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Say hello to your new irresistible brunch favorite: Apple Cinnamon Waffles with Apple Pie Topping.  Think: golden, crispy edged waffles with fluffy centers that are strewn with fresh shredded apples, kissed with warming cinnamon, and crowned with a warm, buttery, maple-scented apple pie topping. It’s cozy “dessert-for-breakfast” energy that will turn any ordinary morning into something truly magical.

“These waffles make the most delicious autumn breakfast. Apples, cinnamon, maple is a wonderful combo. I have a bag of fresh apples, so can’t wait to make these again to stash in the freezer.”

– ARIELLE
Overhead photo of eight apple cinnamon waffles garnished with an apple pie topping.

Update: This recipe was originally published in September 2016. I made updates to the article below to include more information about making this recipe for apple waffles.

Hi, friends! If you’ve been searching for a breakfast or brunch recipe worthy of a celebration, you’ve found it:

Table of Contents

About these apple cinnamon waffles

These waffles take everything you love about a buttery, sweet apple pie and a crisp-meets-fluffy Belgian waffle and magically mashes them into one cozy, cinnamon-scented hug disguised as a brunch recipe.

Imagine biting into a golden, caramelized waffle, straight from the iron—beautifully crisp on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside, strewn with pops of sweet grated apples, scented with rich brown sugar, and kissed with welcoming apple pie spice. Crowned with a buttery, maple-infused cinnamon-apple “pie” topping that melts into every deep waffle pocket, they truly give new meaning to the term “breakfast of champions”. 

Perfect for slow Sundays, holiday brunches, or “just because” breakfast should always feel luxurious, this fluffy waffle recipe with fresh apples and warming cinnamon is the type of brunch dish you’ll literally dream about. 

Why you’ll love this recipe

TL;DR? Get the important details below:

  • Unbeatably Delicious Texture. Professional chef techniques, like folding in whipped eggs whites and using cold seltzer water, ensures picture perfect waffles with crisp edges and beautifully fluffy centers.
  • Warm, Cozy Flavor. Shredded fresh apples bring natural sweet-tartness, cinnamon gives warmth, light brown sugar lends a subtle caramel-like goodness, vanilla provides depth, and rich maple syrup ties it all together.
  • Straight-Forward to Prepare. With straightforward instructions and step-by-step picture assistance, this is a beginner-friendly, easy to make apple waffle recipe.
  • Pantry Staple Ingredients. If you’ve got a well stocked pantry then you likely already have everything on hand to make these waffles. Think: flour, butter, baking powder, eggs, and sugar.
  • Customizable, All-Season Recipe. Add-in toasted nuts, drizzle with flavorful syrups, and experiment with toppings. No matter how you make them, this breakfast recipe is perfect with fresh fall apples, bright enough for spring, and always welcome at any party where you’d serve apple pie. Think: Memorial Day, Labor Day, 4th of July, and beyond!

If you’re looking for more American carb-heavy breakfast, check out these recipes next: Cinnamon French Toast Bake, Strawberry French Toast Bake, French Toast Pumpkin Bake, and Cinnamon Sugar Toast.

Overhead photo of flour, eggs, sugar, oil, buttermilk, an apple, baking soda, and spices neatly arranged on a kitchen counter.

Ingredients for apple waffles

As promised, you just need basic pantry ingredients to make this recipe for cinnamon apple waffles:

