Apple Cinnamon Waffles

These light and fluffy homemade Apple Cinnamon Waffles with tender-crisp fruity bits are a great way to start your day. The amazing aroma of apples, cinnamon spice, and vanilla in the air will make it much easier to get out of bed early! Drizzle with maple syrup and top ’em with some vegan whipped cream or even vegan ice cream for an indulgent holiday brunch or even as a delightful afternoon snack! 

Make your morning meal so much better with these delicious homemade waffles. Although traditional waffles are so well-loved, this recipe takes your usual breakfast treat to the next level. It gives you all the pleasant and warming taste you are looking for in a waffle but with the added crunch and flavor from the apple shreds and cinnamon powder. So next time you are about to make one and see some juicy apples begging to be put to good use, you know what to do! 

Waffles vs Pancakes

While these two delicious morning treats are made using similar ingredients in making the batter, the difference lies in how they are prepared and cooked. Pancakes are cooked using a flat, smooth surface like griddles or skillets. Waffles, on the other hand, require the use of a waffle iron or waffle maker where the batter is pressed on both sides to give them their distinct honeycomb pattern. The method of how they are cooked gives them different textures and flavors. While pancakes have a fluffy and soft texture, waffles are crisps and light with a chewy center. Waffles have a more caramelized taste because of the little hot pockets created by the waffle iron. Make sure to check out my classic Belgian Waffles. 

What type of apples to use?

This recipe works well with any type of sweet apple. I used Honeycrisp apples as they are extremely versatile and works with just about any recipe.  However, you may use your favorite kind, or whatever you have at hand. 

Apple Cinnamon Waffles Ingredients

This vegan apple cinnamon waffle recipe uses simple ingredients that you’re likely to have on hand to make a delightfully crisp breakfast treat. Here are the ingredients:

1. Warm Water and Flax Seeds – The flax seeds’ gelling process will be enhanced by the warm water. It takes on a gelatinous texture that is comparable to that of a raw egg.
2. Vanilla Plant-based milk – One of our basic ingredients for the waffle mixture. Soy milk and almond milk are great choices. 
3. Vegetable oil – This is usually added to the batter to achieve those crispy waffles.  Brush it on the hot waffle iron surface for that crispy perfection.
4. Honeycrisp Apple – You can either grate the apple into shreds or finely dice them before adding to the mixture. It’s up to you. 
5. Vanilla Extract – It enhances the flavor and aroma of the waffle.
6. All-Purpose Flour – For this recipe, I prefer all-purpose flour. If you want to use whole wheat flour, keep in mind that the texture will be a little thicker.
7. Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar – If you’re going to drizzle maple syrup on top, keep the sugar to a minimum. If you prefer sweeter results, you can increase the amount of sugar you will be using.
8. Baking Powder – It helps the waffles rise and brown.
9. Ground Cinnamon – A dusting of cinnamon gives it a warm and woody flavor base.
10. Salt

How to make Apple Cinnamon Waffles

If you’re looking for light, crispy waffles, this recipe is absolutely for you. It is simple to prepare and uses ingredients that we always have on hand in our kitchen. Nothing beats a freshly cooked waffle to jumpstart your day!

Preparations:

1. Remove the core and dice the apples.  The simplest method is to use an apple corer. If you don’t have any, all you’ll need is a knife. Vertically slice the apple in half, then vertically cut each half in half again. Simply place each apple on the cutting board and slice the core off at an angle. You’re now ready to dice or grate the apples.
2. Once apples are grated or diced, we need to press out excess moisture. Use a napkin to absorb the excess liquid.

Equipment Used in making Apple Cinnamon Waffles:

• Waffle Iron – If you have not used this in a while, this is the perfect recipe to heat it up again. 
• Mixing Bowls –  Small, Medium, and Large bowls are needed in this recipe.  We are mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them together. 

Let’s get started!

• Prepare the small, medium, and large bowls for our dry and wet ingredients.
  • In a small bowl.  Mix warm water and ground flax seeds.  Whisk until thoroughly combined. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.

• • In a medium bowl. Add the wet ingredients: plant-based milk, vegetable oil, grated apple, and vanilla extract.

• • In a large bowl.  Put together dry ingredients:  flour, both sugars, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.

• Now, let’s mix everything together.  Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.  Slowly pour in the milk and flax mixture.  Mix gently until fully combined.  We want to see a lump-free mixture.  However, make sure not to overmix it.

• Lastly, on the preheated waffle iron, scoop a good amount of batter.  Follow your waffle iron instructions to cook.  Repeat the process for the remaining mixture. 

How to check if the waffles are ready?

That depends on the type of waffle iron you are using and its setting.  Cooking time for a waffle is usually between 3-6 minutes. Use the light indicator or timer sound on your waffle maker if it has one. If not, the steam will indicate when the waffle is done. Waffles release steam while they cook. The waffle should be done cooking when the steam from the iron stops rising.

How to make them crispy?

• Use a preheated waffle iron. A hot waffle iron that has been properly warmed will make the batter crisp up as soon as it makes contact with the surface. Also, brushing vegetable oil on the waffle iron’s cooking surface is also recommended to give it that golden brown, caramelized, and crunchy finish.
• If you made these early and want to crisp them up for the sleepyheads, you can warm the waffles in an oven over 200 – 225°F. 

Storing Apple Cinnamon Waffles leftovers  

• The waffles may also be made in batches, which is convenient if you’re always in a rush. It takes only a few minutes to prepare. To keep leftover waffles in the refrigerator, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• If you choose to freeze leftovers, place the cooled waffles on a lined baking sheet. Second, flash freeze for few hours then, transfer them to plastic freezer bags.  Make sure to place pieces of parchment paper in between to prevent them from sticking together.  Lastly, keep them in the freezer for about 1-2 months.

Pair them up with other breakfast recipes

While these apple cinnamon waffles are filling on their own, there are a few breakfast dishes that go well with them.

1. Citrus Mango Smoothie – A flavorful and fun brunch drink! Fluffy waffles paired with the vibrant frozen mango smoothie for that powerful brunch.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Dice those crispy waffles into bite-sizes and layer them along with yogurt, berries, granola, and nuts for that complete breakfast meal.

Photos by Alfonso Revilla