These dairy free waffles are easy to make and packed with flavor. Get the perfect golden waffles every time. You're going to love making this waffles recipe without milk or butter.
Recipe: $1.59 | Per Serving: $0.32 | Yields: 5 waffles
This no milk waffle recipe is incredibly light, fluffy, and delicious, with no compromise on flavor or texture. Whether you're looking for a dairy-free breakfast option or just want a tasty waffle recipe, this one is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Not only are they a delightful breakfast choice, but they also make for an excellent brunch or even a sweet dessert. Dairy-Free Waffles are proof that you can enjoy a dairy-free lifestyle without missing out on the comfort of homemade, mouthwatering waffles.
We have held a special place in our hearts for dairy free recipes for years thanks to food sensitivities. Recipes like this one, and my Dairy Free Cinnamon Rolls, Eggless Banana Bread, and 5 Ingredient White Bread Recipe are always comforting (as well as convenient).
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🍯 Why This Recipe Works
- They're great for when you run out of milk! These non dairy waffles are incredible and whether you're avoiding dairy for a reason or simply wanting to be frugal and mindful of the grocery shopping day, they're sure to hit the spot.
- They're super easy to make. Use any sized waffle maker (or a fun shaped waffle maker if you have one!) and simply whisk up the batter beforehand.
- They have the perfect consistency. Made to be crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and all around delicious, these waffles are perfect for any occasion from Sunday brunch to Mother's Day.
🥘 Ingredients
Flour- We use all purpose flour for the gluten-filled structural base of these waffles.
Baking powder- Use baking powder to help leaven the batter and get the perfect fluffy texture we want.
Granulated sugar- Waffle batter has a higher sugar ratio than pancake mix, but it's for great reasons! The sugar helps the waffles to get that golden crispy outside that we want.
Non-dairy milk- You can use any milk of choice, from Almond milk to soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or even water! Note that if you want to use dairy milk, that's fine too.
For specific ingredients and measurements, please see the recipe card below.
🧾 Substitutions
Milk. I have had a lot of success making these waffles with all kinds of cold dairy milk. I do not recommend using canned coconut milk as the texture is much thicker and way too rich for these waffles to turn out correctly.
Cooking oil. Vegetable oil is my go-to oil of choice but canola oil, melted vegan butter, or even melted coconut oil all work well too.
Flour. While I have not personally tried it, I know several readers have tried this recipe using whole wheat flour and said they loved it, so if you're looking for another alternative, there it is!
📖 Variations
Customizations- This recipe serves as a versatile base that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Consider adding fresh or frozen blueberries, chocolate chips, or sprinkles for a playful twist. For a decadent chocolate variation, incorporate crushed Oreo cookies into the batter.
Seasonal Variations- To infuse seasonal flavors, substitute half of the milk/water with flavored coffee creamer. This adds a unique twist to your waffles, ideal for those seeking a creative breakfast option.
🔪 Instructions for Dairy Free Waffles
Step 1: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar to a large mixing bowl. (Image 1). Whisk them together until well combined. (Image 2).
Step 2: Make a well in the center and add the eggs, milk (or water), and oil to the center. (Image 3).
Step 3: Whisk until no lumps remain. (Image 4).
Step 4: Pour or scoop your batter into a preheated waffle maker. (Image 5).
Step 5: Close the lid. (Image 6). Cook until golden brown on both sides. (Image 7).
Step 6: Flip onto a plate and serve as desired. Enjoy!
⏲️Make Ahead Instructions
Batter Preparation: Prepare the waffle batter up to two days in advance. This convenient option is perfect for busy mornings!
Advance Waffle Making: Alternatively, you can make the waffles the night before. To refresh them before serving, simply reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
🥗 Side Dishes
Don't forget to serve your waffles with other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, Canned Breakfast Potatoes, or Mixed Berry Syrup.
