Glazed Waffle Rings

Never let a delicious glazed donut go to waste again! Transform humble day-old donuts into an extraordinary breakfast or dessert with these incredible Donut Waffles. Simply press them in a hot waffle iron, and in minutes, you’ll have a warm, scrumptious treat that will redefine your perception of donuts. With a perfectly caramelized, crispy exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth soft center, many argue they’re even better than fresh donuts! This ingenious recipe is not just about reducing waste; it’s about elevating a simple pastry into an unforgettable culinary experience that your family and friends will absolutely adore.

Transforming Day-Old Donuts into a Decadent Treat

We’ve all been there: a box of delightful donuts from the weekend, now a day or two old, losing their fresh appeal. But before you even think about discarding those perfectly good pastries, consider this game-changing solution: Donut Waffles! This simple yet brilliant concept breathes new life into leftover glazed, raised donuts, turning them into a warm, crispy, and utterly irresistible breakfast or dessert. The magic happens when the donut’s inherent sugars caramelize against the hot waffle iron, creating a golden-brown, slightly crispy crust while maintaining a soft, fluffy interior. It’s a texture sensation that truly might surpass the enjoyment of a fresh donut!

This isn’t just a clever hack; it’s a culinary revelation. The transformation is so dramatic and delicious, it gives even the most beloved classic crispy waffle recipes a serious run for their money. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!

Why Donut Waffles Are a Must-Try Culinary Adventure

Our weekends often involve indulging in a delightful box of donuts, and more often than not, we find ourselves with a few too many. This is precisely where Donut Waffles come to the rescue! Driven by the simple principle that no donut should ever go to waste, I embarked on a little kitchen experiment, and the results were absolutely spectacular. Seriously, y’all, this is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that you absolutely have to try!

While day-old donuts are the prime candidates for this delightful transformation, don’t hesitate to use fresh ones if you’re craving this unique treat. However, if you happen to have a box of glazed Krispy Kreme donuts lingering from yesterday, I can’t imagine a more heavenly way to enjoy them. The distinct sweetness and airy texture of such donuts lend themselves perfectly to the waffle iron’s embrace, creating an unparalleled fusion of flavors and textures.

One of the best parts about Donut Waffles is their incredible versatility when it comes to toppings. We absolutely love topping ours with a pat of rich, melting butter, a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup, and a vibrant scattering of fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries. The combination of warm, sweet, and slightly tart is simply divine. But honestly, eating them warm, straight from the waffle iron, without any adornments, is a pure moment of blissful indulgence. The simple act of biting into that caramelized crispness revealing a tender, fluffy interior is a treat in itself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

Elevate Your Morning: Go Big with a Donut Waffle Sundae

Looking for an extraordinary way to celebrate? For a truly indulgent breakfast celebration, or simply to add a burst of fun to any morning, try crafting a magnificent Donut Waffle Ice Cream Sundae! This over-the-top treat transforms the already delicious Donut Waffle into an epic dessert experience. Imagine a stack of warm, crispy donut waffles forming the base for scoops of your favorite ice cream, lavishly topped with whipped cream, decadent chocolate sauce, a scattering of colorful rainbow sprinkles, and, of course, a bright red cherry on top. It’s an absolute showstopper, perfect for a birthday breakfast, a special holiday brunch, or any occasion that calls for a truly sweet and memorable start to the day. The contrast of the warm, caramelized donut waffle with cold, creamy ice cream is simply irresistible.

Essential Ingredients & Equipment for Donut Waffles

Making Donut Waffles is incredibly simple, requiring minimal ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful treat:

• Glazed Raised Donuts: These are key! Their light, airy texture and sugary glaze caramelize beautifully.
• Waffle Maker: A standard waffle iron is all you need. Make sure it’s clean and in good working order.
• Cooking Oil Spray: Essential for preventing sticking and ensuring a perfect crisp.

Optional Toppings (highly recommended for ultimate enjoyment!):

• Butter
• Maple Syrup (warm for best results)
• Fresh Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)

For the Ultimate Donut Waffle Sundae:

• Vanilla Ice Cream (or your favorite flavor)
• Whipped Topping or Fresh Whipped Cream
• Rainbow Sprinkles
• Chocolate Sauce
• Maraschino Cherries

Beyond Waffles: Explore The Best Donut Recipes

If your heart beats for donuts, then you’ll absolutely go nuts for our curated collection of The Best Homemade Donut Recipes. These recipes are not only incredibly easy to follow but also yield unbelievably delicious results, allowing you to create bakery-quality donuts right in your own kitchen. As an added bonus, we share some truly creative and inspiring ways to elevate and enjoy store-bought donuts, ensuring every donut experience is a memorable one. Dive in and discover your next favorite sweet indulgence!

Simple Steps to Perfectly Crisp Donut Waffles

Creating these delightful Donut Waffles is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a golden, crispy, and utterly delicious result every time:

• Step 1: Prepare Your Waffle Iron. Begin by pre-heating your waffle iron to your desired setting (medium-high usually works best). Once heated, lightly spray the griddles with cooking oil spray to prevent any sticking and to encourage a beautiful caramelization.
• Step 2: Place the Donut. Carefully place a single glazed donut into the center of the pre-heated, oiled waffle iron. For the best results, I highly recommend using donuts without heavy frosting or sprinkles on top, such as classic glazed or cinnamon sugar donuts. The simpler glazes melt beautifully and caramelize without creating a sticky mess.
• Step 3: Press and Cook. Gently close the waffle iron lid, applying a slight press to ensure the donut makes good contact with the griddles. Allow the donut to cook inside the waffle iron for approximately 2 minutes, or until it achieves a perfect crisp, golden-brown color. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your waffle iron and donut thickness, so keep an eye on it!
• Step 4: Carefully Remove. Once perfectly golden and crispy, use a fork or a pair of tongs to carefully remove the hot donut waffle from the waffle iron. Be gentle, as it will be soft and warm.