  • All Purpose Flour. Provides structure and softness for the classic tender waffle bite.
  • Light Brown Sugar. I like to use brown sugar instead of granulated for more caramel-like goodness in the waffles and topping. Swap: Granulated white sugar.
  • Baking Powder. Gives the homemade waffles a lift, fluffiness, and lightness.
  • Apple Pie Spice. Lends a warm, sweet, aromatic flavor.
  • Kosher Salt. Enhances all the delicious apple and waffle flavors.
  • Large Eggs. There’s a trick to creating cloud-like waffles, and that’s room temperature eggs as the whites whip up bigger and fluffier. 
  • Buttermilk. Adds moisture, tenderness, and gives the waffles a slight tangy flavor. Substitute: Make your own by stirring 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice into 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit until thickened and curdled.
  • Vegetable Oil. Ensures each waffle has perfectly crisp edges. Swap: Canola oil or clarified butter, and not regular as it burns faster.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract. Lends a depth of warm, inviting flavor. Swap: Vanilla paste.
  • Seltzer Water or Club Soda. Helps create deliciously light, airy, and crispy waffles without any yeast. The bubbles act similar to a leavening agent, creating tiny pockets of air in the batter, which results in a crisp exterior and fluffy interior. 
  • Apple. Lend natural sweetness and moisture to the waffle batter and they’re the star ingredient in the topping. I like to use honey crisp, but fuji or gala work too. You can peel the apples, or leave them unpeeled.
  • Cornstarch. Prevents the moisture from the shredded apples from seeping into the waffle batter, which helps keep the waffles crisp.

For the waffle topping

  • Butter. Creates a rich, buttery base for the apple pie topping and helps the fruit caramelize.
  • Cinnamon. Lends a cozy, warming flavor.
  • Maple Syrup. Skip the fake pancake syrup and go for the real stuff. The taste is unmatched.
  • Lemon Juice. Just a pinch to brighten up all the flavors.

Recipe variations

  • Classic Apple Cinnamon Waffles: Skip the pie topping and serve the apple waffles topped simply with softened cinnamon butter and maple syrup.
  • Apple Pie Waffles with Maple Glaze: Finish your stack with a drizzle of maple glaze or vanilla icing for dessert-style decadence.
  • Peach Cinnamon Waffles: Swap out the apples for chopped peaches in the batter and/or topping for a softer, sweeter fruit profile.
  • Caramel Apple Waffles. Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over the apple topped stack for an indulgent twist.
  • Apple Pecan Waffles. Add some chopped and toasted pecans to the batter and/or to the waffle topping for delightful crunch.

If you’re looking for more cozy cinnamon apple breakfast ideas, check out these favorites next: Cinnamon Apple Bread and Cinnamon Apple Granola.

Overhead action photo of a spatula folding shredded fresh apples into waffle batter in a large bowl.

Professional chef expert tips for perfect results every time

  • Select Apples Wisely. I typically use Honey crisp apples, but fuji or gala work too. However, if you prefer a tart variety, like Granny Smith, you’ll want to add an additional tablespoon or so of brown sugar to the dry waffle mix.
  • Grate on Large Holes. Grated pieces of apple will fold evenly and beautifully into the batter—without tearing. However, you can also finely dice the apple. Just make sure you use paper towels to gently squeeze out all the excess moisture from the grated apple.
  • Use Room Temperature Eggs. Cold egg separate easier. However, room temperature whites are easier to whip up to maximum volume.
  • But, Use Cold Seltzer. Using cold sparkling water helps with the leavening process and keeps the batter fresh.
  • Don’t Over-Mix Waffle Batter. Too much mixing = too much gluten, and that leads to a dense and tough waffle. Fold the whipped egg whites into the waffle batter until *just* combined and not a second more.
  • Follow Manufacturers Instructions. This may seem obvious, but make sure you read the user manual before using the iron. And, be sure to spray it with non-stick cooking spray before adding the waffle batter if instructed to do so. And, don’t overfill the iron with the batter.
  • Get that Waffle Iron Hot. Allow it to fully preheat so the batter will crisp up as soon as it hits the surface.
  • Keep Waffles Warm. Place the cooked waffles on a wire rack set on a baking pan and keep warm in a low oven.
  • Apple Pie Waffle Topping. The length of time the cinnamon apples will take to cook depends upon how you dice or slice apples. Just watch them—for soft apples, cook a bit longer; for more bite, shorten the cook time.

Step by step photos: making this recipe at home

If you’re looking for the detailed measurements and full recipe instructions, please scroll down to the bottom of the page. 

Overhead photo collage of how to make cinnamon belgian waffles step by step.

