Save Golden waffles filled with warm caramelized apples and a drizzle of luscious caramel sauce are an irresistible handheld treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with easy-to-find ingredients and ready in under an hour, this delightful sandwich brings together classic flavors in a fun new way.
I first made these caramel apple waffle sandwiches on a chilly autumn morning, hoping to combine my love of waffles and caramel apples. The sweet aroma of apples simmering in butter and cinnamon brings everyone to the kitchen, and the finished sandwiches quickly disappear from the plate.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125 g) for waffle batter
- Granulated sugar: 1 tbsp for waffles, 1/2 cup (100 g) for caramel sauce
- Baking powder: 1 1/2 tsp for fluffy waffles
- Salt: 1/4 tsp for waffles, pinch for apples
- Whole milk: 1 cup (240 ml) for waffles
- Eggs: 2 large for waffle batter
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp melted for waffles, 2 tbsp for apples, 1 tbsp for caramel sauce
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp for waffles
- Apples: 2 large (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced for filling
- Brown sugar: 2 tbsp for caramelized apples
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp for apples
- Water: 2 tbsp for caramel sauce
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (60 ml) for caramel sauce
- Sea salt (optional): 1/4 tsp for caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Waffles:
- Preheat waffle iron. In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients without overmixing. Cook batter in waffle iron until golden brown, repeating for 8 waffles.
- Make the Caramelized Apples:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pinch salt. Cook, stirring, until apples are soft and caramelized, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Caramel Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat without stirring until sugar turns deep amber, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat. Carefully whisk in cream and butter. Stir in salt if desired. Let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Place half the waffles on plates. Top each with caramelized apples and drizzle caramel sauce. Cover with remaining waffles as tops. Serve warm with extra caramel sauce.
Save Our kids love putting these sandwiches together, and we all enjoy them gathered around the breakfast table. Sharing the process and the result has become a favorite family tradition on weekends.
Recipe Variations
Swap apples for pears for a different flavor, or use gluten-free flour blend in the waffle batter to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivity. A scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this breakfast sandwich into a decadent dessert.
Pairings
Serve these waffle sandwiches with hot coffee or sweet apple cider for a cozy morning, or pair with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for dessert.
Nutritional Information
Each sandwich provides approximately 420 calories, 17 g total fat, 64 g carbohydrates, and 7 g protein. Perfectly balanced for a special treat.
Save Whether for breakfast or dessert, these caramel apple waffle sandwiches bring smiles every time. Make extra sauce for dipping and enjoy every bite!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use store-bought waffles?
Yes, store-bought waffles are convenient and work well, but homemade waffles offer superior freshness and flavor.
- → What apple variety works best?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp caramelize beautifully and balance sweetness; other firm varieties can be used.
- → Is the caramel sauce easy to make?
Caramel sauce requires just sugar, water, cream, and butter—watch closely as sugar caramelizes for best results.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend in the waffle mixture for a gluten-free option.
- → Can I add ice cream or other toppings?
Absolutely! A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of toasted nuts creates an even more decadent presentation.
- → Is this suitable for breakfast and dessert?
Its sweet, satisfying flavors make it ideal for both a festive breakfast and an indulgent dessert treat.