• Step 5: Repeat and Keep Warm. Repeat this process with your remaining donuts. If you’re making a batch for several people, you can keep the finished Donut Waffles warm by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until you are ready to serve. This ensures every bite is warm and delightful.
• Step 6: Serve and Enjoy. Serve your warm Donut Waffles immediately, either plain or with your favorite toppings like butter, maple syrup, fresh berries, or as part of a decadent sundae. The possibilities are endless, and the enjoyment is guaranteed!

Tips for Donut Waffle Success

Achieving the perfect Donut Waffle is easy, but a few tips can make all the difference:

• Donut Choice Matters: Glazed, raised (yeast) donuts work best. Their lighter texture and ample sugar create that desirable crispy, caramelized crust and fluffy interior. Avoid dense cake donuts as they tend to become too heavy, and heavily frosted donuts can create a sticky mess in your waffle iron.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Place only one donut at a time in the center of each waffle iron section. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispness.
• Listen and Look: The exact cooking time can vary. Listen for the sizzling to die down and look for a deep golden-brown color. If it looks pale, cook for another 30 seconds.
• Serve Immediately: Donut Waffles are best enjoyed fresh off the iron when they are at their crispiest and warmest.
• Clean Your Waffle Iron: After each donut, quickly check for any sticky residue and gently wipe it clean with a damp cloth if necessary, especially if glaze has dripped.

Storing and Reheating Donut Waffles for Future Enjoyment

While Donut Waffles are undeniably best enjoyed fresh off the iron, you can certainly store leftovers to savor later. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead option for busy mornings or unexpected cravings.

• To Store in the Fridge: Allow any leftover donut waffles to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. This will help maintain their texture and prevent them from drying out.
• To Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to keep them for an extended period, freezing is a great option. After the waffles have cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes until firm. This prevents them from sticking together. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or individual freezer-safe baggies. They will keep well in the freezer for up to two months.

Reheating Instructions:

• Microwave Method: For a quick reheat, place one donut waffle in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for about 20 seconds if thawed, or 30-40 seconds if frozen, until heated through. Be aware that the microwave will soften the waffle, not crisp it.
• Oven Method (for crispness): To restore some of that delightful crispiness, reheat un-iced waffles in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes from thawed, or 10 minutes from frozen, until they are heated through and lightly re-crisped. This is our preferred method for reheating!
• Toaster/Toaster Oven Method: For ultimate crispness, especially for individual servings, pop a cooled or frozen donut waffle into a toaster or toaster oven on a medium setting until hot and crispy. This works particularly well for plain glazed donut waffles.

FAQs About Donut Waffles

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you master your Donut Waffle creations:

• Can I use any type of donut? While glazed, raised (yeast) donuts are highly recommended for their light texture and caramelizing glaze, you can experiment. Cake donuts tend to be denser and may not get as crispy. Avoid donuts with heavy frosting, as it will melt and create a sticky mess in your waffle iron.
• Do I need to grease my waffle iron? Yes, always! Even if your waffle iron is non-stick, a light spray of cooking oil ensures the donuts don’t stick and helps achieve that beautiful golden, caramelized crust.
• How do I know when they’re done? Look for a deep golden-brown color and a crispy exterior. The cooking time is usually around 2 minutes, but it can vary based on your waffle iron’s heat and the donut’s thickness.
• Can I make these in advance? Yes, you can store and reheat them as described above. However, for the best crispness, enjoy them immediately after cooking.
• What if my donuts are very stale? If your donuts are extremely hard, they might not soften up as well in the waffle iron. This recipe works best with donuts that are just a day or two old and still retain some softness.

If you whip up these incredible Donut Waffles, be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see your delightful creations! 😍 I truly love seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy every single bite!

xoxo,

Recipe Card: Donut Waffles

Here’s a quick summary of the recipe for easy reference:

Description

Never let a donut go to waste with delicious Donut Waffles! Press day-old donuts in a waffle iron for a hot, scrumptious breakfast treat they’ll love. With a caramelized top and a melt-in-your mouth center, they might be better than fresh donuts!

Details

• Author: The BakerMama
• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Total Time: 4 minutes

Ingredients

• Glazed raised donuts
• Butter, if desired
• Maple syrup, if desired
• Fresh berries, if desired
• Vanilla ice cream (for sundae)
• Whipped cream (for sundae)
• Chocolate syrup (for sundae)
• Sprinkles (for sundae)
• Maraschino cherries (for sundae)

Instructions

1. Pre-heat the waffle iron and then spray with cooking oil.
2. Place a donut inside the waffle iron and press down. I recommend using donuts without frosting on top, such as glazed or cinnamon sugar!
3. Let the donut cook inside the waffle iron for about 2 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.
4. Carefully remove the donut waffle from the waffle iron with a fork or tongs.
5. Repeat as necessary with remaining donuts.
6. Enjoy warm as is OR top with butter, syrup, whipped cream, ice cream or other fun toppings for an indulgent treat.

Did you make this recipe? Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!