I’ve finally done it: created a recipe for vegan buttermilk waffles!

How on earth can buttermilk waffles be vegan? You ask.

Well, I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I’m happy to share, that is, if you’re ready to make the most delicious, healthy waffles of your life?!

Trick #1

Did you know you can make buttermilk by adding vinegar (or lemon juice!) to milk? It’s true! And believe if or not, by swapping cow’s milk for coconut milk you can yield the same result – completely dairy free!

Trick #2

Instead of using butter or oil to make these waffles light and fluffy, I combined baking powder and baking soda to give them a little fluff. Additionally, I included applesauce to ensure they still contained that delicious moistness you want with any Belgian waffle.

Trick #3

Who needs added sugar with a waffle if you’ve got banana? Using banana gives the waffles a light sweetness, without making them too overpowering to drizzle with a bit (or a cup?) of maple syrup.

Trick #4

Instead of using highly processed and bleached white flour, I chose to use oats blended into oat flour and just a bit of whole wheat flour for a nice hearty texture.

The result of all of these tricks? A delicious, fluffy Buttermilk Waffle without any added sugar, completely vegan, and low in gluten.

So much for a classic “cheat meal,” it looks like waffles are about to become your go-to healthy breakfast!

Vegan Buttermilk Waffles

• 1 3/4 c old fashioned oats
• 1/4 c whole wheat flour
• 1 tbs flax seed meal
• 3 tbs water
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 banana
• 1/4 c natural applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 c coconut milk
• 1 tbs vinegar
• stevia to taste

Process oats in the food processor until they reach the consistency of oat flour. Add flax seed meal and water to a small bowl and stir until combined. Set aside. Add oat flour to another large bowl, then add whole wheat flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Mash 1/2 a banana then add to the large bowl, followed by applesauce, vanilla extract, coconut milk, and vinegar. Pour in flax seed mixture. Stir until fully combined, for about 3 minutes. Add stevia to taste. Heat a waffle iron. Grease lightly then add batter. Bake for 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove, top with strawberries and maple syrup, enjoy!

Nutrition Information (from myfitnesspal.com)

Calories: 260

Fat: 5g

Carbs: 47g

Protein: 8g

(Yields 3 servings)