Summary
Adding crisp, sweet apples, applesauce, and cinnamon pumps up the flavor of regular old buttermilk waffles. Grating the apples is a good way to add some texture without leaving big chunks of raw apple in the batter. Serve these waffles for a cozy fall breakfast or Christmas brunch with a pat of molasses-clove, vanilla-orange, or honey butter on top. Freeze any leftovers between sheets of parchment paper inside a resealable plastic bag, and toast one whenever you need a quick weekday breakfast.
Special equipment: You’ll need a pastry brush and a Belgian waffle iron for this recipe.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups low-fat buttermilk
- 1 1/4 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium, sweet apples, such as Rome or Pink Lady
- Vegetable oil, for brushing the waffle iron
- Maple syrup, for serving