Deliciously Crispy Vegan Applesauce Waffles: Your New Favorite Healthy Oat Flour Breakfast

 

In our bustling home, I have a steadfast rule: every single item must have its designated place, a true ‘home’ where it can always be found. My partner, M, can certainly vouch for my relentless pursuit of tidiness, my constant organizing, and my habit of stowing things away. This is precisely why, when he reaches for his empty coffee mug, it’s invariably already sparkling clean in the dishwasher. Apologies, M, but a clear kitchen equals a clear mind for me!

This organizational zeal becomes especially critical in the kitchen, particularly during my most hectic photoshoot and recipe testing days. As a food blogger, I confess to accumulating a rather impressive collection of kitchen gadgets, many of which, to my dismay, remain stubbornly homeless. Given that we reside in a condo, our kitchen isn’t exactly sprawling. Consequently, these culinary contraptions often find themselves exiled to our storage closet or the attic, patiently awaiting their rediscovery six months later when inspiration (or desperation) strikes. They simply don’t get to occupy that precious, coveted kitchen counter real estate. Yes, I’m a little embarrassed to admit that my ice cream maker, air fryer, and even the trusty crock pot typically gather varying degrees of dust until they’re called upon for a specific recipe.

However, there’s a recent acquisition that has dramatically defied this rule: my new waffle maker. I recently raved about it, and for good reason. It has quickly become an indispensable part of our morning routine, so much so that I simply cannot bring myself to tuck it away. It seems destined to live permanently on the kitchen counter. How M will feel about it potentially obstructing the coffee grinder remains to be seen, but I’m willing to risk it, especially after you try this incredible new recipe.

These Vegan Applesauce Waffles are truly a game-changer. Crafted with wholesome oat flour and creamy coconut milk, they offer a wonderfully nutritious and satisfying breakfast. The secret to their irresistibly golden-brown and delightfully crispy texture lies in one unassuming ingredient: unsweetened applesauce. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a delightful way to elevate your breakfast routine without any fuss.

What You Need to Make Vegan Applesauce Waffles

Crafting these delightful Vegan Applesauce Waffles is simpler than you might imagine, especially since they call for ingredients that are likely already staples in your pantry. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect fluffy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside waffle.

Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create these healthy, plant-based breakfast treats:

• Lite Coconut Milk: This forms the creamy base for our vegan ‘buttermilk.’ Opting for ‘lite’ helps keep the waffles a bit lighter, while still contributing a subtle richness and moisture. It’s an excellent dairy-free alternative that provides structure and a hint of tropical flavor without being overpowering.
• Lemon Juice: When combined with coconut milk, lemon juice works its magic to create a quick and easy vegan ‘buttermilk.’ The acidity helps to tenderize the oat flour and reacts with the baking powder, resulting in beautifully light and airy waffles.
• Oat Flour: Our star flour! Oat flour is naturally gluten-free (ensure certified gluten-free if necessary for dietary restrictions) and provides a wonderful nutty flavor and a tender crumb. It’s packed with fiber, making these waffles a more filling and wholesome option compared to traditional white flour varieties. It also contributes to a slightly chewier, yet soft, texture.
• Baking Powder: This essential leavening agent is responsible for the impressive rise and fluffy texture of our waffles. It reacts with the acidic lemon juice to create air pockets, making each bite light and airy.
• Cinnamon: A pinch of ground cinnamon adds a warm, comforting aroma and a subtle spice that perfectly complements the applesauce. It’s a simple addition that truly elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Pure Maple Syrup: For natural sweetness, we use pure maple syrup. It not only sweetens the batter but also helps with the browning process, contributing to that desirable golden crust. You can adjust the amount to your preference or use another liquid sweetener.
• Raw Cashew Butter: This creamy nut butter adds richness, a lovely depth of flavor, and helps bind the ingredients together, creating a well-structured waffle. Its neutral flavor ensures it won’t overpower the applesauce and cinnamon. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter can also be used as alternatives.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: This is the absolute secret ingredient for achieving crispy, beautifully browned waffles without excessive added sugars. The natural pectins and sugars in applesauce caramelize on the waffle iron, creating a golden, slightly caramelized exterior. It also adds a wonderful natural sweetness and moisture, making the waffles incredibly tender. Make sure to use unsweetened applesauce to control the overall sweetness of the final product.

