Fluffy and Crispy Dairy Free Waffles (Vegan Recipe) (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Jenna Urben · This post may contain affiliate links

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This egg free and dairy free waffle recipe yields large, soft, and healthy vegan belgian waffles! They are golden brown with a fluffy texture, great for busy mornings or weekend brunch.

Fluffy and Crispy Dairy Free Waffles (Vegan Recipe) (1)

My dairy free waffles have perfectly crisp edges on the outside and are fluffy on the inside. What more could you ask for?! They're light and airy, making them a staple breakfast recipe around here.

I'm typically team pancake but these homemade crispy waffles made with simple ingredients are perfect for the whole family. Try my dairy free and egg free pancakes next!

Why you'll love this recipe

I'll share my top tips for quick and easy eggless waffles without milk! Plus several ingredient alternatives, to make sure you have everything you need to make the best breakfast ever!

  • This vegan waffle mix is quick and easy to make, plus perfect for meal prep.
  • Freezer waffles are the ultimate grab-and-go morning treat!
  • They're also super versatile! Once you have the base recipe down, feel free to add in fresh fruit and top with whatever your heart desires.
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Ingredients and substitutions

Making dairy free and egg free waffles is surprisingly simple! You just need a handful of simple pantry ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

  • Dairy free milk: I typically use oat milk, however you can us any non dairy milk you have on hand. Try almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk!
  • Apple cider vinegar: ACV is whisked together with the dairy free milk to create a vegan buttermilk! If you don't have any apple cider vinegar, use lemon juice or white vinegar instead. You technically don't need this ingredient but it gives the vegan waffles that classic flavor and texture.
  • Coconut oil or vegan melted butter: No milk? No problem! To make dairy free waffles, I use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter. Refined coconut oil does not have a coconutty taste and makes the waffles extra soft and fluffy! You can use canola oil, vegetable oil, or any neutral oil as an alternative.
  • Vanilla extract: Just a drop of vanilla extract goes a long way.
  • Flour: I use all purpose flour! To make this a gluten free waffle recipe, use 1 to 1 gluten free flour blend instead.
  • Sweetener: I suggest using coconut sugar or brown sugar.
  • Baking powder: Since we're not baking with eggs, the baking powder is the leavening agent in this recipe. It helps the waffles rise and keeps them nice and tender.
  • Salt: Just a pinch!
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Equipment

I love my trusty waffle maker! It's durable and makes thick belgian waffles that turn out perfect every time. However, this homemade waffle recipe can be made with any size or shape of waffle iron.

How to make dairy free waffles

If you don't have a belgian waffle iron, you can still follow this recipe! The amount of waffle batter you add will just vary. You'll still end up with delicious waffles.

  1. Start by preheating your waffle maker.
  2. Whisk together the dairy free milk and apple cider vinegar to make a vegan buttermilk substitute.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together.
  4. Pour the "vegan buttermilk" along with the melted coconut oil and vanilla extract into the large bowl.
  5. Stir the wet ingredients into the dryuntil JUST combined!
  6. Grease the waffle maker. Using a measuring cup, scoop about 1 cup of batter into the middle of the waffle maker. (If you're using a smaller waffle iron, use closer to ½ cup!)
  7. Close the waffle maker shut and cook according to the appliance instructions. My waffles typically take around 4-6 minutes to cook.
  8. Once cooked to your preferred doneness, remove from waffle maker, and repeat with the remaining batter.
  9. Keep the waffles warm by placing them on a wire rack lined baking sheet in a preheated oven set to 200F. This will keep them warm and using a wire rack ensures the bottoms won't get soggy.
  10. Serve and enjoy with your favorite toppings!
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Serving suggestions

Serve your dairy free waffles with pure maple syrup, a pat of dairy free butter, fresh blueberries, peanut butter, vegan chocolate chips, vegan chocolate gravy, or even dairy free whipped cream.

How to store waffles

Let the waffles come to room temperature. Store leftover waffles in a ziploc bag or airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer friendly waffles

These waffles are EXTREMELY freezer friendly! Simply let them cool completely, then place in a freezer safe bag and pop in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How to reheat waffles

I love making a big batch of homemade waffles at the beginning of the week to enjoy as a fast breakfast in the morning.

Whether you're reheating waffles from the fridge or freezer, warm in a toaster oven or regular oven for best results! Reheat at 350F for 5-10 minutes or 15 minutes if frozen.

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Expert tips

  • Properly measure the flour using the scoop and level method.
  • Don't overmix the batter, it's okay if there are some lumps and bumps. If time permits, let the batter sit for an extra 5-10 minutes. It'll make your waffles even fluffier!
  • Coat your waffle iron with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup.

