.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Dip each mini waffle donut into the glaze, turning to coat evenly. Let any excess drip off before placing them back on the rack. For an extra-special touch, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while the glaze is still wet so it sticks beautifully. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
These donuts shine with just a simple dusting of cinnamon sugar, but you can also add a light sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for decadence. Fresh apple slices on the side echo the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your mini apple fritter waffle donuts with a cup of rich coffee or chai tea for a cozy pairing. They also go wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to treat yourself to a dessert-style snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the mini donuts into little towers for a fun brunch centerpiece, or thread them onto skewers alternating with fresh fruit for an on-the-go snack. Another idea is to serve them alongside a bowl of warm apple compote for dipping, turning this Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe into a playful interactive treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover mini waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the glaze from getting sticky, place a layer of parchment paper between stacks to keep them fresh and appealing.
Freezing
You can freeze these treats to enjoy later! Place cooled waffle donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month, making them a perfect make-ahead option.
Reheating
To bring your frozen mini apple fritter waffle donuts back to life, reheat them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This restores their crispy edges and soft interior beautifully. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the glaze too runny and the texture less desirable.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith give a nice balance against the sweet glaze, sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp work wonderfully too. Just make sure to shred them finely so they cook evenly in the batter.
Is it necessary to add cornstarch to the batter?
Cornstarch helps keep the texture of the mini donuts tender and soft by limiting gluten formation. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with arrowroot powder or remove it, but expect a slightly denser texture.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the glaze can be mixed a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir and add a splash of milk if it thickens up before dipping your mini donuts.
What should I do if the waffle donuts stick to the iron?
Make sure to spray your waffle iron generously with a good quality nonstick spray before cooking each batch. Also, allow the waffles to cook fully and cool slightly before removing—they’ll come out much easier once set.
Can I make these mini apple fritter waffle donuts vegan?
With some adjustments, yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg or chia egg and use plant-based milk and oil. Keep in mind texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the comforting flavors of apple fritters in a playful, easy-to-make form. They bring warmth, flavor, and a little extra joy to any day, whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or an afternoon treat. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite treat that everyone will be asking for again and again.
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Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 mini waffle donuts, serves 4
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine the best elements of apple fritters and waffles in a fun, bite-sized donut shape. Featuring warm spices, shredded apples, and a sweet glaze, they make a delicious breakfast treat or snack that’s easy to prepare using a waffle iron.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon table salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 tablespoon oil
- 1 1/2 cups shredded apples
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping
- Cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron to its appropriate setting so it’s ready when the batter is prepared.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch. Whisk in the egg, milk, and oil until the batter is smooth. Gently fold in the shredded apples to distribute them evenly.
- Cook the Waffle Donuts: Lightly spray the waffle iron with nonstick spray. Spoon tablespoon-sized portions of batter onto the waffle iron. Close and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Carefully remove the mini waffle donuts and place them on a wire rack to cool.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip each cooled waffle donut into the glaze, ensuring it is evenly coated. Flip to cover all sides and let excess glaze drip off. Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- Ensure your shredded apples are well drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Adjust the glaze consistency with more milk or powdered sugar to your preference.
- Sprinkling cinnamon sugar adds a delightful extra crunch and spice.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
