Indulge in a heartwarming and wholesome breakfast with our incredible Apple Cinnamon Vegan Waffles. This delightful recipe combines the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon with the nourishing goodness of oat flour, making it a perfect gluten-free option for those with dietary needs. With just 10 minutes of prep time, these waffles are quick to make and can even be frozen for busy mornings.
This beloved recipe was first published in March 2017 and thoroughly updated in February 2021 to bring you the best possible version.
The Ultimate Vegan Apple Cinnamon Waffles: Your New Favorite Breakfast!
There’s something undeniably comforting about a stack of perfectly crispy waffles, generously drenched in golden maple syrup. If you’re searching for a breakfast that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, look no further than these Apple Cinnamon Vegan Waffles. They’re a wholesome and delicious option that everyone at your table, vegan or not, is sure to adore.
Even in households where veganism isn’t the norm, these waffles consistently steal the show. They’ve earned their spot as the number one waffle recipe in our home, often followed closely by other creative breakfast ideas like our Whole Wheat Carrot Cake Waffles. What makes these apple cinnamon wonders so special? Let’s dive into why they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Vegan Waffle Recipe:
- Exquisite Flavor Profile: While a classic waffle is always a treat, the addition of fresh apple and warm cinnamon elevates these waffles to an entirely new level. The subtle sweetness of the apple perfectly complements the aromatic spice, creating a symphony of flavors that’s both simple and sophisticated. It’s a taste that truly captures the essence of a cozy morning.
- Hearty and Exceptionally Filling: Thanks to the inclusion of wholesome oat flour, these waffles are incredibly substantial and will keep you feeling full and energized throughout your morning. We all know the benefits of a good bowl of oatmeal, and these waffles deliver that same nourishing fuel in a much more exciting and delicious form. They’re an excellent way to start your day right.
- Incredibly Kid-Friendly: Looking for a breakfast option that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy? These waffles are a winner! I frequently made them for my son when he was transitioning to solid foods, often omitting the added sweetener for a healthier option. He was an instant fan, and they quickly became a go-to for quick, nutritious, and delicious finger food.
- Lightning-Fast Preparation: Forget complicated recipes that take ages to assemble. This vegan waffle recipe truly shines with its minimal prep time. You’ll likely spend a mere 6-10 minutes mixing the batter, with most of your waiting time dedicated to the waffle maker doing its magic. This makes them perfect for busy weekday mornings or leisurely weekend brunches.
Once you try these, you’ll understand why they quickly become a cherished family favorite!
Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Apple Cinnamon Waffles:
Crafting these delectable waffles requires just a few readily available ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Oat Flour: This is the star of our gluten-free, hearty base. Oat flour not only provides a wonderful texture but also adds a wholesome, slightly nutty flavor. The best part? You can easily make your own by blending rolled oats in a high-speed blender until a fine powder forms. This is a remarkably cost-effective way to enjoy fresh oat flour and ensures you have a gluten-free option on hand whenever needed.
- Grated Apple: Instead of chunky apple pieces, which can sometimes interfere with waffle texture, we opt for grated apple. This method ensures that the apple’s flavor and moisture are evenly distributed throughout the batter, creating delicate, moist pockets of apple goodness in every bite. Plus, grating an apple is often quicker and simpler than finely chopping it! Choose a firm, slightly tart apple variety like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for the best results.
- Oil: A good quality oil is essential for moisture and helping achieve that desirable crispy exterior. Canola oil is a neutral and reliable choice, but melted coconut oil also works beautifully, adding a subtle hint of coconut flavor that complements the apple and cinnamon. Ensure your coconut oil is melted before incorporating it into the batter.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent is critical for light, fluffy waffles. Always check the expiry date of your baking powder; fresh baking powder is key to ensuring your waffles rise perfectly and achieve that inviting texture.
- Cinnamon: The warming, aromatic spice that ties all the flavors together. Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon to your personal preference – some like a subtle hint, while others prefer a more pronounced spice.
- Almond Milk: Unsweetened vanilla almond milk is our go-to for its creamy texture and additional layer of flavor. If you require a nut-free alternative, soy milk or even a coconut milk beverage (from a carton, not canned full-fat coconut milk) will work equally well. The goal is to provide liquid without overpowering the other flavors.
- Sugar: While the grated apple contributes a natural sweetness, a touch of granulated sugar rounds out the flavor profile and ensures a perfectly balanced waffle. You can also substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar for an alternative sweetener option, adjusting the quantity to your taste.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall sweetness and complexity of the waffles, adding a comforting depth of flavor.
- Sea Salt: Just a pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and intensifying the flavors of all the ingredients, bringing out the best in the apple and cinnamon.