That’s all it takes! Simple, wholesome ingredients for a truly satisfying breakfast.

How to Make Vegan Applesauce Waffles

Preparing these Vegan Applesauce Waffles is a straightforward process, even for beginner cooks. Follow these simple steps for perfectly golden and crispy results every time.

1. Prepare Your Vegan Buttermilk: Begin by combining the lite coconut milk and fresh lemon juice in a small mixing bowl. Stir them together gently and then set the mixture aside for about 5 minutes. During this brief resting period, the lemon juice will curdle the coconut milk slightly, creating a vegan “buttermilk” that adds a wonderful tang and helps activate the baking powder. This step is crucial for achieving light and fluffy waffles.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Once your vegan buttermilk is ready, add the pure maple syrup, creamy raw cashew butter, and the unsweetened applesauce to the same bowl. Whisk or stir these wet ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth. The unsweetened applesauce, as mentioned, is your secret weapon here – it’s what gives these waffles their signature golden-brown color and incredible crispiness as they cook!
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Now, it’s time to introduce the dry components. Add the oat flour, baking powder, and a generous pinch of cinnamon to the wet mixture. Using a spatula or a whisk, gently mix the batter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough waffles. A few lumps are perfectly fine! The final batter should be thick enough to scoop, yet still pourable, ensuring it spreads nicely in the waffle iron.

4. Preheat Your Waffle Maker: Turn on your waffle maker and allow it to preheat fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The specific temperature or doneness setting can vary, but a medium heat setting generally works best for these waffles, providing an even cook without burning. Ensure your waffle maker is adequately greased to prevent sticking.
5. Cook the Waffles to Perfection: Once your waffle maker is hot and ready, use a ½ cup measuring cup to scoop a portion of the batter. Carefully pour or spoon the batter into the center of the greased waffle maker. Gently close the lid, pressing firmly for a count of ten to ensure even spreading. Allow the waffles to cook for approximately 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a crispy texture on both sides. In my experience, 3 minutes yields the perfect crispness and color, but this can vary depending on the specific model and wattage of your waffle maker. Don’t be afraid to experiment with cook times to find your ideal waffle!

6. Cool and Continue: As each waffle finishes cooking, carefully remove it from the iron and place it on a wire cooling rack. This is a crucial step to prevent the waffles from becoming soggy due to steam buildup. Continue this process with the remaining batter until it’s all used up. This recipe typically yields about 5-6 waffles, though the exact number can depend on the size of your waffle maker and how much batter you use per waffle. For me, it consistently makes a solid batch of six perfectly formed waffles, ready to be enjoyed!

Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a stack of delicious, healthy, and perfectly crispy vegan applesauce waffles in no time!

Swaps and Substitutions

While this Vegan Applesauce Waffle recipe is carefully formulated for optimal taste and texture, some mindful adjustments can be made, though certain core ingredients are truly non-negotiable for the best results.

