Easy Waffle Recipe for Waffle Maker (with apples)

These soft apple waffles have lightly crisp edges, little juicy apple pieces, and that warm homemade smell that fills the whole kitchen. This easy waffle recipe for waffle maker uses simple ingredients and makes six generous waffles that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.

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Watch my easy apple waffles recipe video below to see exactly how I make them. If you enjoy the video, give it a like and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more easy breakfast recipes.

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Why You’ll Love These Apple Waffles

This recipe is easy enough for a relaxed weekend breakfast, but the fresh apples make the waffles feel a little more special than an everyday batch.

The apples are cut into small cubes and stirred right into the batter, so you get little pockets of soft, sweet apple throughout each waffle. There is no need to cook the apples first, and the waffle iron does not need to be greased if it has a good nonstick surface.

I also love that this batter makes exactly six large waffles. It is enough for sharing, but not such a huge batch that you are standing beside the waffle maker all morning.

Texture + Flavor

These waffles are soft and fluffy through the middle, with lightly crisp edges and small pieces of tender apple in every bite.

The flavor is buttery, gently sweet, and comforting without needing a long list of spices. The apples bring freshness and a little natural sweetness, while the powdered sugar on top makes them look sooo pretty with almost no effort.

Next time, I would probably add a little cinnamon too. Apple and cinnamon just belong together, in my opinion.

Did You Know: Cutting the apples into small cubes helps them soften inside the waffle without releasing as much liquid as finely grated apples can.

Ingredients for this easy waffle recipe for a waffle maker

This apple waffle recipe makes about 3-4 large waffles.

• 1/2 cup (120 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2/3 cup (130 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon (260 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cut into small cubes
• Powdered sugar, for serving, optional

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Digital kitchen scale, optional but recommended
• Peeler
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Spatula
• Waffle maker

A Belgian-style or deep-pocket waffle maker works well, but you can use any waffle iron you already have. The number of waffles may change depending on the size and shape of your machine.

How to Make Waffles with a Waffle Iron

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar

First, add 1/2 cup (120 g) of softened unsalted butter to a large mixing bowl, then add 2/3 cup (130 g) of granulated sugar.

Using an electric mixer, beat them together for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture looks lighter in color and becomes smooth and creamy.

Top Tip: The butter should be soft enough to press with your finger, but it should not look melted or greasy. Butter that is too cold will not combine properly with the sugar.

Step 2: Add the eggs

Next, add 2 large eggs and mix them into the butter and sugar until everything is fully combined.

The mixture may look slightly curdled for a moment after the eggs go in. That is completely normal, especially if the ingredients are still a little cool.

Step 3: Pour in the milk

Add 1 cup (240 ml) of room-temperature milk and mix until it is fully worked into the mixture.

Start on a lower speed so the milk does not splash out of the bowl, then increase the speed slightly once it begins to combine.

Note: Room-temperature milk mixes more easily with the softened butter. Cold milk can cause the butter to firm up into small pieces.

Step 4: Add the dry ingredients

Add 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon (260 g) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

Mix just until the flour disappears and the batter is evenly combined. Stop as soon as you no longer see dry patches around the sides or bottom of the bowl.

Top Tip: Do not keep beating once the flour has been mixed in. Overmixing can make the waffles heavier and less tender.

Step 5: Add the apples

Add 2 medium apples that you have peeled, cored, and cut into small cubes.

Use a spatula to fold the apples through the batter until the pieces are spread evenly, so every scoop of batter contains plenty of apple.

The cubes should be small enough to fit comfortably inside the pockets of your waffle maker. Pieces around 1/4 inch are ideal.

Step 6: Cook the waffles

Preheat the waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Spoon about 5 tablespoons of batter into the hot waffle iron, or use the amount that fits your particular machine without overflowing.

Close the lid and cook until the outside looks golden and the edges feel lightly crisp. Once the steam has mostly slowed down and the waffle lifts out easily without sticking, it is ready.

Repeat with the remaining batter. This recipe should make approximately 6 large waffles.

Note: Waffle makers cook at different speeds, so use the color, steam, and texture as your guide rather than relying on one exact cooking time.

Related Recipe: If you liked this easy waffle recipe, then you should also try these naturally sweet lentil waffles here.

Do You Need to Grease the Waffle Maker?

The original recipe does not require any oil or cooking spray because the batter already contains a generous amount of butter.

A well-seasoned or nonstick waffle maker should release the waffles easily. However, if your machine tends to stick, lightly brush the plates with a very small amount of neutral oil before adding the first portion of batter.

Avoid using too much oil because it can leave the waffles greasy rather than crisp.

Best Apples for Apple Waffles

A firm apple is best because it holds its shape while the waffle cooks.

Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith are all good options. Sweeter varieties give you a softer, naturally sweet flavor, while Granny Smith adds a slightly tart contrast.

Very soft or mealy apples can become mushy and release more moisture into the batter.

Easy Apple Waffle Swaps

Keep the swaps simple so the texture of the batter stays reliable.

• Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon with the flour.
• Replace up to half of the apples with firm diced pears.
• Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a warmer flavor.
• Use 2% milk instead of whole milk if that is what you have.
• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the finished waffles rather than mixing them into the batter.

I would not reduce the butter too much in this recipe. The butter helps create the soft middle, golden color, and lightly crisp exterior.

How to Serve Apple Waffles

These waffles are delicious with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, especially while they are still warm.

You could also serve them with:

• Maple syrup
• Greek yogurt
• Whipped cream
• Ice cream
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• A drizzle of honey

For a cozy brunch, add scrambled eggs or crispy bacon on the side. The sweet and savory combination is so satisfying.

How to Keep Waffles Warm

Place the cooked waffles in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Keep them in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish cooking the rest. Do not cover them, because covering traps steam and makes the surfaces soft.

This is especially helpful when making the full batch for several people.

Storage

Allow leftover waffles to cool completely before storing them.

Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add a small piece of parchment paper between the waffles if you need to stack them.

Do not store warm waffles in a sealed container. The trapped steam can make them damp.

How to Reheat Apple Waffles

The toaster is my favorite method because it brings back some of the lightly crisp texture.

Toast the waffles on a medium setting until heated through. Watch them closely because the apple pieces and sugar can brown quickly.

You can also reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 8 minutes, or in an air fryer at 325°F (165°C) for around 3 to 4 minutes.

The microwave works in a hurry, but the waffles will be much softer.

More Easy Waffle and Pancake Recipes

If you enjoyed this easy waffle recipe for a waffle maker, take a look at the other waffle and pancake recipes below for more fun breakfast ideas.

• Fluffy Pancakes With Sweet Potato – NO Flour, MUCH Healthier! – These naturally sweet pancakes are made with sweet potato instead of flour, creating a soft, fluffy, and healthier breakfast.
• Fluffy Greek Yogurt Pancakes – Light, fluffy, and packed with protein, these Greek yogurt pancakes are easy to make and perfect for a satisfying breakfast.
• Best Fluffy Pancake Recipe – Learn how to make classic pancakes that are soft, fluffy, and golden every time using simple pantry ingredients.

And tell me what you think of these apple waffles. Would you add cinnamon, or keep them just as they are? Leave a comment or ask any questions about the recipe below, or in the YouTube video comments. I try to reply to every comment and question!