These Dairy Free Waffles prove you don’t need milk to make a great waffle. They’re fluffy, lightly sweet, and made with everyday ingredients I always have on hand, which makes them a go-to breakfast in our house, especially when I want extras for the freezer!
As someone who develops recipes with both flavor and nourishment in mind, I love that this dairy-free waffle recipe uses pantry staples and delivers consistent results every time. The batter comes together quickly, cooks up beautifully in the waffle iron, and freezes well for easy breakfasts later in the week! It doesn't get much better than that!
These dairy free waffles with water are still crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re dairy-free by necessity or just ran out of milk (we’ve all been there), this is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Nutrition at a Glance
- Protein: Eggs provide protein to help keep you full and support muscle repair, especially helpful for a balanced breakfast!
- Healthy Fats: The oil adds fats that support energy and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
- Carbohydrates: Flour provides quick energy to fuel busy mornings!
- Low in Saturated Fat: Since there’s no dairy, these waffles are naturally lower in saturated fat than traditional recipes.
Ingredients You Need
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the waffles, providing structure and that classic fluffy texture. You can swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour if needed!
- Baking Powder: Helps the waffles rise and become light and airy.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and flavor. Honey or agave work, too.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness!
- Water: Replaces milk without sacrificing texture.
- Oil: Keeps the waffles moist and crisp! You can also use vegetable, avocado, or melted coconut oil all work well.
- Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and protein.
- Vanilla Extract: For a depth of flavor.
Dietary Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend! You can also use an oat flour here if you prefer.
- Whole-Wheat Flour: Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for more fiber.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoons water, rested 5 minutes).
How to Make Waffles Without Milk
Step 1: Preheat the waffle iron. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, vegetable oil, vanilla, and maple syrup until well combined.
Step 2: In a different bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Once mixed well, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Spray the waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour about ½ cup of batter into the iron (be sure to read the waffle iron instructions for exact batter measurements). Close the iron and let it cook.
Step 4: Once the waffle is done, place on a plate and top with butter, maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Dietitian Tips for Success
- Avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the waffles light and tender. Overmixing can lead to dense or tough waffles.
- Double the recipe and freeze extras. These waffles freeze beautifully and reheat well straight from the toaster. Having them on hand makes weekday breakfasts much easier.
- Balance your plate with protein and fiber. Pair the waffles with nut butter, eggs, or fruit to help stabilize blood sugar and keep energy levels steady throughout the morning.
How to Serve Dairy Free Waffles
Serve these dairy-free waffles warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or dairy-free butter. They’re also great topped with peanut butter, almond butter, or coconut whipped cream. For a more filling breakfast, pair them with scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, or fresh fruit on the side!
Topping Ideas for Waffles
Sweet Toppings
- Honey
- Brown sugar and cinnamon
- Jam
- Drizzled chocolate with candied nuts
- Ice cream
- Nutella
- Lemon or orange zest
- Chocolate chips (try milk chocolate and white chocolate together!)
Savory Toppings
- Ham and cheese
- Cream cheese with chives
- BLT sandwich
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover dairy free waffles in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze waffles in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Toast straight from frozen or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make waffles with water instead of milk and still get great results. Using water keeps the waffles light and allows the other ingredients, like eggs, oil, and vanilla, to provide flavor and richness.
Not noticeably. These waffles are fluffy, lightly sweet, and crisp! Most people can’t tell they’re made without milk.
Neutral oils like vegetable, avocado, or melted coconut oil work best and won’t overpower the flavor.
You could use melted coconut oil, melted butter, or applesauce. You may have a different flavor and texture but it will still taste great!
More Breakfast Recipes to Try
- Oatmeal Pumpkin Waffles
- Easy Egg Bites
- Cinnamon Roll Muffins
- Mini Naan Breakfast Pizzas
- Protein Energy Bites
Easy Dairy Free Waffles Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ cup oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the waffle iron.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, vegetable oil, vanilla, and maple syrup until well combined.
- In a different bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Once mixed well, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until well combined.
- Spray the waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour about ½ cup of batter into the iron (be sure to read the waffle iron instructions for exact batter measurements). Close the iron and let it cook.
- Once the waffle is done, place on a plate and top with butter, maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the waffles light and tender. Overmixing can lead to dense or tough waffles.
- Double the recipe and freeze extras. These waffles freeze beautifully and reheat well straight from the toaster. Having them on hand makes weekday breakfasts much easier.
- Balance your plate with protein and fiber. Pair the waffles with nut butter, eggs, or fruit to help stabilize blood sugar and keep energy levels steady throughout the morning.
Hannah
New favorite! Our toddler is dairy free so finding a good dairy free waffle is hard. They always end up chewy or too hard! These are perfect! Crisp, flavorful, and fluffy! I sub almond milk for water and add a little cinnamon. Thank you!
Katharine @ Be Well Table
Yay! Glad you guys loved them. Adding almond milk and cinnamon is GENIUS!