Waffles are already beloved. Churros? Equally adored. Apple pie? Iconic comfort food. So what happens when you merge all three? You get Churro Apple Pie Waffles—a next-level fusion dish that’s crispy, fluffy, sweet, and bursting with cinnamon-spiced apple goodness.
These churro waffles are brushed with melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar, just like your favorite fairground treat. Topped with a warm apple pie filling, each bite is cozy, fruity, and fun—perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or food truck menus. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking to upgrade your waffle iron recipes, this one’s a must-try.
✨ What Makes These Waffles So Special?
- Texture Heaven: Crispy exterior, tender and fluffy inside.
- Flavor Explosion: Classic apple pie spices paired with cinnamon sugar.
- Instagram-Worthy: Beautiful to look at, even better to eat.
- Kid and Adult Favorite: A guaranteed hit with the whole family.
- Totally Customizable: Use your favorite fruits, make it gluten-free, or even add ice cream.
It’s the kind of dish you’d expect at a trendy brunch spot, a late-night dessert truck, or even a creative spin on carnival food. These waffles are pancakes and waffles on a whole new level.
🍎 Ingredients for Churro Apple Pie Waffles
🍏 For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 3 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work well)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)
🧇 For the Waffle Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
🧈 For the Churro Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
🔪 How to Make Churro Apple Pie Waffles – Step-by-Step
STEP 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Cook while stirring for 5–7 minutes until the apples begin to soften.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook another 1–2 minutes, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Tip: You can make the filling a day ahead. Just refrigerate and reheat gently before using.
STEP 2: Make the Waffle Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed—don’t over-stir.
- Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes for fluffier waffles.
STEP 3: Cook the Waffles
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- Lightly spray with oil or brush with melted butter.
- Pour about ½–¾ cup of batter into the center of the iron.
- Cook until golden brown and crisp (typically 4–6 minutes).
- Remove and place on a cooling rack to preserve crispness.
STEP 4: Churro Coating
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Brush each warm waffle with melted butter.
- Press or roll waffles into the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
STEP 5: Assemble the Dish
- Place a churro waffle on a plate.
- Spoon apple pie filling over the top.
- Optional: Add whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or caramel drizzle.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
These churro apple pie waffles are rich, indulgent, and versatile. Here’s how you can elevate them further:
➤ Dessert Waffle Pizza
Serve large round waffles like waffle pizza—spread the filling evenly and slice like pizza. Garnish with chopped nuts or powdered sugar.
➤ Food Truck Style
Stack two waffles with filling in the middle and wrap in parchment. Add a side of caramel dip for a truly waffle truck-inspired experience.
➤ Brunch Board Hero
Cut waffles into quarters and serve on a board with fruit, nut butter, syrup, and yogurt for an Instagrammable brunch board.
➤ Fall/Winter Holiday Brunch
Pair with hot cider or coffee and serve as a Thanksgiving or Christmas morning showstopper.
🔁 Variations You’ll Love
🍑 Try Different Fruit Fillings
- Pear and ginger
- Peach and cinnamon
- Mixed berries and lemon zest
🍫 Add More Sweet Layers
- Nutella drizzle
- White chocolate chips
- Crumbled graham crackers
🥥 Dairy-Free Version
- Use almond or oat milk and coconut oil.
- Replace butter with vegan margarine or plant-based butter for coating.
💪 High-Protein Waffle Boost
- Add 1–2 tbsp of protein powder to the batter.
- Use Greek yogurt in place of some milk.
🧊 Storage + Reheating Tips
Store:
- Cool waffles completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze:
- Freeze waffles on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Once frozen, stack them with parchment between and place in freezer bags.
Reheat:
- Pop waffles in the toaster or oven (350°F for 5–7 mins) to re-crisp.
- Reheat apple pie filling on the stovetop or in the microwave.
📚 Nutritional Overview (Per Waffle with Apple Filling)
- Calories: ~350–450
- Carbs: ~50g
- Fat: ~15g
- Protein: ~6g
Note: This will vary depending on toppings, fillings, and portion size.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this with pancake mix or boxed waffle mix?
Yes, though homemade batter delivers the best texture. If you’re in a rush, pancake mix works well—just make it a bit thicker for crisp waffles.
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely. Warm it up before topping and adjust sweetness to taste.
What apples are best?
Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for balance, or Fuji for extra sweetness.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.
Can I bake these instead of using a waffle iron?
No, the waffle iron is key for that signature crispiness and shape.
🌎 Global Twist: Regional Flavor Add-Ins
If you’re adventurous or running an international-inspired kitchen, here are fun adaptations:
- Mexican-Inspired: Add chili powder to the cinnamon sugar for heat.
- German Christmas Market: Add cloves and cardamom to filling, and serve with warm glühwein.
- Middle Eastern Touch: Add rosewater and chopped pistachios for a baklava-style flavor.
💬 Final Thoughts
This recipe proves that waffles can be the centerpiece of any meal, not just breakfast. These Churro Apple Pie Waffles are bold, beautiful, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your kids, hosting brunch, launching a new food truck dish, or looking for something viral-worthy to post online, this sweet, spiced, indulgent waffle recipe hits all the marks.
So grab that waffle maker and whip up a batch—you’re about to be the most popular person at the table.
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