Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts
Apple fritters / meet waffles / meet doughnuts in this outrageous autumnal mashup.

Have you heard of the waffle doughnut, or wonut? Well, pay attention because this is important: it’s a waffle that’s fried in oil until golden and crispy and then dipped in a sugary glaze. And it is amazing.
Starting off with apple fritter batter— filled with diced tart apples and plenty of cinnamon— takes it way over the top, and makes it a perfect fall splurge.



Are they worth all that extra effort of making waffles and then deep frying them?
Yes!
And are they worth putting on your stretchy pants for?
Most definitely! I’m not saying you should eat these regularly for breakfast, but they are an indulgence I insist you allow yourself at least once this fall.


baking tip:Deep frying tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot, such as Dutch oven.
- Fill it with at least 3 inches of oil so that everything has enough room to float.
- Use a thermometer so you know the exact temperature of the oil.
- Fry at 350-375°F (per recipe instructions) and adjust heat as needed to maintain that temp. If the oil is too cool, it’ll take longer and your treats will soak up more oil. If the oil is too hot, you risk burning them.
- Work in batches as needed to not crowd the pot or cause the oil temp to drop too much.
- Protect yourself! Wear an apron to protect your clothing from any splatters, and use a slotted spoon to flip them over and remove them.
- When you’re done, turn off the heat and let the oil cool to room temperature completely. Pour through a funnel into a container with a secure lid and discard (or save to use for frying later). Do not pour oil down the drain.

Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts
Ingredients
Doughnuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup buttermilk (175 ml)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter , melted (55 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped apples , peels removed (225 grams, from about 2-3 apples)
- Vegetable or canola oil , for frying
Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (170 grams)
- ¼ cup whole milk (60 ml)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. In a separate bowl whisk together the buttermilk, butter, eggs and vanilla. Add liquids to the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Add the chopped apples and mix only until incorporated.
- Preheat a waffle iron and cook waffles according to manufacturer's instructions. Let cool and cut into segments.
- Pour enough vegetable or canola oil into a heavy bottomed pot so that it's 2 inches deep. Set over medium heat, insert a thermometer, and heat to 360° F.
- Working with the waffles in small batches, fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove doughnuts and transfer to a paper towel lined tray to drain.
- To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract. Dip the hot doughnuts into the glaze and let sit on a wire rack for 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
These are delicious. I made them with King Arthur gluten free flour And sourdough instead of butter milk. They were a hit! I’m wondering if I can make the waffles a day in advance and then fry them the day we want to eat them. Just to keep my family from having to wait so long.Â
I took a pic but it won’t let me upload it.Â
These are fantastic! You must try them. Definitely undercook your waffles, so they don’t over brown while frying. You won’t be sorry you tried these!
These look amazing, I just found them on pintrest. I am excited to try them, but I was wondering if you could fry them in the air fryer to cut back on the grease?
I’m sorry, I’ve never used an air fryer so I can’t say for sure either way.
Yummmmm!!!! Can’t wait to try this. Thanks for sharing.