Fluffy Vegan Gluten-Free Waffles (Eggless and Delicious!)

Light, fluffy, and crisp, our vegan gluten-free waffles use whipped aquafaba to create an airy, eggless waffle recipe that rivals traditional Belgian waffles. Designed for busy families and mixed-diet households, they deliver the perfect texture and flavor without the need for gluten, eggs, or dairy.

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✋🏼E aí, pessoal! Hey there, friends! I’m Patricia, a mom of three who’s spent years making gluten-free recipes that don’t feel like compromises. If you’ve struggled with gluten-free waffles that are dense, dry or fall apart, you’re in the right place.

Today, we’re making vegan gluten-free waffles with a crispy outside and fluffy center—like the ones you’d get at a diner, just without the gluten, eggs, or dairy. The secret? Whipped aquafaba gives them lift, plant-based yogurt keeps them moist, and the right flour blend ensures they stay together.

This recipe means a lot to me. When my son had to go gluten-free at age 7, waffles were one of the first things he worried about. I knew I had to create a version that fit our diet, but it still made him just as excited as the ones he used to order at brunch. After many test batches and sharing this healthy waffles recipe with my Instagram followers, I was blown away by the response. Your feedback—and tips like storing the batter for next-day waffles—helped make this recipe a family favorite go-to recipe for so many of you.

Let’s make it yours, too! And if you’re planning a breakfast spread, check out my make-ahead gluten-free french toast casserole or fluffy blueberry breakfast muffins to keep mornings simple.

🥄What is Aquafaba and Why Do We Use It?

Aquafaba is the thick liquid you drain from a can of chickpeas (from “aqua” = water and “faba” = bean). When whipped, it forms a foamy, cloud-like texture similar to egg whites, making it perfect for egg-free recipes like these waffles.

In this recipe, aquafaba is key to creating a fluffy, airy batter that gives the waffles their light texture. Canned aquafaba is the best option because it’s thicker and easier to work with than the liquid from homemade chickpeas.

🧇Ingredients & Flavor Notes

Making vegan gluten-free waffles that are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside takes the right combination of simple ingredients. Here’s what we’re using and why:

Dry Ingredients:

• Gluten-Free Flour: I use Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free flour for this recipe. It has a great blend of gluten-free flours that mimic the texture of regular waffles. Plus, this blend already has xantham gum mixed, which will help give it that fluffy texture.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These work together to give the waffles a light and airy texture.
• Cinnamon: We add just a touch of cinnamon for it's warmth and depth, to help get that cozy mornings vibes.
• Salt: Just a little enhances the overall flavor.

Wet Ingredients:

• Plant-Based Yogurt: This helps create fluffy waffles by adding moisture and binding everything together without eggs.
• Oat Milk: Feel free to swap for any dairy-free milk. I like oat milk for its slightly creamy texture, but any plant-based milk works.
• Aquafaba (Liquid from Canned Chickpeas): The secret ingredient! Whipped aquafaba believe it or not, behaves a lot like egg whites, creating fluffy stiff peaks. This will introduce as much air as possible into the batter, helping achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a light sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

The exact measurements for our eggless waffle recipe are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of the post!

Additional Add-Ins:

• Chocolate Chips
• Blueberries
• Sliced Strawberries
• Mini marshmallows and chocolate chips: My kid's favorite dessert! This makes a s'more waffle recipe, and it's so delicious!

⚠️ Celiac-Safe Reminder: Always double-check that your ingredients, especially gluten-free flours, oat milk, and baking powder, are certified gluten-free. Some brands may have cross-contamination risks.

👩🏽‍🍳Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Heat Waffle Maker

Plug in your waffle maker and set it to medium heat. If your model has a temperature setting, go for a medium-high heat to achieve a golden brown color and crispy texture. A hot iron is essential—pouring batter into a cold waffle maker will result in soft, undercooked waffles.

📌 No waffle maker? No problem! This batter also works as pancakes. Just cook over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step evenly distributes the leavening agents, which helps create fluffy waffles.

Step 3: Add the Wet ingredients:

In the same bowl, pour in the plant-based yogurt, oat milk, and vanilla extract. Stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. The batter will be thick—that’s normal. Avoid overmixing, which can make the waffles dense, so stop once everything is incorporated. Rest the batter for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Whip the Aquafaba:

While the waffle batter rests, add the aquafaba to a separate medium bowl. Use an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer) to whip it at medium to high speed until it forms stiff peaks. This usually takes 3-5 minutes.

📝 What are stiff peaks? When you lift the beaters, the aquafaba should hold its shape without collapsing (see image below). This step traps as much air as possible, making the waffles lighter.

Step 5: Fold In The Aquafaba

Gently fold the whipped aquafaba into the waffle batter using a spatula. Fold from the bottom up in slow, sweeping motions to avoid deflating the air. The batter will look fluffy but still thick.

Step 6: Cook The Waffles

Scoop about ½ to ¾ cup of the eggless waffle batter onto the preheated waffle maker and spread it slightly before closing the lid. Cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions (typically 4-6 minutes) or until the waffles have a crispy texture and golden brown color.

📝 Tip: Avoid opening the waffle maker too soon—this can cause the waffle to break apart. Wait until steam reduces and the edges look set.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Carefully remove the eggless waffle recipe and let it cool for a few seconds on a wire rack (this prevents sogginess). Serve immediately with pure maple syrup, fresh berries, and your favorite toppings.

💡Recipe Tips for Fluffy Waffles

Here’s what I’ve learned from making vegan gluten-free waffles that are actually crispy on the outside and fluffy inside:

• Don’t Skip Whipping the Aquafaba: I know it’s tempting to skip this step, but whipping the aquafaba creates as much air as possible, making these homemade waffles light instead of dense. It’s worth the extra 3-5 minutes!
• Fold, Don’t Stir: When adding the whipped aquafaba, gently fold it into the batter instead of stirring. This keeps the batter airy and helps achieve that perfect texture.
• Let the Batter Rest (10 Minutes): Gluten-free flours need time to absorb liquid. Letting the batter sit for 10 minutes prevents dry waffles and helps everything blend properly.
• Use a Hot Waffle Maker: A hot iron is key! If the waffle maker isn’t fully preheated, the batter won’t crisp up properly, and you’ll end up with soft, undercooked waffles.

🥣Recipe Pairing and More

Complete your breakfast spread with these delicious options. Or, check out more breakfast recipes here to keep mornings simple and satisfying!

👋🏼Até logo, amigos! Keep savoring every bite of our easy vegan gluten-free waffles and don’t forget—life’s better with a little flavor and fun. Até a próxima!