These dairy-free waffles are oil-free, refined sugar-free, and made without milk or butter. They are so fluffy and easy to make in just 15 minutes! You only need one bowl. Healthy ingredients like whole wheat flour and unsweetened applesauce make them a nutritious and delicious breakfast for busy mornings. The crispy edges are perfect!
Even though these waffles are made with simple, healthy ingredients, they have such a great flavor that pairs nicely with so many different toppings.
If you're looking for more easy breakfast recipes, you have to give these oat flour pancakes or protein overnight oats a try. You can't go wrong with either!
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Why You'll Love These Waffles
- Easy to Make - These waffles are SO easy to make. You only need one bowl and 15 minutes.
- Super Fluffy - The fluffiness of these waffles is intense! They are so thick and delicious.
- No Dairy or Oil - The waffles are completely free of dairy and oil, but still taste amazing.
- Endless Toppings - Fresh fruit, maple syrup, peanut butter, or chopped nuts all pair nicely on top of these waffles. The options are endless!
Ingredient Notes
You only need 10 ingredients to make these waffles. I'm not lying when I say they are super easy and simple! Even on busy mornings before work or school, you can make this recipe for a quick and healthy breakfast.
Here are some notes on a few of the ingredients:
- White whole wheat flour - This is a healthier flour with more protein and fiber than all-purpose flour, but with a lighter taste than "red" whole wheat flour.
- Ground flaxseed - Flaxseed acts as a "second flour" in the recipe which provides more protein, fiber, and unsaturated fats. It's also a great source of Omega 3's.
- Coconut sugar - Coconut sugar is an unrefined sugar that gives these waffles a delicious, sweet, subtle caramel taste.
- Unsweetened applesauce - Applesauce is used instead of oil in the recipe. It keeps the waffles soft and fluffy, as well as adding more sweetness.
- Eggs - Eggs add structure to the waffles. You can try using flax eggs to make the waffles vegan, if desired, but I can't guarantee they will be as fluffy.
Remember to see the recipe card for a full list of ingredients.
Equipment
You only need a few things to make these waffles:
- Large Mixing Bowl - You only need ONE bowl to make these waffles. So easy!
- Whisk - For mixing the wet ingredients together.
- Waffle Maker - For cooking the waffles. I use a 4-slice square belgian waffle maker and get 8 waffles with this recipe, but you can use any kind. Just know that you may get a different number of servings depending on what waffle maker you use.
Step By Step Instructions
Mixing up the waffle batter takes just 5 minutes. This is a one-bowl recipe which makes it even faster and easier.
STEP 1: Heat waffle iron. Spray the waffle iron thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray (on both top and bottom) so the waffles won't stick.
STEP 2: Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, ground flaxseed, coconut sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until combined.
STEP 3: Add wet ingredients. Add the plant milk, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk until smooth, but don't overmix!
STEP 4: Cook the waffles. Scoop about ⅓ cup of waffle batter onto your waffle iron for each square (adjust depending on your particular waffle maker). Cook the waffles for around 3-5 minutes, or whatever your waffle iron recommends in the instructions.
STEP 5: Remove from heat and add toppings. When the waffles are cooked through and have a golden-brown exterior with crispy edges, remove them from the heat. Add your favorite toppings, like fresh fruit, nuts, or maple syrup.
I added some fresh raspberries and banana slices on top of my waffles, but you can get creative! Fresh blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries are all good options. Consider adding some peanut butter or chopped nuts for some extra protein and crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
These dairy-free waffles are already oil-free and refined sugar-free, but I've provided instructions on how to make them vegan and gluten-free if necessary.
- Vegan Waffles - To make the waffles vegan, replace the eggs with two flax eggs. Mix two tablespoons of ground flax seed with six tablespoons of water. Stir and let it stand for five minutes. Your waffles may not be as fluffy, but they will be vegan.
- Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Waffles - To make gluten-free waffles, replace the white whole wheat flour with gluten-free 1:1 all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum).
Here are some notes on other ingredient substitutions you can make:
- Flour - Whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and gluten free 1:1 flour all work well in this recipe.