• Flour Alternatives: I strongly recommend sticking with oat flour for this recipe. Its unique properties contribute significantly to the waffles’ tender crumb and satisfying texture. I haven’t experimented with substituting other flours like all-purpose, almond, or gluten-free blends, as they might drastically alter the absorption and structure, leading to a different outcome. If you do venture into experimenting, be prepared for potential adjustments in liquid ratios and overall texture.
• Milk Alternatives: Similarly, the coconut milk (specifically lite coconut milk from a can) is critical. Its fat content and creaminess contribute to the vegan ‘buttermilk’ and the overall richness of the waffle. Other plant-based milks like almond milk or soy milk are thinner and may not yield the same creamy consistency or react with the lemon juice in the same way, potentially resulting in less tender waffles.
• Nut or Seed Butter: While I personally adore the subtle and neutral flavor of raw cashew butter, you absolutely have flexibility here. Feel free to substitute it with any other creamy nut butter, such as almond butter or peanut butter, for a different flavor profile. For a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter (sunbutter) works wonderfully and maintains the necessary fat content and binding properties. Just ensure it’s a smooth variety.
• Lemon Juice Alternative: If fresh lemon juice isn’t readily available, apple cider vinegar is an excellent alternative for creating your vegan buttermilk. Use the same quantity to achieve the necessary acidity that activates the baking powder and enhances the texture.
• Unsweetened Applesauce – The Essential Ingredient: This is truly a cornerstone of the recipe. My testing without unsweetened applesauce yielded significantly less impressive results – waffles that were less golden, less crispy, and lacked that unique depth of flavor. The natural sugars and pectins in the applesauce are vital for both browning and moisture. It’s crucial to use unsweetened applesauce to prevent the waffles from becoming overly sweet, especially if you plan to add maple syrup or other sweet toppings.
• Sweetener Options: Pure maple syrup is my preferred sweetener, offering a rich, natural flavor. However, if you prefer, you can substitute it with another liquid sweetener of your choice, such as agave nectar. Granulated sugars are not recommended as they can alter the wet-to-dry ingredient balance and the waffle’s texture.

Notes on Meal Prep

This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping, ensuring you have a delicious and nutritious breakfast ready to go throughout the week. Depending on the size of your waffle maker, a single batch typically yields between 4 to 6 generously sized waffles, or potentially 6-8 smaller ones.

If you’re not planning to feed a large crowd for breakfast, you’ll likely find yourself with some wonderful leftover waffles – and that’s perfectly fine, as they store beautifully!

• Refrigeration: To store leftover waffles for the short term, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack first. This is important to prevent sogginess. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. They retain their flavor and texture remarkably well.
• Freezing for Longer Storage: For longer-term storage, waffles are excellent candidates for freezing. Again, ensure they are completely cooled. You can flash-freeze them on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes to prevent them from sticking together, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. This makes them perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick, wholesome breakfast option.
• Reheating Instructions:
  • Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a waffle in the microwave for 30-second intervals until warmed through. While this is the fastest method, it may not restore the crispiness.
  • Toaster or Toaster Oven: For best results in regaining some crispness, pop your refrigerated or frozen waffles into a toaster or toaster oven. Toast them on a medium setting until heated through and crispy. This is my preferred method for reviving waffles.
  • Conventional Oven: Alternatively, you can reheat multiple waffles in a preheated oven. Place them on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed throughout and have achieved a pleasant crispiness. Frozen waffles may take a few minutes longer.

Having a batch of these Vegan Applesauce Waffles ready in the fridge or freezer makes breakfast planning effortless and ensures you start your day with a satisfying and healthy meal.

How to Serve Vegan Applesauce Waffles

These Vegan Applesauce Waffles are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They are truly a canvas for your favorite breakfast toppings!

My personal favorite way to enjoy them is simply plated with a generous handful of fresh blueberries and a decadent drizzle of pure maple syrup. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of the berries perfectly complement the warm, cinnamon-spiced waffles.

However, don’t limit yourself to just berries and syrup! Here are some other delightful topping ideas to inspire your next vegan waffle feast:

• Creamy Delights: A dollop of coconut whipped cream adds an airy, luxurious touch. For a richer experience, a swirl of extra cashew butter or almond butter can be absolutely divine, providing additional protein and healthy fats.
• Chocolate Indulgence: A drizzle of melted vegan chocolate or a sprinkle of mini vegan chocolate chips can turn these wholesome waffles into a delightful dessert-for-breakfast.
• Fruit Galore: Beyond blueberries, consider sliced bananas, fresh raspberries, or a medley of mixed berries. A warm compote made from stewed apples or pears would also be a fantastic addition, enhancing the apple flavor.
• Crunchy Additions: Toasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or seeds (such as hemp or chia seeds) can add a satisfying crunch and a boost of nutrients.
• Savory Twist (Less Common but Fun!): While typically sweet, a dollop of vegan yogurt with a sprinkle of savory spices could offer an adventurous twist for those who enjoy contrasting flavors.

These waffles are perfect for crafting an elevated vegan brunch to share with friends and family, making any morning feel a little more special. And, for the coffee lovers out there, it’s worth noting that their comforting flavors pair exceptionally well with a warm, freshly brewed cup of coffee.

