Apple Pie Waffles

Golden and crisp on the outside, fluffy and tender on the inside—Apple Pie Waffles are the perfect blend of breakfast comfort and dessert indulgence. Imagine the cozy flavors of a homemade apple pie tucked into warm, freshly made waffles, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s a morning treat that feels like a celebration, whether you're cooking up a special brunch or treating yourself on a cozy weekend.

Each bite delivers the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, the soft sweetness of sautéed apples, and the satisfying crunch of waffle ridges. This recipe combines the nostalgia of a classic American dessert with the ease and fun of a breakfast favorite. Whether you top it with ice cream, whipped cream, or maple syrup, these waffles are bound to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Waffles Recipe

• Combines two beloved comfort foods: waffles and apple pie
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert
• Uses simple pantry ingredients with a gourmet result
• Great way to use up extra apples
• Customizable with your favorite toppings

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Apple Pie Waffles perfectly every time, it’s important to gather a few essential tools. A quality waffle maker is key—it ensures your waffles are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Nonstick versions are the easiest to clean and help prevent sticking.

You’ll also need a good sauté pan for cooking the apple filling. This helps caramelize the apples and spices, giving them that rich pie flavor. Mixing bowls, a whisk, a spatula, and a ladle for pouring batter round out your toolkit. A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for prepping apples quickly and evenly.

Preparation Tips

Use fresh, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and balance of sweet and tart. Don’t skip cooking the apples beforehand—it intensifies their flavor and prevents them from being watery in the waffles. For the batter, avoid overmixing to keep your waffles tender. If you like extra crisp waffles, let them cook an extra minute beyond the waffle iron’s done signal. And for that bakery-fresh aroma, add a touch of vanilla extract or a pinch of clove to the apple mix.

Ingredients for this Apple Pie Waffles Recipe

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 2 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: ½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

For the Waffle Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups milk
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Maple syrup
• Caramel sauce
• Whipped cream
• Fresh apple slices

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Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender and the mixture is thick and syrupy. If desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook an additional 1–2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

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Step 2: Preheat the Waffle Iron

Plug in your waffle iron and allow it to preheat fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A properly heated waffle iron ensures even cooking and crispy edges.

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Step 3: Make the Waffle Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just incorporated—do not overmix. Gently fold in the cooked apple mixture.

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Step 4: Cook the Waffles

Lightly grease your waffle iron with oil or nonstick spray. Pour in the batter (about ½ to ⅔ cup depending on your iron size), close the lid, and cook according to your waffle maker’s settings, usually 4–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with the remaining batter.

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Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve the hot waffles immediately with your favorite toppings. A scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce take these waffles over the top. For breakfast, a simple pat of butter and maple syrup work wonderfully too. Add fresh apple slices on the side for a refreshing crunch.

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Notes

These Apple Pie Waffles are best enjoyed fresh off the waffle iron, but you can absolutely make the apple filling ahead of time to save a few minutes in the morning. The filling also doubles beautifully as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, or even yogurt. For an added touch, you can sprinkle crushed graham crackers or chopped pecans over the finished waffles for crunch and flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using raw apples in the batter: Always pre-cook the apples. Raw apples won’t soften enough inside the waffle iron and may leave the center undercooked.
• Overmixing the batter: Stir until just combined. Overmixing makes dense, tough waffles.
• Opening the waffle iron too early: Wait until the steam significantly slows or the indicator says it’s done. Opening it early can split the waffle.
• Not greasing the waffle iron: Even non-stick models benefit from a light spray to prevent sticking, especially with sticky fillings.
• Using cold ingredients: Let your eggs and milk come to room temperature before mixing for better consistency and rise.

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Storage Instructions

Leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster or oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until crispy again. For longer storage, freeze the waffles on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. The apple filling can be refrigerated separately for 3–4 days and reheated on the stove or microwave.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (1 waffle with apple filling, no toppings):

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Cholesterol: 50mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to make the batter fresh, but you can mix the dry ingredients the night before and store them in an airtight container. Add wet ingredients just before cooking.

What apples are best for this recipe?

Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal. They hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for similar texture.

Can I freeze the waffles?

Absolutely! Freeze them flat in a single layer first, then store in a zip-top freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven.

What toppings go best with these waffles?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, maple syrup, caramel sauce, and chopped nuts are all great options.

Can I make this without a waffle iron?

While the recipe is designed for waffles, you could use the batter to make pancakes and top with the apple filling.

How do I keep waffles crispy?

Place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a warm oven (200°F) while you cook the rest. Avoid stacking them.

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes, but homemade gives a fresher taste. If using canned, reduce the added sugar in the recipe.

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Conclusion

Apple Pie Waffles are a delicious twist on a classic morning favorite. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy brunch or an indulgent dessert, they deliver warm spice, sweet apple flavor, and the irresistible crispness of golden waffles. With easy-to-follow steps and endless topping possibilities, this recipe is one you’ll come back to all year long. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!

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