It was a crisp autumn morning when I first decided to turn a basket of freshly picked apples into something extraordinary. The air was filled with the aroma of cinnamon and warm spices as I poured batter onto my waffle iron, transforming simple ingredients into golden, apple-infused waffles. That day, these waffles became a family tradition, perfect for cozy mornings and special gatherings.
In this article, there is how to make apple waffles in various ways—whether you prefer a classic recipe, a gluten-free option, or an easy blender method. You’ll also find tips, tricks, and answers to common questions to ensure your waffles turn out perfectly every time.
Why Make Apple Waffles?
Apple waffles combine the comforting flavours of spiced apples with the crisp, golden texture of waffles. They’re versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and can be customized with toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, or even caramelized apples.
Ingredients for Apple Waffles
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (Shop on Amazon)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (Shop on Amazon)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk (Shop on Amazon)
- ¼ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 cup grated apple (peeled or unpeeled)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Apple Waffles Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
1. Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl (Buy on Amazon), whisk (Buy Electric Whisker on Amazon) together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the buttermilk, melted butter, and brown sugar.
2. Add the Apples
- Grate the apple and gently fold it into the wet ingredients. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing for fluffy waffles.
3. Preheat the Waffle Maker
- Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the plates with cooking spray or oil.
4. Cook the Waffles
- Pour a ladle of batter onto the waffle maker and close the lid. Cook for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
Not sure which waffle maker to use? Here’s a quick comparison of mini vs full size waffle makers to help you decide.
Recommended Tools for Perfect Apple Waffles
Cuisinart WAF-F30 Round Flip Belgian Waffle Maker:
- Perfect for evenly cooked, crispy waffles.
Hamilton Beach Belgian Mini Waffle Maker
- Perfect for brunch or a quick meal on the go.
Need a compact appliance? Check out our guide to the best waffle makers for small kitchens for space-saving solutions.
Recipe Variations
1. Cinnamon Apple Waffles Recipe
- Add ½ teaspoon nutmeg and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the batter for extra warmth and depth.
2. Easy Blender Apple Waffles
- Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth. This method simplifies preparation and reduces cleanup time.
3. Blender Oatmeal Apple Waffles (Gluten-Free)
- Replace all-purpose flour with 1 ¾ cups oat flour. Blend rolled oats into flour if needed. Perfect for a healthy, kid-friendly breakfast. This recipe is a great base for anyone looking for tasty gluten-free waffles that don’t sacrifice flavor or texture.
4. Apple Cinnamon Belgian Waffles
- Use a Belgian waffle maker to create thicker, fluffier waffles. Add a dash of cloves for a unique twist.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our list of creative waffle ideas for breakfast to spice up your morning routine.
Toppings for Apple Waffles
- Classic: Maple syrup and butter.
- Fruity: Sautéed apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
- Nutty: Chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Decadent: Whipped cream and caramel drizzle.
Hosting a brunch? Turn your apple waffles into a fun waffle bar with a variety of toppings like fruit, whipped cream, nuts, and syrups.
FAQs About Apple Waffles
- How to Cook Apples for Waffles?
Peel and dice apples, then sauté them in butter with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar until tender. Use as a topping or mix them into the batter.
- What is the Secret to Good Waffles?
The secret lies in preheating your waffle maker, not overmixing the batter, and using buttermilk for a tender, fluffy texture.
- Is Pancake Mix the Same as Waffle Mix?
Pancake mix can be used for waffles, but waffles often require more fat (butter or oil) for a crispier texture. You can even make crispy waffles with pancake mix by adjusting the fat content and cooking time.
- What Are the Basic Ingredients for Waffles?
Flour, eggs, milk or buttermilk, baking powder, sugar, and fat (butter or oil) form the base for most waffle recipes.
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out our guide on Mac and Cheese Waffles for another creative and delicious twist on a classic dish.
Conclusion
Apple waffles are a delicious way to enjoy the flavours of fall all year round. Whether you’re making them from scratch or experimenting with variations like gluten-free or Belgian-style waffles, they’re sure to become a family favourite. Serve them with your favourite toppings for a breakfast that’s equal parts comforting and indulgent. These waffles also make a perfect centerpiece for a cozy waffle brunch board—just add fresh fruit, spreads, and drinks.
