If you’re looking for a go-to vegan waffle recipe that’s crispy on the outside, tender inside, and totally plant-based, you’re in the right place. This article will walk you through a foolproof vegan waffle batter, share simple substitutions, and explain how to make your waffles gluten-free or even Belgian-style. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a long-time pro, this recipe belongs in your breakfast rotation.
The Story Behind the Best Vegan Waffle Recipe
My Early Struggles with Vegan Waffles
The first time I tried a vegan waffle recipe, I was so sure it would work. I used almond milk, skipped the eggs, and hoped for the best. Instead, I got soggy waffles stuck to the iron—and a hungry dog named Pepper staring in judgment.
That failure lit a fire. I started testing nonstop. The secret, it turned out, was creating the perfect vegan “buttermilk” base using plant milk and vinegar, and keeping the batter just thick enough to hold shape. After weeks of tests, I nailed it.
Now it’s a regular in my breakfast lineup. Whether I’m making them plain or dressing them up, these waffles never miss. For mornings when we need a sweet bite before heading out, I pair them with gluten-free muffins or make-ahead options like protein cookies for grab-and-go fuel.
Why This Vegan Waffle Recipe Works Every Time
There’s nothing complicated here, and that’s the point. This simple vegan waffle recipe calls for:
- Apple cider vinegar + plant milk (to mimic buttermilk)
- Baking powder for rise and fluff
- A little oil for crisp edges
Let your batter rest for a few minutes before pouring. That’s a small tip that makes a huge difference. And if you need it gluten-free, just use a 1:1 blend like I do for my gluten-free bagel recipe.
The result? Crispy, golden waffles with a soft interior—no eggs, no dairy, and absolutely no compromise. These aren’t just good for vegan—they’re good, period.
Table of Contents
How to Make Vegan Waffles the Easy Way
Ingredients for the Basic Vegan Waffle Recipe
When you want something warm, fast, and reliable, this easy vegan waffle recipe delivers. It takes less than 10 minutes to mix and uses kitchen staples you probably already have.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for crispiness)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or canola)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
To make it a vegan gluten free waffle recipe, just substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free mix. That’s what I use when I’m making a double batch alongside my gluten-free bagel recipe.
Mix the milk and vinegar first and let it sit for five minutes—this makes a vegan “buttermilk.” Then whisk in the oil, vanilla, and maple syrup. Add the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be slightly thick but pourable.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Vegan Waffles Recipe
Preheat your waffle maker while your batter rests. Lightly grease the plates if your machine isn’t non-stick. Pour the batter into the center and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions—usually 4 to 5 minutes.
Here’s a quick prep table for visual guidance:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Mix vinegar & milk | Let sit 5 minutes to curdle |
| 2. Combine wet ingredients | Add maple syrup, oil, vanilla |
| 3. Add dry ingredients | Whisk until smooth |
| 4. Cook in waffle iron | 4–5 mins or until golden |
Let your finished waffles cool slightly on a wire rack—this keeps them crispy. Then top them with fresh fruit, nut butter, or even a savory option like tofu scramble.
Need a lighter morning option too? Try serving them with a side of salmon quinoa bowls for a creative mix of protein and crunch.
Vegan Belgian Waffles and 3-Ingredient Variations
The Secret to a Great Vegan Belgian Waffle Recipe
If you’ve ever had a real Belgian waffle, you know it’s not just about size—it’s about that crisp edge and fluffy interior. So how do we get that using a vegan Belgian waffle recipe? The key is increasing the leavening, using thicker batter, and cooking a bit longer for those deep golden pockets.
To adapt our base vegan waffle recipe for Belgian-style waffles, simply:
- Add an extra ½ tsp of baking powder
- Reduce the plant milk to 1 ¼ cups (for a thicker batter)
- Cook in a Belgian-style waffle maker for 5–6 minutes
This combo gives the waffles structure and height—perfect for a big weekend brunch. Top with coconut whipped cream and fresh berries or drizzle with maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
I often make this version when I want something more indulgent but still part of a plant-based morning. For a protein boost, pair it with leftovers from protein cookie recipe—yes, cookies for breakfast can totally be balanced.
