Gluten Free Vegan Waffles

There is nothing quite like waffles on a Sunday morning, and since my dad went vegan, he's been feeling a bit left-out of Sunday morning breakfasts. These waffles had him excited and munching away with everyone else. (Also, what is better than apple butter and blueberries? What a wonderful combination!)

These are the perfect hardy, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside waffles. 

And they're vegan. Does it get any better for midmorning Sunday breakfasts? 

I don't think so.

I used chocolate almond milk (didn't really have an effect besides giving a richer color) and used half honey and half maple syrup.

"Space Oddity" Performed by astronaut Chris Hadfield (written by David Bowie)

Adapted from Minimalist Baker

Ingredients

Waffles

• 1 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk + 1 tsp white or apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive, canola or melted coconut oil
• 1/4 cup agave nectar or maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)
• heaping 1/2 cup gluten free rolled oats
• 1 3/4 cups gluten-free flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• pinch sea salt

Optional (flavors):

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp flax seed meal
• 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped bananas or other fresh fruit

Directions

1. Combine almond milk and vinegar in a small mixing bowl and let set for a few minutes to curdle/activate. Then add olive oil, agave nectar or maple syrup and whisk. Set aside.
2. Add dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl and whisk until well combined.
3. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until well incorporated. Test batter for sweetness and flavor. Add more sweetener or some vanilla extract if desired. 
4. Let set for 5-10 minutes while your waffle iron preheats. (I use mine on the 4 setting.)
5. Once waffle iron is ready, generously coat with non-stick spray and pour on about 1/2 cup of batter. Cook according to manufacturer instructions and then remove and place on a baking rack in a 200 degree oven to keep warm. Do not stack and instead keep them in a single layer to ensure crispiness remains.
6. Serve immediately with desired toppings. Store leftovers in a freezer safe bag and reheat in the toaster. (Will keep in the freezer for up to a couple months, although they're freshest within the first couple weeks.)