FAQ: frequently asked questions

Below you’ll find the most common questions and answers about making this recipe. If you have a question you’d like answered, please drop it in the comments section below!

Can I use pancake or boxed waffle mix instead of making the batter from scratch?

No and yes. You can use a box of  belgian waffle mix—follow the box instructions, then stir in cinnamon and grated apples to turn it into apple cinnamon waffles. However, I don’t recommend using pancake mix unless you are looking for an entirely different variation of this recipe.

What kind of apples are best for apple waffle recipes?

Truthfully, that depends upon your preferences. Sweeter varieties, like Honey Crisp, Gala, and Fuji apples are my preference here. But, Pink Ladies lend a nice mix of tart and sweet, while tart Granny Smith apples will give a lovely contrast. Use what you love, just make sure they’re a variety that hold their shape and color.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Nope. Again, this is up to you. You can peel the apples or leave the skin on, based on your texture preference. I personally think the skin adds color and a little texture, but peeling will give you a softer topping and interior.

Can I make these without a waffle iron?

Sure. You can try cooking the batter as pancakes, although the texture will differ greatly.

How do I make my waffles with apples crispier?

Make sure you fully preheat the waffle iron, spray with oil, avoid overfilling the iron, and cook the waffles until they’re deeply golden brown in color. You can also crisp them even further in a toaster or 200–350°F oven for a few minutes if you prefer.

Can I make cinnamon apple waffles ahead of time?

Yes, you sure can. Cook the apple waffles and store them in the refrigerator or freezer, depending upon your preferences. And then, simply reheat them in a toaster, regular oven, or air fryer for crispy results. I actually love to keep my freezer stocked with homemade waffles for no fuss mornings.

Can I make the apple pie topping ahead?

Yes. Just follow the recipe instructions—cooking the cinnamon apple topping, cooling completely, and then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a couple of days. When ready, gently rewarm before serving.

Overhead action photo of a wooden spoon stirring caramelized apples with maple syrup and brown sugar in a large skillet.

Serving waffles and apples

  • Classic Serving Suggestion: Dust the warm waffles with powdered sugar, top with a pat of softened cinnamon butter, and generously drizzle with pure maple syrup for a classic start to your day.
  • Apple Pie Topped: Add apple pie spiced caramelized apples in maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream for a moorish waffle stack.
  • Pair with Breakfast Meats: Serve alongside breakfast sausages, sausage patties, crispy bacon, or maple bacon for an epic start to the day.
  • Serve with Eggs: Dish the apple waffles up alongside oven scrambled eggs or egg breakfast bites to balance the sweetness with a little savory goodness.

Unique serving suggestions

Overhead photo of nine freshly made apple waffles resting on a wire rack.

Storing leftovers

Allow leftover apple waffles to cool completely to room temperature before storing according to one of the methods below:

  • Refrigerator Storage for Waffles: Place the leftover waffles into an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
  • Storing Apple Topping: If possible, store the apple pie waffle topping separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
  • Freezing Instructions: After cooling the cinnamon apple waffles to room temperature, arrange them on a wax or parchment paper lined pan and flash freeze until sold. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe storage bag, press out all the air, seal, and store in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.
  • Reheating Instructions: Reheat the waffles in the toaster oven or 350-degree oven until warm and crisp throughout.
Close-up photo of a cinnamon apple waffle garnished with caramelized sliced apple pie topping and maple syrup.

Crisp, fluffy, loaded with juicy apples and kissed with warming cinnamon, these apple cinnamon waffles with apple pie topping hit the perfect sweet spot between cozy breakfast and nostalgic dessert. And, since the batter relies on pantry staples and the topping cooks in minutes, you can have apple pie waffles that feel brunch-fancy but are weeknight doable anytime your heart desires.

I hope you grab some apples and give this waffle recipe a try! But don’t forget to come back and let me know how it went in the comments below—I truly love cheering you on in the kitchen.

Until next time, cheers,

Cheyanne

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More carb-focused breakfasts!

Overhead photo of three apple waffles topped with and caramelized apples and maple syrup.

