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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! 

three finished Apple Cinnamon Waffles with maply syrup being drizzled on top with apples in the background

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. 

three finished Apple Cinnamon Waffles without syrup on a cutting board with apples and syrup in the background

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

Apple Cinnamon Waffles Ingredients spread out on a white marble surface

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.

preparation of flax seed into bowl of water against a white background preparation of flax seed mixing into bowl of water against a white background

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

preparation of apples in a bowl preparation of mixing milk and apples in a bowl preparation of vanilla extract in a bowl of wet ingredients preparation of adding oil in a bowl of wet ingredients preparation of mixing wet ingredients into a white bowl post mixing of wet ingredients in a bowl

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

Various dry ingredients measured out against a white background Dry ingredients of Apple Cinnamon Waffles in white bowl Dry ingredients of Apple Cinnamon Waffles in white bowl Dry ingredients of Apple Cinnamon Waffles in white bowl mixed together

  • 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.

wet and dry ingredients with well in middle of dry ingredients pouring wet ingredients into dry ingredients with well in middle of dry ingredients process of mixing the wet and dry ingredients together process of mixing wet and dry ingredients together into bowl

  • 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. 

bowl of mixed batter and waffle iron against a white background prepared waffle in the waffle iron

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.

a stack of finished Waffles Apple Cinnamon pancakes on a cutting board with ingredients in the background

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

Apple Cinnamon Waffles

4.64 from 19 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 -6 waffles
These light and fluffy homemade Apple Cinnamon Waffles with bits of tender-crisp toppings are perfect for lazy weekend mornings.

Ingredients 

  • 2 ½ tablespoons of warm water
  • 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds 
  • 1 ¾ cups of vanilla plant-based milk (plain or chocolate will work)
  • â…“ cup of vegetable oil 
  • 1 Honeycrisp apple, cored and grated or finely diced, moisture pressed out with a napkin
  • 1 ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour (whole wheat will work)
  • 1 ½ tablespoon of granulated sugar 
  • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
  • 3 teaspoons of baking powder 
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt 
  • 1 ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon 

Instructions 

  • Turn on your waffle iron.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the warm water and ground flax seeds until thoroughly combined. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, vegetable oil, grated apple, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, both sugars, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
  • Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk mixture and flax mixture. Whisk gently, just until combined. Make sure to not overmix.
  • Scoop the desired amount of batter onto the preheated waffle iron. Follow your waffle iron instructions to cook. Repeat with the remaining batter until all the waffles are cooked.

Video

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 469kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 7gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 609mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 4gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 27IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 335mgIron: 3mg

Disclaimer: Although plantbasedonabudget.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Plantbasedonabudget.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

Additional Info

Author: Toni Okamoto
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Method: Stove
Diet: Vegan
Tried this recipe?Please tag us at @PlantBasedOnABudget! 🙂
About

Toni Okamoto

“They say you are what you eat, so I strive to be healthy.
My goal in life is not to be rich or wealthy,
‘Cause true wealth comes from good health and wise ways…
we got to start taking better care of ourselves ” – Dead Prez

More about Toni Okamoto

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  1. 3 stars
    These are now my l favorite waffles I’ve ever had! This is a simple recipe, and it doesn’t take much time to make either. Thank you so much!

  2. Toni, do you think gluten free Bob’s Mill will work or oat flour? Husband gluten intolerant but would love this recipe.