A 3-Ingredient Vegan Waffle Recipe That Works
Sometimes simple is best, and this 3-ingredient vegan waffles version proves it. It’s great for meal prep, kids, or mornings when the fridge looks empty. Here’s what you need:
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup plant milk
- 1 tbsp oil or applesauce
Just whisk and pour into your waffle maker. That’s it. No extra sweeteners, thickeners, or leaveners needed. It’s not as rich as the full version, but it’s perfect when time is short or you’re making a batch for freezing.
For a fiber-packed topping, I sometimes pair these waffles with a scoop of mashed sweet potato or serve them next to something light like my kardashian salad easy steps. Sounds unusual, but it works.
If you’re working with limited pantry items or just want something ultra-minimalist, this version is your new best friend.
What Makes a Waffle Vegan?
A vegan waffle recipe skips all animal-derived ingredients—so no eggs, milk, or butter. Instead, you use plant milk, oil (or applesauce), and natural leavening like baking powder. The result? A waffle that’s just as golden and delicious without compromising your lifestyle.
Most people are surprised that the flavor and texture are almost identical. In fact, if you serve this vegan waffle recipe at brunch, chances are no one will even guess it’s dairy- and egg-free.
Plus, vegan ingredients are often gentler on digestion, and easier to adapt to food sensitivities like gluten or nuts. That’s why I use the same batter as a base for both a classic and a gluten free vegan waffle recipe—and they both taste amazing.
For more allergen-friendly breakfasts, check out my gluten-free muffins—another regular at our weekend table.
What Are the Three Ingredient Vegan Waffles?
The minimalist version of a vegan waffle recipe uses just self-rising flour, plant milk, and oil. It works because the self-rising flour contains leavening agents that create lift. Here’s a quick formula:
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup almond milk
1 tbsp oil
It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done when you need a waffle recipe vegan simple enough for a rushed morning. It also makes a great intro for kids learning to cook plant-based.
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs in Vegan Waffles?
Eggs serve as binders and leavening agents in traditional waffles. In a vegan waffle batter recipe, you can use:
Mashed banana (¼ cup = 1 egg)
Applesauce (¼ cup = 1 egg)
Ground flaxseed mixed with water (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water)
Each option changes the flavor slightly. For a neutral base, I prefer applesauce in my basic vegan waffle recipe. It keeps things light, fluffy, and adaptable to any toppings.
If you’re experimenting, consider making two half-batches and trying different egg replacements. That’s how I refined my best vegan waffle recipe—through trial, error, and a lot of sticky waffle makers.
Is Pancake Batter the Same as Waffle Batter?
Great question—and it trips up a lot of people. While they’re similar, waffle batter (even in a vegan waffles recipe easy) is typically thicker and contains more fat. That’s what gives waffles their signature crisp edges and soft center.
If you try pouring pancake batter into a waffle iron, you’ll usually get something soft and under-crisped. Instead, use this optimized easy vegan waffle recipe, or tweak your pancake mix by adding an extra tablespoon of oil and reducing the liquid slightly.
For a nutritious breakfast spread, serve your waffles alongside lighter dishes like my salmon quinoa bowls or simple greens to balance out the carbs.
Vegan Waffle Recipe That’ll Make You Skip the Boxed Mix
This vegan waffle recipe is easy, crisp on the outside, and fluffy inside. It’s perfect for everyday breakfast or weekend brunch, with variations for gluten-free and Belgian styles.
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 waffles 1x
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tbsp cornstarch
¼ tsp salt
1 ½ cups almond milk
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp neutral oil
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Mix almond milk and apple cider vinegar; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.
3. Add oil, maple syrup, and vanilla to the milk mixture, then pour into dry ingredients.
4. Whisk until smooth; let batter rest for 5 minutes.
5. Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease if needed.
6. Pour batter into iron and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden.
7. Remove and serve with toppings of choice.
Notes
Make gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Add ½ tsp extra baking powder for Belgian style.
Freeze extras and reheat in toaster for crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan waffle recipe, easy vegan waffles, gluten free vegan waffle recipe
Conclusion
So there you have it—your ultimate vegan waffle recipe for any day of the week. Whether you want it classic, gluten-free, Belgian-style, or stripped down to three ingredients, this guide has you covered.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it goes. I love hearing from readers who’ve turned a kitchen fear into confidence—and if your family gathers around the table because of these waffles, well, that’s why I do this.
“This vegan waffle recipe has become one of the most-loved in my kitchen—and yes, it’s also a Pinterest favorite. You can find the pin right here.”