Frequently asked questions

  • Wondering how to make gluten free waffles? Simply follow this recipe as is, except use 1:1 gluten free flour instead of all purpose flour.
  • Can you make this recipe oil free? You sure can! No oil, not a problem. Use melted vegan butter instead.
  • Curious how to make savory waffles? Try my hashbrown waffles or cornbread waffles!
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Related recipes

Want more dairy free and egg free breakfast recipes? You're in luck, I've got plenty. Try these next:

  • Dairy free blueberry muffins are great for a grab and go breakfast treat!
  • My vegan tofu scramble tater tot casserole is always a crowd pleaser.
  • This vegan french toast recipe is perfect for special occasions.
  • If you have extra time, whip up a batch of my soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls.
  • For the ultimate make ahead breakfast, try my dairy free overnight oats.

Fluffy and Crispy Dairy Free Waffles (Vegan Recipe) (7)

Dairy Free Waffle Recipe (Vegan and Gluten Free Option)

Author: Jenna Urben

This dairy free waffle recipe yields large, soft, and healthy vegan belgian waffles! They are golden brown and crispy with a fluffy texture. Great for busy mornings or weekend brunch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Servings 4 belgian waffles

Calories 404 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups dairy free milk oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, etc.
  • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar substitute lemon juice or white vinegar
  • ¼ cup refined coconut oil or melted vegan butter
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour 1:1 gluten free flour blend, if GF
  • 1 tablespoon coconut sugar substitute brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Toppings

  • Plant based butter
  • Maple syrup
  • Fresh berries

Instructions

  • Preheat the waffle maker.

  • Whisk together dairy free milk and apple cider vinegar to make a vegan buttermilk substitute. Let sit to rest.

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt.

  • Pour the vegan buttermilk mixture, melted coconut oil, and vanilla into the mixing bowl.

  • Stir until just combined. It's only if it's a little lumpy!

  • Grease the waffle maker and scoop about 1 cup of the batter into the middle of the waffle maker. If you're using a smaller or regular waffle iron, use closer to ½ cup.

  • Close the waffle maker shut and cook according to the appliance instructions. My waffles typically take around 4-6 minutes to cook.

  • Once cooked, remove from waffle maker, and repeat with the remaining batter.

  • Serve and enjoy with your favorite toppings!

Video

Notes

As you're cooking, keep the waffles warm by placing them on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet, in an oven set to 200F.

Store leftover waffles in an airtight bag or container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350F for 5-10 minutes or 15 minutes if reheating from frozen.

Nutrition

Calories: 404kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 659mgPotassium: 118mgFiber: 2gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 185IUCalcium: 316mgIron: 4mg

Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating or review in the form below, then snap a picture and tag me @theurbenlife on Instagram!

Fluffy and Crispy Dairy Free Waffles (Vegan Recipe) (8)

More Dairy Free Breakfast Recipes

  • Dairy Free and Egg Free Breakfast Casseroles
  • Vegan Just Egg Quiche
  • Dairy Free Crepes
  • Air Fryer Crescent Rolls

About Jenna Urben

Jenna Urben is the recipe developer, content creator, and storyteller behind The Urben Life. She has over 10 years experience adapting family favorite meals to fit allergy-friendly diets. Join Jenna as she shares delicious dairy-free recipes that are easy to follow with plenty of tips and alternatives.

Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Kari

    Fluffy and Crispy Dairy Free Waffles (Vegan Recipe) (13)
    this is an incredible recipe. Smells and tastes delicious. We used goat milk and didn’t modify any part of the recipe.

    Reply

    • Jenna Urben

      Thanks, Kari 🙂

      Reply

  2. Beth

    We followed the recipe with brown sugar, coconut oil, and substituted with goat milk. The waffles were delicious!

    Reply

    • Jenna Urben

      I'm so happy to hear that, Beth 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

  3. Bonnie

    What is the fat gram percent in this recipe? Heart issues requires fat reduction. Thanks

    Reply

Fluffy and Crispy Dairy Free Waffles (Vegan Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

What can I substitute for milk in waffles? ›

Dairy Substitutes for Milk
  • Cream or Half-and-Half. Cream is richer than milk, so to avoid heavier dough or batter use a ratio of about 60 percent cream to 40 percent water. ...
  • Evaporated or Powdered Milk. ...
  • Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt. ...
  • Water (or Water and Butter) ...
  • Nut Milk. ...
  • Soy Milk. ...
  • Oat Milk. ...
  • Rice Milk.
Apr 3, 2023

What is a substitute for heavy cream in waffles? ›

Here's how. Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter (that's 4 tablespoons or half a stick) and let it cool to room temperature. Then, whisk it together with 3/4 cup whole milk. This mixture is equivalent to 1 cup of heavy cream and can be used in almost any recipe that calls for heavy cream.