Whether you’re making a batch for a special occasion or preparing them for convenient meal prep throughout the week, these Vegan Applesauce Waffles are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Enjoy the process of making them and savor every wholesome bite!

Nutritional Benefits of These Waffles

Beyond their delightful taste, these Vegan Applesauce Waffles offer a host of nutritional advantages, making them a smart choice for a healthy breakfast.

• Oat Flour Power: Oat flour is the star of our recipe, and for good reason. It’s a whole grain, naturally rich in dietary fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which is known for its heart-healthy benefits, including helping to lower cholesterol levels. Fiber also aids in digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer, preventing mid-morning energy crashes. Furthermore, oats provide a good source of essential minerals like manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc.
• Natural Sweetness from Applesauce: By utilizing unsweetened applesauce, we harness the natural sweetness of apples without relying on excessive added sugars. Apples are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and the applesauce contributes moisture and fiber to the waffles, making them tender and wholesome.
• Healthy Fats from Cashew Butter & Coconut Milk: Raw cashew butter and lite coconut milk introduce healthy fats to the recipe. Cashew butter provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health, along with protein and various vitamins and minerals. Coconut milk offers medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can be a source of quick energy.
• Plant-Based Goodness: As a fully vegan recipe, these waffles are cholesterol-free and rich in plant-based nutrients. They are suitable for those following a vegan diet or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their routine.

In essence, every ingredient in these Vegan Applesauce Waffles is chosen not just for flavor and texture, but also for its contribution to a well-rounded and nourishing breakfast. Enjoy them knowing you’re fueling your body with wholesome goodness!

Troubleshooting Common Waffle Woes

Even the most seasoned waffle makers can encounter a hiccup or two. Here are some common issues you might face when making waffles and how to troubleshoot them, ensuring your Vegan Applesauce Waffles turn out perfectly every time:

• Waffles are Sticking to the Iron: This is a common frustration! The primary culprit is often insufficient greasing of the waffle iron. Ensure your iron is thoroughly preheated and then brushed or sprayed generously with oil before adding each batch of batter. Some non-stick sprays can leave a residue over time, so consider using a neutral oil like avocado or coconut oil. Also, avoid opening the waffle maker too early; sometimes, a waffle will stick if it hasn’t fully cooked and released itself.
• Waffles Aren’t Crispy Enough: The secret ingredient, unsweetened applesauce, is key for crispiness. Ensure you’re using the correct amount. Additionally, make sure your waffle iron is adequately preheated to a medium-high setting. Cooking them for a full 3 minutes (or even slightly longer, depending on your iron) can help achieve that desired golden, crispy exterior. Lastly, always transfer cooked waffles to a wire cooling rack immediately. Stacking them on a plate will trap steam and make them soggy.
• Waffles are Soggy/Dense: Overmixing the batter is a common cause for dense waffles. Mix until just combined; a few lumps are fine! Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh and active. If it’s old, it won’t provide enough lift. The vegan buttermilk step (coconut milk + lemon juice) is also vital for creating a light texture, so don’t skip allowing it to curdle for 5 minutes.
• Waffles are Burning on the Outside, Raw on the Inside: This usually indicates your waffle iron is too hot. Try lowering the heat setting slightly. If your iron doesn’t have adjustable temperature, reduce the cooking time slightly and check for doneness. Conversely, if your iron isn’t hot enough, waffles might cook too slowly and dry out before browning.
• Batter is Too Thick or Too Thin: The ideal batter consistency for these waffles is thick yet pourable. If it’s too thick, it won’t spread evenly; if too thin, the waffles might be flimsy. If your batter seems too thick, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of coconut milk until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too thin (which is less common with oat flour), you could try adding a tiny bit more oat flour, but be cautious not to overdo it. The provided measurements are designed for the perfect balance.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can confidently prepare these delicious Vegan Applesauce Waffles and enjoy perfect results every single time!

More Vegan Waffles

• Paleo Chocolate Chip Waffles

• Sweet Potato Waffles

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XO Lauren

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