There is something magical about the smell of ginger on a snowy winter morning. Your kitchen will fill with the scent of warm holiday spices and molasses. These Gingerbread Dairy-Free Waffles are the ultimate treat for a slow weekend.
Looking for a dish that wows your guests without stressing you out? This recipe delivers a crisp exterior and a tender, spiced center every time. You do not need dairy to make a breakfast that feels truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Gingerbread Dairy-Free Waffles are perfect for a cozy holiday brunch. You get all the classic gingerbread flavor without any of the dairy. It is a budget-friendly way to feed a hungry family on Christmas morning.
The batter comes together in just a few minutes. Your kids will love the golden brown color and the sweet molasses taste. It is a nutritious and balanced way to start a cold winter day.
Simple Method
Making these waffles is a simple, two-bowl process that anyone can master. You just whisk your dry ingredients and your wet ingredients separately. Then, you gently fold them together until they are just combined.
The secret is in the waffle iron temperature. A medium-high setting ensures a perfectly crisp finish on the outside. Even if you are a beginner, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Use fresh spices for the best flavor impact.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 3/4 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/3 cup neutral vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the waffle iron to the manufacturer’s recommended medium-high setting.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
- In a separate vessel, whisk the eggs thoroughly before adding the almond milk, molasses, vegetable oil, and vanilla.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined.
- Lightly coat the waffle iron grids with a high-smoke-point oil spray.
- Ladle approximately 1/2 to 2/3 cup of batter onto the center of the iron.
- Close the lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until steam production ceases.
- Transfer the waffle to a wire rack to prevent sogginess and repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve immediately.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these waffles warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup. You can add a dollop of coconut whipped cream for extra indulgence. Fresh pomegranate seeds or sliced pears add a bright, seasonal touch to the plate.
Set the table with holiday napkins and enjoy these with a hot cup of coffee. They are perfect for a leisurely winter brunch with your favorite people. Your family will ask for these every single year.
Keep It Fresh
You can store leftover waffles in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before bagging them. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months.
To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or a 350°F oven. This restores the crispness that the microwave might take away. It is a great way to have a quick weekday breakfast ready to go.
Tips for Best Results
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffles light and fluffy.
- Use a wire rack instead of a plate to keep them from getting soggy.
- Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
- Preheat your waffle iron completely before adding the first scoop of batter.
- For a holiday crowd, keep finished waffles warm in a low oven.
- Swap almond milk for oat milk if you prefer a nut-free version.
- Add a handful of pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Fold in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
- Substitute the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a bright citrus note.
- Use honey instead of molasses for a much milder flavor profile.
Common Questions
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It is best to make the batter fresh for the fluffiest results. The baking powder starts working as soon as it hits the liquid. If you must wait, keep it in the fridge for no more than an hour.
What if I don’t have molasses?
Molasses gives that deep gingerbread flavor and dark color. You can substitute it with maple syrup or dark corn syrup in a pinch. However, the flavor will be much lighter and less traditional.
Are these waffles kid-approved?
Absolutely! The spices are warm but not overwhelming for little ones. They love the fun holiday shapes and the sweet, cake-like texture of the waffles.
I hope these Gingerbread Dairy-Free Waffles bring a little extra warmth to your winter mornings. They are so simple to make and truly feel like a hug in a bowl. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Gingerbread Dairy-Free Waffles
Ingredients
- 2 cups all -purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sal t
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 3/4 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/3 cup neutral vegetable oil
- 2 large egg s
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the waffle iron to the manufacturer's recommended medium-high setting.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and brown sugar, ensuring no lumps of sugar remain.
- In a separate vessel, whisk the eggs thoroughly before incorporating the almond milk, molasses, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is homogeneous.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined; do not overmix, as small lumps are necessary for texture.
- Lightly coat the waffle iron grids with a high-smoke-point oil spray.
- Ladle approximately 1/2 to 2/3 cup of batter onto the center of the iron, depending on specific equipment capacity.
- Close the lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until steam production ceases and the exterior is crisp.
- Transfer the waffle to a wire rack to prevent sogginess and repeat the process with the remaining batter.
- Serve immediately.