- Flaxseed - You can omit the flaxseed and replace it with an additional ¼ cup of flour if desired.
- Sugar - Instead of coconut sugar, you may use cane sugar, granulated sugar, or brown sugar.
- Plant milk - Use any unsweetened plant milk for this recipe. If you aren't dairy-free, you may use dairy milk instead.
- Applesauce - You can replace the applesauce with melted coconut oil or dairy-free yogurt instead.
Flavor Variations
Here are some ways to switch up the flavor of the waffles:
- Sweeter Waffles - These waffles aren't very sweet on their own. Adding toppings like fruit and maple syrup give them additional flavor. To make the waffles sweeter, add an additional 2-3 tablespoons of coconut sugar to the waffle batter.
- Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Waffles - Add 2-3 tablespoons of peanut butter into the waffle batter for a delicious, nutty flavor. Drizzle some more on top to make them even more fun!
- Blueberry Dairy-Free Waffles - Consider folding ½ cup of frozen or fresh blueberries into the waffle batter. I love doing this! You may also fold in chopped strawberries.
For an apple version, try these cinnamon apple waffles. I make them all year round because they're just so good!
Baking Tips And Tricks
- Don't overmix the batter - You should whisk the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Mixing too much can make the waffles tough and chewy.
- Spoon and level the flour - Properly measure the flour by using a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup. Don't pack it down! Use a knife to level off the top of the flour to ensure you are not overmeasuring and making your waffles too dry.
- Grease the waffle iron - These are oil-free waffles, so it's really important to spray the waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray on both the top and bottom so your waffles don't get stuck!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can replace the eggs in the waffles with flax eggs to make them dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan.
Yes! Replace the white whole wheat flour with gluten-free 1:1 flour with xanthan gum.
Applesauce is used instead of oil in the waffles. You can replace it with melted coconut oil or dairy-free yogurt if you prefer.
Storing And Freezing
Keep the leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days. Reheat them in the microwave before serving again, if desired.
To freeze the waffles, store them without toppings in an airtight container for 3-4 months in the freezer. Let them thaw for at least an hour before enjoying again.
More Dairy-Free Recipes
If you made these waffles, please leave a rating and review below. I'd love for you to post a photo on Instagram and tag me so I can share it. For more recipe inspiration, follow me on Pinterest and join my email list to stay updated with new recipes.
Recipe
Dairy Free Waffles
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk or spoon
- 1 Waffle Maker I used a square belgian waffle maker
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup white whole wheat flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour)
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups unsweeted plant milk
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce (can sub oil or dairy-free yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- fresh berries of choice
- banana slices
- chopped walnuts or other nuts
- pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron and spray it thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together the flour, ground flaxseed, coconut sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.1 ½ cup white whole wheat flour, ¼ cup ground flaxseed, 2 tablespoons coconut sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Add the plant milk, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well-combined.1 ½ cups unsweeted plant milk, ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 2 eggs
- Add about ⅓ cup to ½ cup batter to the waffle iron (adjust depending on your specific iron). Cook about 3-5 minutes, or as instructed by your waffle iron's manufacturer directions. The waffles should be golden brown when done.
- Remove the waffles from the heat and top with fresh berries, banana slices, maple syrup, chopped nuts, or your preferred toppings.fresh berries, banana slices, chopped walnuts, pure maple syrup
- Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.
Tavo says
I love quick and easy recipes like these waffles’ one. Made them today and they were the best start for the busy week ahead.
Chris says
These waffles are so easy to make! They are so fluffy, soft and so good. Thank you!
Shilpa says
I love how delicious and fluffy these waffles are. Perfect taste and texture.
nancy says
how great are these dairy-free waffles without oil and refined sugar !
Bobbie says
Amazing waffles that I felt were a healthy breakfast for my daughter! Thanks for the great recipe!
Emily Flint says
Fluffiest waffles ever! My whole family devoured these.
Anaiah says
Yum! Loved these dairy-free waffles. They turned out amazing!