Vegan Waffles

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Learn how to make the best homemade Vegan Waffles that are perfectly crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are easy to make and require basic ingredients.

overhead view of two cooked vegan waffles with cream and berries on a plate.

Forget about the store-bought frozen variety! You can make fresh Vegan Waffles that are far superior and less expensive at home.

They are perfect for a sit-down breakfast with your family and go wonderfully with tofu scramble, vegan bacon, and fresh orange juice. But they are also great for busy mornings. Just pop them in the toaster for a few minutes and breakfast is served!

This will be your favorite, go-to recipe that's easy, fool-proof, and so delicious. Your whole family will love them!

Table of Contents

Ingredients Needed + Additional Notes

This recipe requires just 9 simple ingredients that you probably have on hand. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients to make waffle recipe on a marble table top.

Soy Milk - It's my favorite milk to use for this recipe because it's rich and creamy, plus, the protein content helps yield a perfect vegan buttermilk when an acid is added. If you can't have soy, my next choice would be almond milk but try to choose a brand that has a thicker consistency such as Califia.
Apple Cider Vinegar - This will curdle and slightly thicken the soy milk, creating a vegan buttermilk. If you don't have it, you can also use fresh lemon juice.
Neutral-Flavored Oil - I used avocado oil, but you can use any neutral oil you like such as canola, sunflower, grapeseed oil, or light-tasting olive oil.
Applesauce - This is used instead of eggs and will help create a tender and fluffy texture.
Vanilla Extract - This elevates everything and will make your house smell heavenly.
All-Purpose Flour - I haven't tried this recipe with gluten-free flour yet, but I'd imagine a 1.1 all-purpose GF will work. Slight adjustments may be needed.
Baking Powder - This will help create a golden crust with a light and airy inside.
Cane Sugar - This adds a subtle sweetness and helps create a beautiful golden waffle. You can also use brown sugar or coconut sugar. Just note that this will make the waffles a little darker.

How to make them

Once you combine the batter, you are ready to roll! Here's how to do it:

Four process photos sowing how to make batter in a mixing bowl.

Combine the soy milk and vinegar in a medium bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes to curdle and slightly thicken. Preheat your waffle iron.
Add the oil, applesauce, and vanilla to the buttermilk and whisk to combine.
Whisk the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl to combine.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

two process photos showing uncooked batter in a waffle iron and one fully cooked one.

If your iron is not non-stick, lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray otherwise leave it bare. Spoon the amount of batter recommended by the manufacturer onto the hot iron plate.
Cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it's golden brown. Serve immediately.

Tips for keeping them crisp

To keep them crispy, set them on a cooling rack as soon as they come out of the waffle maker. This will let air circulate and reduce moisture buildup which will avoid them getting soggy.

To keep them warm and crispy, place them on an oven-safe cooling/baking rack in a 200°F preheated oven as soon as they are done. Do not stack or overlap them.

If they are a little limp, you can pop them in the toaster for 1-2 minutes to crisp them back up.

Storing + Reheating

Refrigerator - They will remain fresh for 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag.

Freezer - They freeze beautifully for 2-3 months. Let them completely cool, then place them in a zip-top bag with wax paper in between each one, and gently release excess air before sealing.

Reheat - The best and easiest way to reheat them is to just pop them in your toaster for a few minutes. They come out perfectly crispy!

Serving Suggestions

These waffles are tasty all on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate them even more:

For a touch of sweetness, drizzle on some warm maple syrup.
A pat of vegan butter will melt into the surface making them extra delicious.
Add some fresh berries for an extra pop of brightness and color.
Top them with coconut whipped cream or non-dairy yogurt.

FAQs

Do I need to grease the waffle iron before adding the batter?

It depends on your unit. Some non-stick irons may not require greasing, while others may benefit from a light coating of cooking spray. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance.

How long should I cook them?

Many models will signal when they are ready, but if you still see steam coming from it, that is a good indicator that they are not finished cooking and you should give it another minute until it's almost dissipated. If your model doesn't have a timer, the steam will help you determine when they are done.

Front view of two waffles on a plate with a fork and berries in the background.

More vegan breakfast recipes to try

Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and sharing your feedback in the comment section below. It would really make my day!

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