If you’re craving waffles but want to keep things plant-based, you’re in for a treat. This vegan waffle recipe is everything we love in a breakfast: warm, cozy, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and totally customizable.
Perfect for lazy weekends, family brunch, or meal prepping for the week, these waffles use simple ingredients like baking powder, all-purpose flour, and almond milk to create magic in your waffle iron. And yes, they freeze beautifully, too—just pop one in the toaster oven and boom: breakfast bliss.
Vegetarian Zen is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a monetary commission. Additionally, the information presented is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor. Learn More.
What Makes This Vegan Waffle Recipe Special
These vegan waffles are more than just animal product-free—they’re:
- crispy on the outside, soft on the inside
- freezer-friendly for easy batch cooking
- adaptable (gluten-free and protein-boosted options below!)
- lightly sweet with a hint of vanilla extract and coconut oil
- made with pantry staples
Best of all, they’re easy enough for beginners and reliable enough for waffle veterans.
Shopping List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this vegan waffle recipe. We’ve also added a few swaps and extras below the list.
Dry ingredients
- all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour, oat flour, or gluten-free flour)
- baking powder
- granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- sea salt
Wet ingredients
- almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
- apple cider vinegar
- coconut oil (or vegan butter)
- vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins
- vegan chocolate chips
- cacao nibs
- blueberries
- vegan protein powder (we love Nuzest!)
How to Make Vegan Waffles
- Preheat your waffle maker or Belgian waffle maker according to manufacturer instructions.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to make vegan buttermilk.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add the vegan buttermilk mixture, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using chocolate chips or other add-ins, fold them in gently.
- Lightly grease your waffle iron with non-stick spray or a brush of melted vegan margarine.
- Pour the batter into the hot waffle iron (amount depends on your model), close, and cook until golden brown and crisp.
- Carefully remove with a fork or tongs and keep warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest.
- Serve with pure maple syrup, vegan whipped cream, vegan chocolate syrup or any other of your favorite waffle toppings.
Why This Vegan Waffle Recipe Works
This vegan waffle recipe strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. Apple cider vinegar curdles the plant milk into a tangy vegan buttermilk that lifts the batter. Baking powder gives the waffles a classic fluffy lift without needing eggs. And melted coconut oil or vegan butter ensures crispy edges every time.
Plus, you’re not locked into one type of milk, flour, or oil—this one’s designed to flex with whatever you have on hand.
Variations to Try
Gluten-Free Vegan Waffles Sub with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
High-Protein Waffles Add a scoop of vegan protein powder.
Coconut Milk Swap For richer flavor, use canned coconut milk in place of almond.
Blueberry Bliss Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity spin.
Vegan Belgian Waffles Use a Belgian waffle maker for deeper pockets (aka, syrup traps!).
Tips to Keep It Fresh
Meal Prep-Friendly Make a big batch and freeze extras in a sealed freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster oven for crispy edges.
Customize Toppings Serve with maple syrup, coconut whipped cream, fresh fruit, nut butter, or fruit compote.
Freeze with Parchment If freezing, layer waffles with parchment paper so they don’t stick.
No Waffle Iron? Try using a cast iron waffle iron or even cook them in a greased skillet like pancakes.
Watch Your Cook Time Every waffle maker is different—don’t be afraid to peek once the steam slows down.
Fluffy Vegan Waffle Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 ¾ cups almond milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or blueberries
- 1-2 tablespoons vegan protein powder optional
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to create vegan buttermilk.
- In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add the vegan buttermilk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in any optional add-ins like chocolate chips, blueberries or protein powder.
- Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or melted vegan butter.
- Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden and crisp.
- Remove the waffle and repeat with the remaining batter. Keep waffles warm in a low oven if desired.
Notes
- Swap all-purpose flour with oat, whole wheat pastry, or gluten-free flour.
- These waffles freeze well—just store in a sealed freezer bag and reheat in a toaster.
- Try topping with coconut whipped cream, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.
Keep this vegan waffles recipe handy; you’ll use it again and again. It’s perfect for brunch, cozy weekends, or a fun breakfast-for-dinner night.
Love this recipe? Check out our full collection of vegetarian and vegan recipes for more delicious ideas! And if you’re looking to share your creations (or get inspired by someone else’s), join our closed Facebook Group, The Peas and Carrots Society, a group of non-judgy folks who welcome all! Nothing but good food, good friends, and good fun!
FAQ
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! A gluten-free 1:1 flour or oat flour works well. Just make sure to let the batter rest for 10 minutes to hydrate fully.
What’s the best way to store leftover waffles?
Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer or with parchment in between. Reheat in a toaster or toaster oven for best results.
Can I use a flax egg instead of baking powder?
Not in this case—baking powder gives lift and fluffiness. A flax egg would make the batter too dense.
What’s the difference between a waffle maker and Belgian waffle maker?
Belgian waffle makers have deeper grids, giving you thicker, crispier waffles with more room for toppings.
Is there a way to make this recipe oil-free?
Yes! You can swap the oil for unsweetened applesauce, but they’ll be a bit softer and less crispy.
