There’s nothing quite like a stack of warm, delicious waffles to brighten your day, right? Imagine diving into a fluffy, golden waffle, bursting with sweet apple chunks and a sprinkle of cinnamon that warms your soul. With every bite, you get a wonderful mix of textures: crispy edges giving way to a soft, tender interior that feels like a hug on a plate. And here’s the best part—these Vegan Apple Cinnamon Waffles are creamy without any dairy at all! Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they’re also super easy to whip up on a cozy weekend morning or to impress your friends at a gathering.
So, grab those apples and your waffle maker because we’re about to create something fantastic together! These waffles are not only a treat to eat, but they’re also made with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for a healthier option, you need these in your life. Trust me, you’ll love how quick they come together and how delightful they taste. Now let’s dive into why you’ll love these waffles!
Why You’ll Love Vegan Apple Cinnamon Waffles (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
You might be wondering what makes these Vegan Apple Cinnamon Waffles such a hit. First off, they combine the deliciousness of apples and warm spices into a fluffy batter, making each bite a flavor-packed delight. The aroma of cinnamon wafts through the kitchen, inviting everyone to come gather around the table. Plus, they’re super simple to make, which means more time for you to savor your breakfast and share a few laughs with friends.
Here are some fantastic reasons to love these waffles:
- Quick Recipe: You’ll have these waffles ready in no time, allowing you to enjoy a homemade breakfast without the fuss.
- Perfect Texture: The oat flour gives them a light, airy quality that you’re going to adore.
- Pantry-Friendly: All the ingredients are easy to find, so you don’t have to make an extra trip to the store.
- Meal Prep Magic: You can prepare the batter ahead of time, making breakfast a breeze during busy mornings.
- Dietary Friendly: Completely vegan and dairy-free, making them a great choice for various dietary needs.
- Versatile: These waffles can be modified for different flavors or toppings to keep things exciting!
Now that you know why these waffles are a total kitchen superstar, let’s get into what you’ll need to make them.
Key Ingredients for Vegan Apple Cinnamon Waffles
- Oat Flour – This is the base of our waffles, offering a hearty texture and being naturally gluten-free if you choose certified oats.
- Baking Powder – This little powerhouse helps the waffles rise, making them light and fluffy.
- Sea Salt – Just a pinch highlights the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Cinnamon – It infuses a warm, cozy taste that pairs so well with the apples.
- Almond Milk – This creamy dairy alternative blends into the batter without overpowering it.
- Oil (Canola or melted coconut oil) – Adds moisture for a tender texture.
- Vanilla Extract – A little splash gives depth to the flavor, making these waffles irresistible.
- Sugar – Just enough sweetness to make the apples shine.
- Grated Apple – The star of the show! It adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a lovely texture throughout the waffles.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below!
How to Make Vegan Apple Cinnamon Waffles
Phase 1 – Prep
- Gather Ingredients: Start by measuring out your ingredients to make the process smoother.
- Grate Apples: Use a box grater to shred your apples finely. No need to peel them unless you want to!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the oat flour, baking powder, sea salt, and cinnamon.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the almond milk, oil, vanilla extract, and sugar.
- Combine: Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and stir just until everything is combined—don’t overmix!
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the grated apples for a delicious flavor burst in every bite.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Preheat Waffle Maker: Get your waffle maker ready and preheat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Cook Waffles: Ladle the batter into the waffle maker, close the lid, and cook until golden and crispy. (This usually takes about 5 minutes but check your waffle iron!)
- Serve Warm: Once done, pop them onto a plate; top with your favorite syrup, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of more cinnamon, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use Fresh Apples: Opt for sweet-tart apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices!
- Don’t Overmix: A few lumps in the batter are totally fine; overmixing can lead to dense waffles.
- Add a Topping: For a fun twist, try adding nuts or raisins into the batter for extra texture.
- Keep Warm: If cooking for a crowd, keep cooked waffles in a warm oven (around 200°F) until everyone’s ready to eat.
- Storage Saver: Make an extra batch and freeze them! They reheat wonderfully in a toaster.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes when making these waffles is overmixing the batter. When you mix too vigorously, the gluten can develop, leading to tough waffles instead of light and fluffy ones. Just stir until everything is combined and a few lumps remain; trust me, it’ll make a huge difference!
Another common issue is not preheating the waffle iron long enough. If it’s not hot enough, you might end up with soggy, undercooked waffles. Allow the iron to preheat completely before adding your batter; this will help achieve that perfect crispiness on the outside.
Lastly, remember to grease the waffle maker, even if it’s non-stick! A little oil or cooking spray helps prevent sticking and ensures the waffles come out easily.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the oat flour for a certified gluten-free blend.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick.
- Herbal: Try incorporating fresh mint or basil for a unique flavor twist.
- Cooking Method: You can adapt this recipe for a stovetop or air fryer for a different cooking experience.
How to Serve Vegan Apple Cinnamon Waffles
- Toppings: Fresh sliced fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas.
- Syrups: Drizzle with maple syrup, agave, or a homemade fruit compote.
- Extras: Whipped coconut cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds great texture.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! You can prepare the batter a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready, give it a quick stir and cook.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat before enjoying!
Freezing
These waffles freeze beautifully! Stack them with parchment paper in between and store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them in a toaster or oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples?
Yes, frozen grated apples work, but thaw and drain excess moisture before adding them to the batter for the best results.
How to make it extra creamy without cream?
The almond milk and the oil ensure a lovely creaminess, but you can add a bit of nut butter for extra richness.
Can I double it?
Absolutely! Just adjust the ingredient amounts accordingly and enjoy a bigger batch!
How to fix a too-thick batter?
Simply add a splash more almond milk until you reach your desired consistency.
These Vegan Apple Cinnamon Waffles are a treat that you can enjoy any day of the week! They’re simple to make, packed with cozy flavors, and completely plant-based. If you try them, don’t forget to let me know how they turn out, and if you’re in the mood for more delicious recipes, check out our other breakfast creations!
Vegan Apple Cinnamon Waffles
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup Oat Flour Use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free option.
- 2 tsps Baking Powder Helps the waffles rise.
- 1/4 tsp Sea Salt Balances flavors.
- 1 tsp Cinnamon Infuses warm flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Almond Milk Dairy alternative; can substitute with any plant milk.
- 2 tbsp Oil (Canola or melted coconut oil) Adds moisture.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor.
- 2 tbsp Sugar Sweetens the batter.
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Grated Apple Use sweet-tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients and measure them out.
- Grate the apples using a box grater.
- In a large bowl, mix the oat flour, baking powder, sea salt, and cinnamon.
Cooking
- In another bowl, whisk together the almond milk, oil, vanilla extract, and sugar.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined—avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the grated apples.
Serving
- Preheat the waffle maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Ladle the batter into the waffle maker and cook until golden and crispy, usually about 5 minutes.
- Remove the waffles and serve warm with syrup, fresh fruit, or extra cinnamon.