Oh, my dears, there’s just something so incredibly comforting about the aroma of warm spices mingling with sweet apples on a crisp morning, isn’t there? This Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon isn’t just breakfast; it’s a hug in a waffle, a perfect blend of fluffy interior and delightfully golden-crisp edges, all kissed with the magic of cinnamon. It transports me right back to simpler times, to those treasured moments when the kitchen was the heart of our home.
I remember childhood afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, the air thick with the scent of her apple pies. That warmth, that joy of simple ingredients transforming into something extraordinary, is what inspired this very Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon. It’s a testament to the fact that even a humble waffle iron can create pure magic, much like the first time I made these for a family brunch and saw everyone’s eyes light up!
This recipe is wonderfully easy to bake, making it a perfect family-friendly treat for any day of the week, or a delightful centerpiece for a special celebration. My secret trick? Always ensure your waffle iron is perfectly preheated; it makes all the difference in achieving that irresistible crispness!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting these delightful apple waffles is a joy, truly. For this Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon, we’re bringing together pantry staples like all-purpose flour, rich unsalted butter, and the star, crisp apples, all elevated by our special homemade cinnamon spice mix. I always say, simple ingredients, endless possibilities! You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon
Making this Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon is a simple, three-step dance that brings so much warmth to your kitchen. First, you’ll whisk up our fragrant homemade cinnamon spice mix, filling your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma. Next, we’ll gently fold that spiced apple goodness into our smooth waffle batter, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Finally, we’ll cook these beauties on a hot waffle iron until they’re golden brown and wonderfully crispy.
Apple Waffles with Homemade Cinnamon Spice Mix
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Whisk together until well blended. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1.5 teaspoons of the homemade cinnamon spice mix (save the rest for topping or future use).
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. Gently fold in the finely diced apple.
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly brush or spray the waffle iron plates with vegetable oil or non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup of batter (or the amount recommended by your waffle iron manufacturer) onto the hot waffle iron. Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffle is golden brown and crisp, and steam is no longer escaping.
- Carefully remove the cooked waffle and transfer it to a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter, ensuring to re-grease the waffle iron between each waffle if needed.
- Serve the apple waffles immediately with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, a sprinkle of the remaining homemade cinnamon spice mix, whipped cream, or extra diced apples.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon
Making the perfect Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon is all about those little details that transform good into unforgettable.
My Secret Trick: I always grate my apples using the large holes of a box grater, then gently squeeze out any excess moisture. This ensures the waffles cook evenly and stay wonderfully crisp, without becoming soggy from too much apple juice.
For that truly fluffy texture, I recommend not overmixing your batter. A few lumps are absolutely fine; overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to tougher waffles, and we want soft, airy perfection with this Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon.
Always let your waffle batter rest for about 5-10 minutes before cooking. This allows the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to relax, resulting in a lighter, more tender waffle. It’s a small step that yields big results!
Make sure your waffle iron is properly hot before adding the batter. This is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown crust and ensures the waffles release easily without sticking. Patience is a virtue when it comes to crispy waffles!
Fun Variations for Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon
One of the things I adore most about baking is the freedom to play, to take a beloved Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon and make it uniquely yours.
- Nutty Crunch: My friend Clara always asks me to add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor. It’s a wonderful addition, especially if you toast them lightly first!
- Caramel Swirl: For an extra decadent treat, try swirling a tablespoon of warm caramel sauce into the batter just before closing the waffle iron. The slight bitterness of the caramel wonderfully complements the sweet apples and spices in this Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon.
- Berry Bliss: In the summertime, I love to fold in a half-cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries along with the apples. The tart berries offer a lovely contrast to the warm spices.
- Maple Glaze: Instead of just syrup, whip up a simple maple glaze with powdered sugar and a splash of maple syrup to drizzle over the top. It’s a game-changer!
What to Serve With Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon
Serving these delightful Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon is just as much fun as making them! They truly shine with a variety of toppings and sides.
A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps with a touch of vanilla extract, is always a winner in my book. It adds a luxurious lightness that beautifully balances the spiced apples. My mom always pairs them with a steaming mug of hot cocoa during the cooler months—pure bliss!
For a touch of freshness, I love scattering some fresh berries, like sliced strawberries or raspberries, over the top. Their brightness really sings against the warmth of the waffles. A drizzle of pure maple syrup is, of course, a classic for this Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon, but don’t shy away from a spoonful of apple butter or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simpler elegance. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over a warm waffle is an absolute dream!
How to Store Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon
Baking up a batch of this Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon sometimes means having delicious leftovers, and I’m here to ensure they taste just as magical the next day!
Fridge Storage
Once cooled completely, stack your apple waffles with a piece of parchment paper between each to prevent sticking. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Friendly
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these waffles! Lay cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 30 minutes). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, again with parchment paper between layers, and they’ll keep beautifully for up to 2-3 months. My personal tip: Label your bags with the date so you always know how fresh they are!
Reheating Wonders
To reheat, you can pop them in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and crispy again. You can also warm them gently in the microwave if you prefer a softer waffle, but for that glorious crunch, the toaster is your best friend. A light dusting of powdered sugar after reheating brings this Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon back to life!
Nutritional Benefits
This Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon offers more than just comfort; it brings a touch of wholesome goodness too. Apples provide dietary fiber, while our homemade spice mix offers antioxidants. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my approach to baking: combining indulgence with simple, wholesome ingredients.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I make the waffle batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the batter for this Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. You might need to add a splash more milk or water to thin it slightly before cooking, as it can thicken.
Faq 2
What kind of apples are best for these waffles?
For this recipe, I recommend using firm, slightly tart apples that hold their shape well when cooked. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are all excellent choices for this Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon, offering a lovely balance of flavor and texture.
Faq 3
Why is a homemade spice mix better?
Creating your own cinnamon spice mix for this Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon allows you to control the freshness and balance of flavors. Freshly ground spices always deliver a more vibrant and aromatic experience compared to pre-ground, older mixes from the store.
Faq 4
Can I make these waffles gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon by swapping the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or add a quarter teaspoon per cup of flour for best results.
Conclusion
There you have it, my friends – a delightful Apple Waffles Recipe with Homemade Cinnamon that promises to fill your home with warmth and your hearts with joy. It’s a testament to the simple pleasures of baking, a dish that brings people together and creates beautiful memories, much like those I shared with my grandmother. So, tie on your apron, gather your loved ones, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen. Happy baking!