Apple Cinnamon Waffles

5 from 8 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 55 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 9 waffles
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Say hello to your new irresistible brunch favorite: Apple Cinnamon Waffles with Apple Pie Topping.  Think: golden, crispy edged waffles with fluffy centers that are strewn with fresh shredded apples, kissed with warming cinnamon, and crowned with a warm, buttery, maple-scented apple pie topping. It's cozy "dessert-for-breakfast" energy that will turn any ordinary morning into something truly magical.

Equipment

  • 3 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Waffle Iron
  • 1 large skillet

Ingredients 

  • 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour (240 grams)
  • 2 TBS Light Brown Sugar (29 grams)
  • 1 TBS Baking Powder
  • 1 ½ tsp Apple Pie Spice
  • ¾ tsp Kosher Salt
  • 2 Large Eggs – separated
  • ½ Cup Buttermilk
  • ¼ Cup Vegetable Oil (substitute: clarified butter)
  • 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Cup COLD Seltzer Water – or Club Soda
  • 1 whole Apple – grated and squeezed dry (about scant 2 cups) (peeling optional)
  • 2 TBS Cornstarch

Apple Pie Topping:

Instructions

  • Combine Dry Waffle Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt until fully combined.
    Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and then set the bowl aside.
    (Note: You can store this mix in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 3 months.)
  • Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat an electric waffle maker according to the instructions, or on the medium-high setting if you have the option.
    (Optional: If you’d like to keep the waffles warm, preheat the oven to 200-degrees Fahrenheit. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and set aside.)
  • Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks with the buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until fully combined.
  • Beat Egg Whites: Add the egg whites to a medium bowl and use an electric mixer to beat them until stiff peaks form.
  • Add Cold Water to Wet Ingredients: Dump the cold seltzer into the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
  • Add Wet Ingredients to Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the well in the center of the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined.
    Then, set the bowl aside.
  • Fold in Egg Whites: Add the beaten egg whites to the waffle batter and gently fold until ALMOST combined.
  • Toss Shredded Apples with Cornstarch: Add the shredded fresh apples to a medium bowl and add the cornstarch. Grab a spoon and toss until fully coated and combined.
  • Fold in The Shredded Apples: Add the shredded apples and use a rubber spatula to fold the ingredients until they’re just combined – there should be plenty of lumps in the batter.
  • Add Batter to Waffle Maker: Use a cookie scoop to ladle about ¼ to ½ cup of the waffle batter into the iron (the amount will depend upon your iron – I use about 6 to 7 TBS per waffle).
  • Cook Apple Waffles: Close the iron and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp on both sides, about 6 to 9 minutes or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
    After the waffles are cooked, transfer them to a plate or to the wire rack in the warm oven and cook the remaining waffle batter.
  • While Waffles Cook, Make Apple Pie Topping: Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
    Once the butter is melted, add the sugar, maple, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. Cook, stirring constantly, until melted and combined, about 30 seconds.
    Add the apples, stir to combine, and reduce the heat to between medium and medium-low.
    Cover the pan, and let them cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are *just* soft and tender, about 4 to 6 minutes.
    Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Grab a fork or spoon, try one of the apples, and adjust the apple pie topping to taste. Then cover the skillet and set the apples aside.
  • Serve Apple Cinnamon Waffles and Enjoy: Transfer the apple waffles to serving plates, top with the caramelized apple pie topping, drizzle with maple syrup, and sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar or cinnamon sugar. Enjoy immediately.
    Overhead photo of three apple waffles topped with and caramelized apples and maple syrup.

Notes

  • Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  • Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 9 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 263kcal    Carbohydrates: 39g    Protein: 5g    Fat: 10g    Saturated Fat: 3g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g    Monounsaturated Fat: 2g    Trans Fat: 0.1g    Cholesterol: 48mg    Sodium: 249mg    Potassium: 240mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 14g    Vitamin A: 141IU    Vitamin C: 0.3mg    Calcium: 107mg    Iron: 2mg
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American

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