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These golden Cornmeal Waffles have become my weekend breakfast superstar. I love how they come out perfectly crispy on the edges while staying soft inside. Being both vegan and gluten-free they're my go-to recipe when hosting brunch for friends with different dietary needs. The cornmeal gives them such a wonderful texture that nobody can tell they're anything but delicious.
A Breakfast Everyone Will Love
After years of recipe testing in my kitchen I've found these waffles are a crowd pleaser no matter who's at my table. My vegan daughter adores them my gluten sensitive friends can enjoy them worry free and even my traditional breakfast loving husband asks for seconds. The light airy texture and cozy flavor make them perfect any time of day especially when I need something special but easy.
Ingredients From My Pantry
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and reacts with baking powder for fluffy waffles.
- Unsweetened almond milk: A vegan alternative that blends well with other ingredients.
- Yellow cornmeal: Provides the waffles' signature flavor and texture.
- Cornstarch: Ensures a light and crisp texture.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the cornmeal's natural earthiness.
- Kosher or sea salt: Enhances overall flavor.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that ensures airy waffles.
- Aquafaba: Chickpea canning liquid serves as an egg substitute for binding and moisture.
- Neutral-flavored oil: Keeps the waffles moist without overpowering the taste.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and aroma.
Let's Make Waffles Together
- Start with your milk mixture
- Mix your apple cider vinegar into the almond milk and let it sit. It'll get slightly thick like buttermilk.
- Get your dry ingredients ready
- In my favorite mixing bowl I whisk cornmeal cornstarch sugar salt and baking powder together.
- Mix up the wet ingredients
- Grab another bowl and whisk your aquafaba oil almond milk mixture and vanilla until they're well combined.
- Time to make the batter
- Pour those wet ingredients into your dry ones and whisk just until they come together. Don't worry about small lumps they're totally fine.
- Let's cook
- Get your waffle iron nice and hot give it a light spray and pour in the batter. I like to cook mine about 6 minutes until they're golden and crispy.
- Keep them warm
- Pop finished waffles on a rack in a low temp oven to stay crispy until everyone's ready to eat.
My Favorite Ways to Serve
Nothing beats these waffles fresh off the iron topped with a pat of vegan butter melting into all those little squares and drizzled with warm maple syrup. I love adding whatever fresh fruit is in season sometimes berries other times sliced peaches. When I'm meal prepping I make extra to freeze just pop them in a freezer bag with parchment paper between each waffle and they toast up perfectly for busy mornings.
Mix It Up
Sometimes when I'm cooking for non vegan friends I'll use regular eggs instead of aquafaba. My kids love when I toss in chocolate chips and my husband's favorite is when I add a sprinkle of cinnamon. The recipe is so flexible you can really make it your own. Last weekend I added fresh blueberries and they were absolutely amazing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is aquafaba and why is it used in this recipe?
Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas. It works as an egg replacer in this recipe, helping to bind the ingredients and create a fluffy texture.
- → Can I make these waffles ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these waffles ahead and reheat them. Store them in an airtight container and warm them in a toaster or oven to maintain their crispiness.
- → Why do you add vinegar to the almond milk?
Adding vinegar to almond milk creates a vegan buttermilk substitute. This helps make the waffles tender and adds a subtle tanginess to the batter.
- → How do I know when the waffles are done?
The waffles are done when the steam stops coming from the waffle iron and they're golden brown. This usually takes about 6 minutes.
- → What can I serve with these waffles?
These waffles go great with vegan butter, maple syrup, fresh fruits, or any other toppings you enjoy. They work well for both sweet and savory toppings.
Conclusion
These cornmeal waffles are a delicious breakfast option that happens to be vegan and gluten-free. Made with cornmeal and dairy-free milk, they turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.