Crafting Your Perfect Vegan Apple Cinnamon Waffles: A Simple Guide
Making these delicious waffles is incredibly straightforward. Follow these easy steps for a delightful breakfast:
- Prepare Your Waffle Iron: Start by preheating your waffle iron to the desired setting. Most waffle irons have an indicator light that tells you when it’s ready. For optimal crispiness, ensure it’s fully heated before adding the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, cinnamon, sea salt, and baking powder. This ensures all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, or directly into the dry ingredients if your bowl is large enough, add the oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sugar has dissolved.
- Incorporate Apple: Gently fold the grated apple into the batter. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; just enough to distribute the apple evenly.
- Rest the Batter (Optional but Recommended): If time allows, let the waffle batter rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the oat flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a slightly thicker batter and potentially fluffier waffles.
- Cook Your Waffles: Lightly spray your preheated waffle iron with oil (even if it’s non-stick). Spoon the batter into the waffle iron, using the amount recommended by your specific waffle iron (typically around ⅓ cup per section for standard irons). Close the lid and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the waffles and serve immediately with your favorite toppings!
Expert Tips for Waffle Perfection:
Achieving the perfect waffle experience is easy with a few insider tips:
- Make Your Own Oat Flour: As mentioned, crafting your own oat flour is both economical and convenient. Simply add rolled oats to a high-powered blender or food processor and blend until it reaches a fine, flour-like consistency. This not only saves money but also ensures you’re using the freshest ingredients for your vegan waffle recipe.
- Master Your Waffle Iron: Every waffle iron has its unique quirks. My own waffle iron, for example, is notoriously unreliable with its “ready” indicator; I’ve learned it typically needs a couple of extra minutes beyond what it signals. If you’re using a new waffle iron, or even an older one you’re not fully acquainted with, it’s always a good idea to run a test waffle first. These apple cinnamon waffles, in particular, often benefit from a slightly longer cook time to ensure they’re thoroughly cooked and beautifully golden. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find your machine’s sweet spot!
- The Secret to Extra Crispy Waffles: If you, like me, are a devoted fan of truly crispy waffles, here’s a game-changing tip: after cooking, pop your waffles into a toaster for about 30-60 seconds before serving. This quick re-toast revitalizes their crispiness, transforming a good waffle into an extraordinary one. Alternatively, you can achieve a similar effect by placing them directly on the metal racks in a preheated oven for a few minutes.
- Storage and Freezing: These waffles are wonderfully freezer-friendly. Once completely cooled, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply pop them directly into a toaster, toaster oven, or conventional oven until warm and crispy. This makes them an ideal make-ahead breakfast for busy weeks.
- Customizing Your Waffles: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or a pinch of ground cloves for an even richer fall flavor. You can also add a tablespoon or two of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) to the batter for added texture and healthy fats.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond the classic maple syrup, consider topping your waffles with a dollop of vegan whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, fresh berries, a scoop of apple butter, or even a drizzle of nut butter for extra protein. The possibilities are endless!
Vegan Apple Cinnamon Waffles Recipe
Start your morning off with this hearty and delicious apple cinnamon vegan waffle recipe. Made with oat flour for a gluten-free option as well if needed. 10 minutes to prep and freezer friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup oat flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 2-3 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup almond milk (vanilla recommended)
- 3 T oil (canola or melted coconut oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 – 3 T sugar (maple syrup works well too!)
- ⅓ cup grated apple (about one small apple)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine oat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and sea salt. Stir until well combined.
- Add in the almond milk, oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are incorporated.
- Gently fold in the grated apple until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Allow the waffle batter to rest for about 5-10 minutes if time allows for best texture.
- Pour batter into your preheated waffle iron according to the amount your model allows (typically about ⅓ cup per section).
- Cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust cooking time as needed for desired crispiness.
- Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy your warm, delicious vegan apple cinnamon waffles!
Notes
- You can easily make your own oat flour by blending rolled oats in a high-powered blender until fine. This is a very cost-effective approach!
- Familiarize yourself with your waffle iron. Cooking times can vary, so a test waffle is always a good idea. These apple cinnamon waffles often take a little longer to cook compared to traditional recipes.
- For extra crispy waffles, pop them in a toaster for 30-60 seconds after cooking, or briefly in a hot oven.
Nutrition (Approximation per serving)
Calories: 216kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Sodium: 157mg, Potassium: 239mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 6IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 129mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used only as an approximation.
More Delicious Breakfast Ideas to Explore:
If you loved these Apple Cinnamon Vegan Waffles, you might also enjoy these other fantastic recipes:
- Easy Vegan French Toast in a Mug
- Blueberry Muffin Baked Oatmeal
- Dairy-Free Buttermilk Pancakes
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes
- Vegan Cherry Overnight Oats
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Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question or a favorite topping? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!
Shop Essential Tools for Perfect Waffles
To help you create these delightful waffles with ease, here are some recommended kitchen tools and ingredients: