Perfect Vegan Waffles (Light & Crispy!)

⭐️ Why You Should Try It

• It’s a classic. I believe everyone should have a good waffle recipe. These vegan waffles taste just like the classic ones, minus the eggs! It’s also a quick recipe that requires just one bowl and seven simple ingredients. Plus, it’s a fun after-school snack to whip up with the kids!
• Crispy, light, and flavorful. With a crispy outside and a tender crumb, this recipe offers a contrast of textures that is simply irresistible.
• Everyone loves them. From kids to grownups, these will surely satisfy everyone. We even asked non-vegans to try them alongside regular waffles; they couldn’t tell the difference!

🧇 What Are Waffles

A waffle is a popular breakfast dish that consists of a dough cooked between two patterned plates. The first reference to waffles appeared in the early Middle Ages. At this time, waffles were flatter and were called wafers or “oublies.” Waffles, as we know them, appeared later, in the 13th century, in Belgium and France.

There are many different types of waffles, varying in texture and flavor. Here are a few types of famous waffles:

• Brussels waffles: Made from a batter leavened with yeast, this waffle is fluffier and usually larger than Liège waffles, although both originate from Belgium.
• Liège waffles: As opposed to Brussels waffles, Liège waffles do not contain yeast and are leavened with either baking powder or eggs. They tend to be denser and a bit sweeter as well.
• Bubble waffles: Relatively new, bubble waffles, also known as Hong Kong waffles, have a bubble-wrap appearance. They are cooked in a special waffle iron with spherical molds.
• Stroopwafels: This Dutch waffle consists of two thin wafers filled with caramel sauce infused with cinnamon. It is served warm while the caramel is still gooey and the wafers soft.

🥛 Ingredient Notes

Here are the ingredients you will need to prepare vegan waffles:

• Flour – Use the good old all-purpose flour. If you want to make these gluten-free, you can use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour mix. Please note that depending on the brand, you might have to adjust the ratio of wet to dry ingredients slightly.
• Plant-based milk – Use your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk. Soy, almond, oat, or cashew milk are good options.
• Sugar – While sugar acts as a sweetener, it also helps with caramelization, giving the waffles a golden brown.
• Butter – After testing both butter and oil, we greatly prefer the former. Vegan butter yields a richer flavor and a less cakey texture.
• Vanilla – For extra flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade vanilla extract. For even more vanilla flavor, replace the sugar with vanilla sugar.
• Baking powder – To help the waffles rise.
• Salt – Just a pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor.

🥣 How to Make It

1. Whisk together the dry ingredients. Whisk the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. Pour in the wet ingredients. Add the plant-based milk and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.

3. Stir in the melted butter. Melt the vegan butter in a small saucepan or the microwave until just melted. The butter should not be hot. Pour the melted butter into the batter.
4. Whisk until combined. Whisk once again until the butter is combined. Do not overmix.

Cook

1. Heat a waffle maker. Heat your waffle maker for at least 4 minutes or until hot.
2. Grease the waffle maker. Using a pastry brush, slightly grease the waffle maker with vegetable oil. Alternatively, you can use a non-stick spray.

3. Cook the waffles. Using a measuring cup, pour about 1/3 cup of the batter into each cavity of your waffle maker. Close the waffle maker and cook the waffles for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the waffles to a cooling rack and repeat with the remaining batter.

🍓 Toppings

Looking for ways to garnish your waffles? We have got you covered. Here are a few ideas:

• Nut butter: Drizzle with peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter.
• Dark chocolate: Top warm waffles with shaved chocolate or melted chocolate.
• Fresh fruits: Sliced bananas or berries like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries.
• Jam: Spread raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or even fig jam on your waffles. A drizzle of maple syrup or salted caramel sauce is delicious as well!
• Crushed nuts: Garnish with roasted peanuts, slivered almonds, or roasted cashews.
• Ice cream: Top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream, or even matcha ice cream!

Not into sweets? How about serving these waffles with savory toppings?

• Pesto and mushrooms: Spread a generous amount of vegan pesto on top of a waffle and top with sautéed mushrooms.
• Tofu scramble: Top with scrambled tofu and chopped scallions.
• Kimchi cheese: Garnish with vegan kimchi and sprinkle with grated vegan cheese or cheese sauce. Place in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.

📔 Tips

• Ensure your butter is not hot. If the melted butter is too hot when added to the batter, it will activate the baking powder, and you will end up with denser waffles. Make sure the butter is just melted. Another thing: measure the butter once it is melted (you should use 1/3 cup of melted butter).
• For super crispy waffles. Do not be afraid to oil your waffle maker generously. It will result in crispier waffles.
• Keep the waffles warm. Waffles tend to cool very quickly. To keep them warm, place them in a 200°F (93°C) preheated oven.
• Use a high-quality waffle maker. For the best results, do not use a cheap waffle maker. The one I am using is getting old, and as you can see, the waffles are not evenly brown. A higher-end waffle maker will give you crispier and more evenly golden-brown waffles.

💬 FAQ

If you are looking for a fantastic vegan waffle recipe, look no further! These waffles are perfectly crispy, super tender on the inside, and not overly sweet!

🥞 More Vegan Breakfast Recipes

The Best Vegan Crepes

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Oatmeal

The Best Vegan Banana Bread

Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread

⭐️ Did you like this recipe? Let us know in the comments below, and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!