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Caramelized Cinnamon Apple Waffles Recipe

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4.3 from 15 reviews

Delight in these Caramelized Cinnamon Apple Waffles, combining the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with tender, sweet apple slices cooked to perfection and folded into a fluffy waffle batter. Finished with a luscious caramelized apple topping and a drizzle of maple syrup, these waffles are perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat that serves the whole family.

Ingredients

Caramelized Apple Filling

  • 4 large apples, sliced (5 and 1/2 cups, mix of Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious)
  • 3 tbsp salted butter (42 grams)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (110 grams)
  • 1 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • Pinch of allspice
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp water

Waffle Batter

  • 2 large eggs, divided
  • 1/4 cup salted butter (57 grams)
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup (45 grams)
  • 2 cups milk (2%, 480 grams)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed (55 grams)
  • 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled or weighed (325 grams)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 medium apple, grated (preferably Honeycrisp or Gala)

Instructions

  1. Make the Caramelized Apples: Rinse and, if desired, peel the apples. Slice them into 1/2 to 1/4 inch thickness. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine the sliced apples with salted butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and a pinch of allspice. Cook, stirring lazily, for 6-8 minutes until the apples soften. Dissolve cornstarch in water in a small bowl, then stir into the apple mixture. Continue cooking and stirring for 45 seconds until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat. This mixture can be made a day ahead for convenience.
  2. Prepare the Waffle Batter: Separate the egg yolks and whites, reserving the yolks chilled in a measuring cup. Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, then transfer to a bowl and refrigerate. Clean the large mixing bowl, then melt the butter and whisk in maple syrup. Add the egg yolks, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking to combine. Stir in flour, light brown sugar, spices (cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves), salt, and grated apple until just combined. Gently fold in the beaten egg whites with a spatula, mixing only until no large white streaks remain; some specks are okay.
  3. Cook the Waffles: Preheat your waffle maker and spray it lightly with nonstick spray. Pour approximately one quarter of the batter into the waffle maker and cook for 5-8 minutes, adjusting based on your appliance until waffles turn golden brown. Repeat for remaining batter. While waffles cook, prepare the caramelized apples for serving.
  4. Serve and Store: Serve the waffles hot topped with the warm caramelized apples, additional butter if desired, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Optionally, add chopped nuts for extra texture. Store any leftover waffles and apple topping separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Notes

  • You can peel the apples for a smoother texture or leave the skins on for added fiber and color.
  • Adjust the spice levels according to your preference; increase cinnamon for more warmth or reduce cloves if preferred milder.
  • The caramelized apple mixture can be prepared the day before to save time on the morning of serving.
  • Be careful not to overfold the egg whites into the batter to maintain the waffles’ light and fluffy texture.
  • If you don’t have a waffle maker, you can try using a griddle or skillet, though cooking time and texture will vary.
  • Leftover waffles reheat well in an oven or toaster for a crisp finish.