Few things say “good morning!” like the delicious aroma of freshly made waffles wafting through your kitchen. But if you’re vegan—or cooking for a plant-based family—finding a waffle recipe that’s crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and totally egg- and dairy-free can feel like searching for a unicorn.
After years of experimenting, tweaking, and testing, I’m excited to share what I genuinely believe is the best vegan waffle recipe out there. These waffles are golden, light, and perfectly tender with a subtle hint of vanilla.
Whether you’re making a cozy weekend brunch or meal-prepping for busy mornings, this recipe is about to become your new breakfast staple.
Not only is this waffle recipe easy to make with simple pantry staples, but it’s endlessly adaptable for your favorite flavors and toppings. You’ll be amazed at how well they hold together without eggs and how satisfyingly crisp they get in the waffle iron.
Read on to discover why these vegan waffles will become your go-to, plus pro tips, nutrition facts, and delicious serving ideas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Fluffy: Achieves that perfect balance—crispy on the outside, pillowy inside—without eggs or dairy.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: No need for complicated or hard-to-find ingredients. You likely have everything on hand already.
- Allergy-Friendly: Naturally egg-free and dairy-free; easily made nut-free or gluten-free with simple swaps.
- Customizable: Add fruit, spices, chocolate chips, or switch up flours—make these waffles your own!
- Family-Approved: Even picky eaters and non-vegans love these waffles. Perfect for everyone at the table.
- Meal Prep Ready: Freezes beautifully for easy, delicious breakfasts all week.
“These waffles are a game-changer! I make a double batch every Sunday and freeze extras for quick weekday breakfasts. No one ever guesses they’re vegan.”
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups (240g) | You can use up to half whole wheat for added fiber |
| Baking powder | 1 tbsp | Ensures fluffiness |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp | Cane sugar or coconut sugar work well |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | Balances flavor |
| Non-dairy milk | 1 3/4 cups (420ml) | Almond, soy, or oat milk—unsweetened preferred |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tsp | Creates “buttermilk” for tenderness |
| Neutral oil | 1/4 cup (60ml) | Canola, sunflower, or melted coconut oil |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | For aroma and flavor |
| Optional add-ins | 1/2 cup | Blueberries, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, etc. |
Equipment
- Waffle iron (Belgian or classic style, non-stick preferred)
- Mixing bowls (one large, one small)
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Ladle or large spoon (for pouring batter)
- Baking rack (optional, for cooling)
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the waffle iron)
Instructions
-
Preheat your waffle iron.
Turn on your waffle maker and let it preheat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures your first waffle cooks evenly and gets crisp.
-
Make vegan “buttermilk”.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine non-dairy milk (1 3/4 cups) and apple cider vinegar (2 tsp). Stir and let sit for 5 minutes.
This creates a tangy, tenderizing buttermilk effect.
-
Mix dry ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour (2 cups), baking powder (1 tbsp), sugar (2 tbsp), and salt (1/2 tsp) until well combined.
-
Combine wet ingredients.
To the “buttermilk,” add oil (1/4 cup) and vanilla extract (2 tsp). Whisk thoroughly.
-
Mix wet and dry ingredients.
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Whisk or stir just until combined.
Some small lumps are okay—don’t overmix, as this can make the waffles tough.
-
Fold in optional add-ins.
If using, gently fold in up to 1/2 cup of blueberries, chocolate chips, or nuts.
-
Grease the waffle iron.
Lightly coat the hot waffle plates with oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
-
Cook the waffles.
Pour enough batter into the center of the waffle iron to just cover the bottom (about 1/2 cup for standard irons, more for Belgian style). Close the lid and cook according to your machine’s instructions, usually 4-6 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
-
Cool and serve.
Carefully remove the waffle with a spatula. For ultra-crispy results, place cooked waffles on a baking rack (not stacked) while you finish the batch.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
-
Repeat and enjoy!
Continue with the remaining batter, greasing the iron as needed. Enjoy your waffles fresh, or let cool and freeze for later.
Tips & Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for regular flour. Add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it.
- Oil-Free: Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce for a fat-free version. Waffles will be slightly softer but still delicious.
- Flavor Boost: Add 1 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist. Lemon zest or almond extract also shine.
- Extra Protein: Substitute up to 1/2 cup flour with almond flour or oat flour for a protein boost.
- Ultra-Crispy Waffles: After cooking, pop waffles in a 225°F (110°C) oven on a baking rack for 10 minutes while you finish the batch.
- Make-Ahead: Freeze cooked waffles in a single layer, then store in a zip bag. Reheat in toaster or oven for a quick breakfast.
Tip: “For perfect waffles every time, don’t overfill the iron. Too much batter will spill out and create a mess!”
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Waffle (1/6th of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 195 |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Nutrition is estimated and will vary depending on add-ins and toppings.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Top with warm maple syrup, a pat of vegan butter, and fresh berries.
- Decadent: Add vegan whipped cream, chocolate chips, or drizzle with peanut butter.
- Healthy: Serve with a dollop of coconut yogurt, chia seeds, and sliced bananas.
- Savory: Skip the sugar and top with smashed avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.
- Brunch Board: Offer a waffle bar with fruit, nuts, jams, and spreads for a festive brunch.
- Sandwich: Use waffles as “bread” for breakfast sandwiches—try them with vegan sausage and greens.
Looking for more vegan brunch ideas? Try our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for sweet inspiration!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a vegan breakfast devotee or just looking to lighten up your mornings, this best vegan waffle recipe is sure to bring smiles to your table. It’s a recipe I return to again and again for its unbeatable texture, ease, and crowd-pleasing flavor.
With just a handful of basic ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you’ll be enjoying golden, delicious waffles that rival any diner stack—without a trace of eggs or dairy.
Don’t be afraid to get creative: try mix-ins, toppings, or even savory variations to keep breakfast exciting. And if you’re hungry for even more plant-based breakfast ideas, check out our roundup of Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Happy waffling, and let me know how you make these waffles your own!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Waffle Recipe
Description: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these vegan waffles are the perfect breakfast treat. They're easy to make and delicious with your favorite toppings.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Lightly grease the waffle iron if needed.
- Pour batter onto the preheated waffle iron.
- Cook according to manufacturer's instructions until golden brown.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 43g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vegan Waffle Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these vegan waffles are the perfect breakfast treat. They’re easy to make and delicious with your favorite toppings.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups all-purpose flour”, “2 tablespoons sugar”, “1 tablespoon baking powder”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1 3/4 cups unsweetened almond milk”, “1/4 cup melted coconut oil”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat your waffle iron.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir until just combined; do not overmix.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Lightly grease the waffle iron if needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour batter onto the preheated waffle iron.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook according to manufacturer’s instructions until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm with your favorite toppings.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280”, “proteinContent”: “5g”, “fatContent”: “9g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “43g”}}
