Best Vegan Cornbread Waffles Recipe for Easy Breakfast

Updated On: October 5, 2025

There’s something utterly delightful about cornbread—the crumbly texture, the subtle sweetness, and the comforting warmth that instantly takes you back to cozy family dinners. Now imagine that classic cornbread transformed into crispy, golden waffles that are 100% vegan!

This best vegan cornbread waffles recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a savory snack. It combines the rich flavors of traditional cornbread with the fun and versatility of waffles, creating a mouthwatering dish that pleases vegans and non-vegans alike.

Whether you’re craving a quick weekday breakfast or a weekend treat, these waffles are easy to whip up with simple pantry staples. Plus, they’re naturally dairy-free and egg-free, making them a wholesome choice for anyone with dietary restrictions.

Serve them with your favorite toppings or use them as a base for savory dishes—either way, you’re in for a delicious experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan and wholesome: No eggs or dairy needed—just plant-based goodness that’s easy on the stomach and the planet.

Perfectly crispy yet tender: The secret is in the cornbread batter that crisps up beautifully in the waffle iron but stays soft inside.

Quick and versatile: Ready in under 30 minutes, these waffles can be sweet or savory, making them ideal for any meal or snack.

Bonus: This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have, so no last-minute grocery runs!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal (medium grind for best texture)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour blend if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons organic sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (to activate baking soda)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Waffle iron (standard size for best results)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula

Instructions

  1. Preheat your waffle iron. Make sure it’s hot before adding batter for crispy waffles.
  2. Prepare the vegan buttermilk: In a small bowl, combine the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Combine wet ingredients: Add the vegan buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  5. Grease the waffle iron: Lightly brush or spray with oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Pour the batter: Scoop about 1/2 cup of batter onto the center of the waffle iron (adjust depending on your iron’s size).
  7. Cook waffles: Close the lid and cook for 4-5 minutes or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy. Avoid opening the lid too soon to prevent tearing.
  8. Remove waffles carefully: Use a silicone spatula to lift the waffles out and place them on a wire rack to keep crisp.
  9. Repeat: Continue with the remaining batter, greasing the waffle iron as needed.
  10. Serve warm: Enjoy immediately with your favorite toppings or save for later.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For a fluffier texture, sift the flour and cornmeal before mixing.

Try adding chopped jalapeños and vegan cheddar cheese into the batter for a spicy, savory twist perfect for brunch.

For sweetness, fold in fresh blueberries or corn kernels for added texture and bursts of flavor.

You can also swap the almond milk for oat or soy milk depending on your preference. If you want to make these gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 waffle)
Calories 180 kcal
Carbohydrates 28 g
Protein 4 g
Fat 6 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 3 g
Sodium 280 mg

Serving Suggestions

These vegan cornbread waffles are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

  • Savory: Top with vegan chili or your favorite Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for a hearty meal.
  • Sweet: Drizzle with maple syrup or agave, and add fresh berries and coconut whipped cream.
  • Breakfast sandwich: Use two waffles as buns and layer with avocado, tomato slices, and vegan sausage patties.
  • Side dish: Serve alongside a vegan tofu scramble or your favorite plant-based breakfast bowl.

Conclusion

There you have it—a fantastic recipe for vegan cornbread waffles that are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or simply looking for a fresh twist on classic cornbread, these waffles will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

They offer the perfect balance of texture and taste, all while being entirely plant-based and allergy-friendly.

Experiment with toppings and mix-ins to customize your waffles just the way you like them. And if you want to explore more delicious vegan recipes, be sure to check out our Julie Marie Eats Recipes for inspiration.

Happy cooking and enjoy every crispy, golden bite!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Cornbread Waffles Recipe

Description: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these vegan cornbread waffles are perfect for breakfast or brunch. Made with simple plant-based ingredients, they’re easy to prepare and delicious.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 6 waffles

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat waffle iron and grease it lightly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix almond milk, applesauce, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Pour batter onto the waffle iron and cook until golden and crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
  6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 28g

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Marta K

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