Apple Cider Churro Waffles with Whipped Maple Cream

When Churros Met Waffles: Your New Autumn Obsession

Hey, my fellow flavor adventurers! Clara here, and I’ve got a confession: I’ve been daydreaming about this recipe since that first crisp autumn breeze snuck through my kitchen window. Picture this: golden waffles with that irresistible crunch of a churro, soaked in apple orchard magic, then piled high with maple-kissed clouds of whipped cream. It’s like your favorite fall latte decided to throw a party with weekend brunch – and everyone’s invited!

These Apple Cider Churro Waffles? They’re my edible love letter to sweater weather. I created them after a hilariously failed attempt at classic churros (let’s just say hot oil and I have trust issues). But out of that messy kitchen experiment came something even better – all the cinnamon-sugar joy without the frying fuss! They’re:

  • Crispy-edged with pillowy centers
  • Infused with real apple cider (none of that artificial stuff!)
  • Rolled in that iconic churro spiced sugar
  • Topped with maple whipped cream that melts like morning fog

Perfect for lazy Sunday mornings, impressing overnight guests, or just treating yourself because why not? Grab your waffle iron – we’re about to make your kitchen smell like a carnival-meets-orchard dreamscape!

The Apple Orchard Epiphany

Okay, story time! This recipe was born during my annual apple-picking trip with my niece last fall. We’d just filled bushels with Honeycrisps at Sunrise Orchards, cider donuts in hand, when she pointed to a churro stand and sighed, “Why don’t waffles ever get that fun cinnamon crust?”

Lightbulb moment! I raced home, still smelling like apple blossoms, and started tinkering. Batch one? Tasted like sweet cardboard. Batch two? Cider overload. But batch three… oh, batch three! The moment that crispy, sugar-dusted wedge hit my tongue with that warm apple hug? Pure magic. My niece did a happy dance that nearly toppled the syrup bottle – worth every sticky failure. Now, it’s our post-orchard ritual: muddy boots kicked off, cider simmering, and the waffle iron singing. That’s the beauty of kitchen experiments, right? Sometimes the messiest moments become your sweetest traditions.

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Apple Cider Churro Waffles with Whipped Maple Cream


  • Author: clarawhitmore
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: serves 6

Description

Brunch just got a magical upgrade. Imagine crispy waffles dusted in cinnamon sugar, kissed with warm apple cider, and crowned with a cloud of maple whipped cream. It’s the perfect cozy twist for slow weekends or an autumn-inspired brunch spread. One bite and you’re hooked—churro meets orchard in every bite.

 


Ingredients

Scale

For the Waffles:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 ½ tsp cinnamon

1 ½ cups apple cider

2 eggs

¼ cup melted butter (plus more for greasing)

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar:

½ cup granulated sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

For the Whipped Maple Cream:

1 cup heavy cream, chilled

2 tbsp pure maple syrup

½ tsp vanilla extract


Instructions

Preheat waffle iron and grease it lightly.

 

In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

 

In another bowl, mix apple cider, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry until just mixed.

 

Cook waffles in the waffle iron until golden and crisp.

 

While hot, brush waffles lightly with butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.

 

For the maple cream: beat heavy cream until soft peaks form, then add maple syrup and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.

 

Serve warm waffles with a generous dollop of maple whipped cream.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Protein: 5g

Your Autumn Flavor Toolkit

Makes 4-6 generous waffles

For the Churro Waffles:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – Our trusty base! For fluffier waffles, spoon flour into measuring cups (don’t scoop!). Gluten-free swap: Use 1:1 GF flour blend.
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar – Just enough sweetness to make the cider pop. Coconut sugar works beautifully too.
  • 1 tbsp baking powder – The lift master! Ensure it’s fresh for maximum puff.
  • ½ tsp salt – Balances sweetness. I use fine sea salt.
  • 1 ½ tsp cinnamon – The churro soul! Saigon cinnamon has the best warmth.
  • 1 ½ cups apple ciderNOT juice! Reduced cider = intense flavor. Boil 2 cups down to 1.5 cups (game-changer!).
  • 2 eggs – Room temp = fluffier batter. Vegan? Mix 1 tbsp chia + 3 tbsp water per egg.
  • ¼ cup melted butter (+ extra) – For richness & crisp edges. Browned butter adds nutty magic! Vegan? Coconut oil works.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract – The cozy hug. Splurge on pure vanilla if you can!

For the Cinnamon Sugar:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon – Mix in a shallow bowl for easy waffle rolling!

For the Whipped Maple Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy cream, chilled – Cold cream = faster whips. Can’t find heavy cream? Whipping cream works but may be softer.
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup – Grade A amber = best flavor. Avoid pancake syrup!
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract – Optional but heavenly.

Let’s Make Some Magic!