Why are my waffles not fluffy? ›

Making pancake and waffle batter ahead of time is a huge no-no and will lead to flat, dense results every time. Even letting your batter hang out for just a few minutes after you've mixed it before you start ladling it onto the griddle will lead to less fluffy results.

What is a vegan substitute for milk in baking? ›

Dairy Substitutes:Plant-Based Milk: Options like almond, soy, oat, coconut, or cashew milk can replace dairy milk in most recipes, maintaining moisture and texture. Vegan Butter or Margarine: There are several brands of vegan butter or margarine available that function similarly to dairy butter in baking.

What non dairy milk is best for baking? ›

Among other milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk and oat milk, soy milk is by far the best for baking. I learned this over the course of several years and many cookies, cakes, muffins and pies. Moreover, some people will tell you that you must swap full-fat coconut milk in for heavy cream or half-and-half.

Why won't my waffles get crispy? ›

Use a hot griddle or waffle iron: Make sure your griddle or waffle iron is hot before adding the batter. This will help create a crispy crust on the outside while allowing the inside to cook evenly. Don't overcrowd the griddle or waffle iron: Give each pancake or waffle enough space to cook without touching each other.

Why are Belgian waffles so crispy? ›

Texture – In Belgian waffles, the eggs are separated. The yolks are whisked together with the other wet ingredients, while the whites are whipped to stiff peaks and then folded into the batter at the end. This creates a texture that is crisp on the outside and light and tender on the inside.

What are thin crispy waffles called? ›

A stroopwafel's wafer layers are made from a stiff dough of flour, butter, brown sugar, yeast, milk, and eggs that has been pressed in a hot waffle iron until crisp.

What can I substitute for heavy cream vegan? ›

The 5 Best Vegan Substitutes for Heavy Cream
SubstituteWhat We Add to ItHow We Like to Use It
Coconut Milk*no additional ingredients needed (details below)Sweet
Hemp MilkCornstarch or Silken TofuSavory
Oat MilkCornstarch or Vegan Butter or Tofu or Olive OilSweet/Savory
Soy MilkOlive Oil or Silken TofuSavory
1 more row
Nov 5, 2022

What is a dairy substitute for heavy cream? ›

Milk and Butter

Similarly to half-and-half, milk makes a good heavy cream substitute when it's combined with melted butter. Combine 3/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup melted butter for every cup of heavy cream.

Is coconut cream better than heavy cream? ›

Heavy cream has signficantly more Vitamin D than coconut cream. Coconut cream is a great source of dietary fiber and iron, and it is an excellent source of potassium. Both coconut cream and heavy cream are high in calories and saturated fat. Coconut cream has signficantly less cholesterol than heavy cream.

Should you let waffle batter rest? ›

Recommended overnight or 2 hr resting – for the tastiest waffles, rest the batter overnight in the fridge or for at least 2 hours. This makes the flour grains absorb the liquid so it makes the inside of the waffles softer.

Which flour is best for waffles? ›

Key Ingredients

Flour: I use all-purpose flour in this recipe. It keeps the waffles light on their feet.

What is the difference between a Belgian waffle and a normal waffle? ›

Belgian waffles are usually thicker than their American counterparts. These Belgian beauties are made with a recipe that includes yeasted batter and crunchy pearl sugar. Belgian waffles have extra-deep pockets—the better for filling with butter, jam, maple syrup, or whipped cream.

Can I replace milk with water in waffles? ›

Water: water works great to make waffles. But you can use any plant milk as well. Oil: I always add some olive or avocado oil to my dairy-free eggs. It helps to create a golden crispy exterior while keeping them soft and fluffy inside.

Can I substitute water instead of milk in waffles? ›

Water doesn't affect the waffle flavor, but it will produce a crispier, more flaky edge. Dairy thickens the batter and gives a rich flavor, but there's no significant loss by using water instead.

What can I substitute for 1 cup of milk? ›

Dairy
FoodAmountSubstitute
Milk, whole1 cup1/2 cup evaporated milk, 1/2 cup water
Milk, whole1 cup1 cup nonfat milk, 2 1/2 tsp butter
Milk, whole1 cup1 cup skim milk, 1 tbsp melted butter
Milk, whole1 cup7/8 cup skim milk, 1/8 cup heavy cream
83 more rows

What can I use instead of milk in pancake mix? ›

The top pancake milk substitutes are heavy cream, half and half, yogurt, sour cream, coconut milk, oat milk, almond milk, and water. Some provide more flavor or a fluffier texture, so if you're aiming for a particular type of pancake, consider each milk substitute in pancakes for its unique flavor and texture.

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