👩🏻🍳 Storage
Fridge- After your waffles have cooled, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Frozen- These milkless waffles can be made in advance and frozen. Simply place them on a baking sheet and let them freeze for 1-3 hours before transferring them to a Ziploc bag or airtight container for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before eating (or eat them frozen).
🍳Reheating
Toaster Method: If your waffles fit, place them in the toaster to reheat.
Oven Reheating: Heat the waffles in the oven for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F. This is ideal for reheating multiple waffles simultaneously on a baking sheet.
Microwave Reheating: For a quicker option, reheat one waffle at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 35-45 seconds per waffle. Keep in mind that this method may result in softer, less crispy waffles.
🍴 Recipe Tips
- Waffle Recipe with Water- Opting for a waffle recipe without milk? Water makes a suitable substitute, although it may slightly alter the flavor.
- Preheating Your Waffle Iron- Ensure your waffle iron is preheated before pouring in the batter. Adjust heat settings based on the manufacturer's instructions for golden, evenly cooked waffles.
- Greasing Between Waffles- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for greasing your waffle iron. Some prefer using a pastry brush to apply oil, while others may suggest nonstick spray.
- Practice Makes Perfect- Perfecting your waffle-making technique may take a few attempts, but it's a straightforward learning process. Remembering what worked well each time will streamline future waffle-making sessions.
- Getting Crispy Waffles- For extra crispiness, transfer cooked waffles to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet and keep them warm in a 200°F oven for up to an hour.
💭 Recipe FAQs
While you can use pancake batter to make waffles, the two are not entirely the same. Waffle batter has a higher oil and sugar content making them richer in taste.
Waffle batter should be thinner than pancake batter, and it should contain fewer lumps as well. While a few small lumps may be unnoticeable, the waffle batter shouldn't resemble pancake batter.
Great question! I often let my waffle batter and pancake batter rest for about 5 minutes before using them. I feel that this really helps to get a lighter and more airy result.
❤️ More Delicious Brunch Recipes
If you tried these Dairy Free Waffles, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your feedback in the 📝 comments section below. I would truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Dairy Free Waffles
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour ($0.26)
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder ($0.15)
- ½ teaspoon salt ($0.01)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ($0.04)
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg ($0.01)
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar ($0.05)
- 2 large eggs ($0.30)
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract ($0.06)
- 1 ½ cup non-dairy milk or water ($0.48)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil ($0.23)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Make a well in the center of the ingredients and add in the eggs, vanilla, milk, and oil. Whisk until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Scoop your batter into a preheated waffle maker in the amount requested by manufacturer (usually ¼ cup-¾ cup of batter).
- Close lid and cook until ready light signals finished or it has reached desired color.
- Serve with syrup and fresh berries. Enjoy.
Notes
- If you have no non-dairy milk on hand you can use water instead. The flavor will be a little different but should still turn out fluffy and golden.
- You can use non-dairy coffee creamers for a fun flavorful twist.
- Make sure to follow your waffle maker's manual on how to make your waffles come out perfectly golden and crisp.
- Leftovers. Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating. Reheat your waffles by placing them on a cooking sheet at 350 degrees F for a few minutes on each side.
- Freezing. You can freeze your waffles for 1-3 hours until solid on a baking sheet and then stack them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nathan says
These look so delicious and fluffy! I like to try to avoid dairy when possible, so this is definitely going on my list for breakfast!
Sara Welch says
What a tasty way to start my day! Excited to enjoy these for breakfast tomorrow; looks too good to pass up!
Chrissie Baker says
Perfect timing – I’ve had major waffles cravings this week! Will get a hold of a waffle maker and try these out. Thanks, Nicole!
veenaazmanov says
Nothing like enjoying a delicious and crunchy waffle Homemade. This is a perfect breakfast or dessert treat. My kids to love it for sure.
Lisa says
My daughter had a dairy intolerance when she was younger too. Wish I'd had this recipe then. Your waffles look so light and fluffy. Absolutely perfect!