Craving a sweet and easy classic for breakfast or brunch? Check out these fluffy, golden brown Apple Cinnamon Waffles.
One morning when I was a kid, I woke up to the distinct smell of apple pie. But it wasn’t anywhere near Thanksgiving—in fact, it was spring. Still, there it was, the beautiful aroma of cinnamon, brown sugar, and apples cooking in the kitchen. I rushed downstairs to find my mother humming and tending to a steaming waffle iron. Oh yum! I thought. Dessert for breakfast!
The beauty of apple cinnamon waffles is that they only take 20 minutes to make. So, whether it’s a weekend or a weekday, this is a perfect treat to start the day. It’s got the sweet, tart, and warm flavors of an apple pie but in waffle form. Plus, you can easily make it even more pie-like by adding half a teaspoon of nutmeg to the batter. That’s how my mom was able to evoke the magnetic, mouthwatering scent of apple pie every time. Those seasonings, plus the freshly grated apple, elevate the waffle batter from plain to perfect in less than half an hour.
Waffle vs. pancake batter: what’s the difference?
At first glance, waffle and pancake batter seem exactly the same. But there are some major differences. For starters, waffle batter is thicker and often has a higher fat content (from oil or melted butter), and sometimes more eggs, than pancake batter. This richer batter allows waffles to cook up crispy and golden brown on the outside, but fluffy and soft on the inside when poured into a waffle iron. Pancakes, on the other hand, are cooked on a pan or griddle and are usually soft inside and out. Waffle batter also tends to be sweeter than pancake batter due to higher sugar content, which helps with caramelization, but the amount varies by recipe. While both batters use similar basic ingredients, their proportions are different, making them not directly interchangeable without adjustments.
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooled, apple cinnamon waffles can be wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. Refrigerate them like this for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, use a toaster or oven at 350°F for crispness—5–7 minutes from the fridge or 10–12 minutes from frozen. Microwaving for 1–2 minutes will heat them quickly but will make them soft, not crispy.
Serving suggestions
Whether they’re just for you or a whole family affair, apple cinnamon waffles are ideally topped with maple syrup and whipped cream. But you can take it to the next level with this Cinnamon Apples Recipe, this Cashew Butter Recipe, this Homemade Pecan Butter Recipe, or this decadent Cream Cheese Crêpe Filling. For a stellar side, choose from Peanut Butter Milkshakes, Breakfast Sausage, or Zucchini And Eggs. As you can see, it doesn’t matter if you eat meat or all veggies—apple cinnamon waffles can be served with all kinds of yummy morning treats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 apple peeled and grated
- Maple syrup for serving (optional)
- Whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Incorporate the grated apple, then allow the batter to rest for 5 minutes.
- Lightly grease the preheated waffle iron. Spoon batter into the iron and cook until the waffles are golden and crisp.
- Serve immediately with toppings, such as a maple syrup or whipped cream.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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