  1. Preheat & Prep


    Fire up your waffle iron to medium-high. Lightly brush plates with melted butter (even if non-stick!). Chef’s secret: Place a baking sheet with a wire rack in your oven set to “Warm” – this keeps waffles perfectly crisp!



  2. Whisk the Dry Crew


    In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Pro tip: Whisk for 30 seconds to aerate – fluffier waffles ahead!



  3. Unite the Wet Team


    In another bowl, whisk eggs until smooth. Slowly whisk in cooled melted butter (hot butter cooks eggs!), reduced apple cider, and vanilla. Hack: No reduced cider? Simmer 2 cups cider for 15 mins until reduced by ¼ cup!



  4. Marry Wet & Dry


    Pour wet ingredients into dry. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined – lumps are FINE! Overmixing = tough waffles. Batter should look shaggy. Let rest 5 mins (gluten relaxes = tender crumb).



  5. Waffle Time!


    Pour batter onto hot iron (⅔ full – they expand!). Close lid and cook 4-6 mins until deeply golden and crisp. Resist peeking! Steam escape = less rise. Transfer waffles directly to oven rack to stay crisp.



  6. Churro Transformation


    While waffles are hot, brush lightly with melted butter. Dip both sides in cinnamon sugar! Hot tip: Press gently so sugar adheres to all those nooks.



  7. Maple Cloud Whipping


    With chilled beaters and bowl, whip cream to soft peaks. Drizzle in maple syrup and vanilla. Whip to medium peaks – creamy but holds shape! Don’t overwhip or it’ll turn buttery.


Plating Perfection

Stack waffles high on warm plates – that crisp sugar layer should glisten! Dollop generously with maple cream right before serving (it melts into the waffle pockets like a dream). For extra autumn vibes:

  • Drizzle with warm salted caramel
  • Scatter with toasted pecans
  • Add thin apple slices sautéed in butter + cinnamon
  • Serve with extra cider for sipping!

Mix It Up!

This recipe loves playing dress-up:

  • Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add 1 tsp pumpkin spice to dry ingredients + ½ cup pumpkin purée to wet mix.
  • Gluten-Free/Vegan: Use GF flour, chia eggs, and coconut oil. Whip coconut cream instead of dairy!
  • Bourbon Kissed: Add 1 tbsp bourbon to whipped cream + 1 tsp to batter for grown-up flair.
  • Chocolate Churro: Mix 2 tbsp cocoa powder into cinnamon sugar + mini chocolate chips in batter.
  • Savory-Sweet: Top with sharp cheddar shreds before the sugar coating – trust me!

From My Kitchen to Yours

Fun fact: The first time I tested these, I accidentally used apple cider vinegar instead of cider! Cue the face-palm. But you know what? After some frantic tweaking (and lots of sugar!), even that batch was oddly delicious. That’s the joy of cooking – happy accidents lead to new favorites! Over time, I’ve learned:

  • Reducing the cider is NON-NEGOTIABLE for intense flavor
  • Letting batter rest = supremely tender insides
  • Sugar-coating while hot ensures maximum crunch

Now, my friends text me “cider waffle emergencies” when autumn hits. Make extras – they freeze beautifully! Pop ’em straight in the toaster for instant cozy mornings.

Your Questions, Answered!

Q: Can I make batter ahead?
A: Absolutely! Mix dry and wet separately overnight. Combine just before cooking. Batter thickens as it sits – add 1 tbsp cider if too gluey.

Q: Why did my waffles stick?
A: Three culprits: 1) Waffle iron not hot enough (preheat 10 mins!), 2) Not enough butter on plates, 3) Opening lid too early. Wait for the steam to slow!

Q: Can I freeze these?
A: YES! Cool waffles completely after sugar-coating. Freeze in a single layer, then bag. Reheat in toaster or 375°F oven for 8 mins – they’ll taste fresh!

Q: My whipped cream went flat!
A> Cream must be ICE cold. Chill bowl/beaters 20 mins first! Overbeating causes graininess – stop at soft/medium peaks.

Nutritional Notes

Approximate per serving (based on 6 servings):
Calories: 350 | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 42g | Sugar: 18g | Protein: 5g

Remember: This is a treat! Balance is key – enjoy mindfully with a side of scrambled eggs or fruit.

These Apple Cider Churro Waffles are fall brunch goals wrapped in cozy cinnamon clouds. Born from a kitchen mishap and orchard inspiration, they’re everything we love about autumn—crunchy, spiced, and soaked in cider-sweet nostalgia. Whether you’re serving guests, spoiling yourself, or just chasing that perfect crisp morning bite, this recipe delivers golden comfort with every syrup-drenched forkful. So go ahead—make a double batch, stack ’em high, and taste the season one waffle at a time. 🍁🧇

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