If you are on the hunt for a sweet treat that perfectly balances crispy edges with tender, apple-studded pockets of dough, then you will fall absolutely in love with this Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe. These little bites are a delightful fusion of classic apple fritters with the fun shape of waffles transformed into charming mini donuts, offering a warm, comforting experience in every bite. Whether you’re craving a weekend breakfast or a fragrant afternoon snack, these mini donuts deliver a wonderful combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and juicy apple flavors that will have you reaching for seconds — or thirds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients that bring it to life. Every component plays a crucial role in ensuring the perfect texture, taste, and appearance of the final product.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of the batter, providing structure and lightness.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Adds just the right level of sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with the acid in the buttermilk for a tender crumb.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon: Brings warm spice notes enhancing the apple flavor beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg: Adds depth and a cozy aroma that makes these donuts irresistible.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all other flavors.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Keeps the donuts moist and adds a subtle tang.
- 1/4 cup apple sauce: Infuses moisture and a gentle apple sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and enriches the batter.
- 1 cup diced apples: The star ingredient, adding juicy bursts and texture.
- Oil for frying: Essential for that golden, crispy exterior.
How to Make Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together all your dry ingredients — the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Getting this mix right is key because it ensures your donuts have that perfect balance of rise and flavor from the spices.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, apple sauce, and egg until well blended. This mixture introduces moisture and tenderness, setting the stage for your batter to come together beautifully.
Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until just combined. Remember, over-mixing can make your donuts dense, so stop as soon as you no longer see flour patches.
Step 4: Fold in the Diced Apples
Now the fun part — fold in the diced apples. These little bursts of freshness will provide delightful bites of fruit in every donut, making each one uniquely delicious.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). The temperature is crucial to getting a perfect golden crust without absorbing too much oil.
Step 6: Fry the Mini Donuts
Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. This keeps the temperature steady and donuts evenly cooked.
Step 7: Fry Until Golden Brown
Fry each mini donut for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning gently until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma at this stage will already have you excited to taste them!
Step 8: Drain the Donuts
Remove the fritters from oil with a slotted spoon and set them on paper towels. This step is essential to drain excess oil, keeping your donuts crisp without greasy heaviness.
Step 9: Serve Warm and Delicious
Serve your mini apple fritter waffle donuts warm. You can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze over the top to elevate the sweetness and add a shiny finish.
How to Serve Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling powdered sugar over the freshly fried mini donuts adds a classic touch of sweetness and a beautiful snowy look. A drizzle of maple glaze or a light honey drizzle complements the apple and spice flavors perfectly without overpowering them.
Side Dishes
These mini apple fritter waffle donuts shine as a star sweet snack but pair wonderfully with a cup of steaming coffee or a creamy chai latte. For a brunch spread, consider serving them alongside crispy bacon or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by stacking the mini donuts as a cute tower or threading them onto skewers interspersed with apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming fall-inspired display. Alternatively, dip them creatively in flavored dips like caramel sauce or vanilla cream to make them even more indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps keep the donuts moist and prevents them from drying out too quickly.
Freezing
Mini apple fritter waffle donuts freeze beautifully. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They can be stored for up to a month and enjoyed anytime you crave a quick homemade treat.
Reheating
To reheat and bring back their crispy glory, pop the donuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This warms them through while restoring their crisp exterior without making them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice added to it to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, which helps make the donuts tender and light.
Are these donuts gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour by default, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but keep in mind it might slightly affect texture.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While traditionally fried, you can bake the batter in a mini donut pan at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious and less greasy.
How do I make the glaze for these donuts?
A simple glaze can be made by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle it generously over the warm donuts to add a glossy, sweet finish.
What type of apples work best?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully because they hold their shape during frying and add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a charming, tasty treat that brings the joy of apple fritters in a fun, easy-to-eat form, the Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe is an absolute must-try. These mini delights are perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply enjoying on your own with a cup of coffee. Once you make them, you’ll understand why this recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. Go ahead and dive into the cozy flavors and crispy textures — you won’t regret it!
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Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are bite-sized treats bursting with warm apple flavors and fragrant spices. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they combine the texture of traditional apple fritters with the fun shape of waffle donuts. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime snack, these donuts are fried to a golden brown and best enjoyed fresh with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1 large egg
Add-ins
- 1 cup diced apples
For Frying
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together until evenly blended.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, applesauce, and egg until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the batter light.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy, deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain temperature for even cooking.
- Fry Donuts: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying only a few at a time to avoid overcrowding and temperature drops.
- Cook Until Golden: Fry each mini donut for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from oil and place them on paper towels to drain off excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the mini apple fritter waffle donuts warm. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with your favorite glaze for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples for best flavor and texture in the fritters.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure donuts cook evenly without becoming greasy.
- If you prefer healthier options, you can bake these instead, though they won’t be as crispy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in an oven or air fryer for crispiness.
- For added flavor, serve with cinnamon sugar or a maple glaze.
