Fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside easy-to-make Gluten Free Waffles – The perfect breakfast, brunch or treat at any time. Optional dairy free.
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First Published 29th March 2018… Updated 2nd March 2023
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Gluten Free Waffles for Breakfast
You’re going to love my Gluten Free Waffles… They are the perfect treat or breakfast, topped in berries and drizzled with raspberry or chocolate sauce (or anything else you desire). They make a regular appearance at GFHQ. And they’re a favourite as part of a shared social brunch when guests visit.
From memory (and non-Coeliac guest feedback), these particular waffles are as good as any ‘standard wheat’ waffle I remember… Crisp and golden on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside… Very gently sweetened, yet still neutral enough to carry all the usual toppings. (Although you can, of course, leave out the sugar for a savoury version).
Please judge them for yourselves… But I think I’ve cracked this Gluten Free Waffle malarky and that this recipe rivals the best. No more missing out!
What are waffles?
Waffles are really hard to describe! My thoughts are… They are crispy yet fluffy batter-based treats that are a bit like pancakes in flavour, but in texture, are entirely different. Because they are made with leavened batter (which contains raising agents in the form of baking powder and/or eggs) and cooked completely trapped by dry heat, they fluff up, creating the unique texture that we love.
Waffles are characterised by their appearance… Cooked between two super-hot ‘gridded’ plates (known as waffle irons), they develop the perfect combination of a crisp surface interspersed with fluffy delightfulness. Their final appearance is dependent on the shape of the waffle irons used… But they will most often be either square, round or ‘segmented’.
Waffles are eaten all over the world… usually for breakfast, brunch, dessert or as a divine sweet snack. They are best served hot and fresh.
What ingredients are used to make Waffles
At their heart, a good waffle contains very few ingredients…
- Flour (either self-raising or with added baking powder to leaven)
- Milk – either dairy or dairy free
- Eggs – for texture, binding, rise and the perfect fluffiness.
- Melted Butter – To ensure the waffles have a rich flavour and cook crisp and delicious.
In addition to these 4 ingredients, you can add other flavours to the batter… A pinch of salt, sprinkle of sugar, spoon of vanilla or other extracts. You might even choose to substitute a little of the flour for cocoa, to make chocolate waffles.
Making Gluten free Waffles…
When making gluten free Waffles, the flour is the only ingredient that needs to be specifically gluten free. I always use my rice free Flour Blend B (found at the bottom of my Gluten Free Flours and Flour Blending page). But other gluten free flour blends are fine to use too.
I recommend that you make waffle batter using a plain gluten free flour blend (not self-raising) and add the baking powder as a separate ingredient as instructed on the recipe card. This gives better control over the leavening and final texture of the waffles.
Making gluten free Waffles that safe for people with Coeliac Disease (Celiac)
To ensure that your gluten free waffles are completely safe for anyone with Coeliac Disease (or a gluten/wheat allergy), make absolutely certain of the following…
- The waffles are made with flours that have been certified gluten free and are thus safe.
- You have checked labels for all ingredients to ensure there is no hidden gluten or risk from cross-contamination. (Checking the baking powder is particularly important). If unsure about how to check labels, it’s worth reading my page on Coeliac Disease + Food, which should help.
- The waffle maker/waffle iron is 100% clean of any crumbs that might have been left behind from cooking wheat-based waffles in the same machine.
Providing these rules are followed, then yes… my gluten free Waffles will be safe for people with Coeliac Disease (Celiac).
A note about the eggs used in this recipe…
The recipe I’ve shared for gluten free waffles was developed using UK Large eggs. It is important (in any baking) to be aware that egg labelling varies from country to country… This means that my ‘large’ eggs may not be the same as your ‘large’ eggs.
If you are unsure about egg size, I’ve put together an International Guide to Egg Size and Weight comparison chart to help you.
Adding the eggs to the waffle batter…
You will also see that the eggs in the recipe are SEPARATED as part of the process… Why is this?
Well… While recipes vary, the BEST waffles use eggs that have been separated, with the egg whites whisked on their own before being folded into the batter. This ensures the fluffiest of textures and a perfect rise to the waffles. If you want light and fluffy waffles, don’t skip this bit. It’s very little extra effort for an exceptional waffle reward!
Do I have to separate the eggs?
If you’re short on time, then no… You can use the eggs whole. Simply pop the yolks and whites into the batter at the same time and blend well. The waffles will not be as fluffy, but will still taste great.
Can I make these waffles dairy free as well as gluten free?
Yes… Making waffles that are dairy free as well as gluten free is simple… Just switch the dairy milk and butter for your favourite dairy free alternatives.
Do I need a waffle maker to make this recipe?
Yes. Waffles are waffles (gluten free or otherwise) because of their shape and the way they are cooked… So a waffle maker is an essential bit of kit.
The waffle maker you choose will depend on a number of factors…
- Waffle Shape – This may or may not matter to you. But waffle makers make waffles of all shapes and sizes… The most common are square and round, but there are also options for waffles shaped like sticks, bubbles, bowls, hearts and even animals!
- Price – This varies considerably (and may partly depend on waffle shape as much as brand and features). So, choose a waffle maker to suit your budget. At the end of the day, the cooking process is what matters!
- Extra features – Eg. Browning control (which is pretty irrelevant if you stop cooking your waffle when you’re happy with it); ‘No Mess’ Moat… Definitely worth considering. I endlessly over-fill my waffle slots with batter. And when it fluffs up, it spills over the sides. A ‘moat’ around the edge catches the overspill and makes cleaning a LOT easier.
For anyone interested, I have a Sage No Mess Waffle Maker, which I love. And yes… every time I use it, I’m grateful for the moat!
How to serve gluten free Waffles
How you serve your gluten free Waffles is up to you. Just remember to leave out the sugar and vanilla if you want a savoury option.
My all-time favourite waffles are topped with berries… I love the tang, contrasting textures and natural fruitiness they offer when paired with the fluffy base and a sweeter sauce. But here are a few ideas to inspire you…
Sweet ideas
- Fruit – Whether berries, banana, segments of orange, apricots or pears… Anything works!
- Chocolate Sauce – Always a winner. It can be found ready-made in the supermarket. But it’s just as quick to make at home using my Chocolate Sauce recipe (which can be found in my post for Vanilla Buttermilk Pancakes).
- Raspberry or other Berry Sauce –If you can’t find any in the shops, my Berry Coulis recipe (found with my post for Vanilla Panna Cotta) is perfect.
- Maple Syrup
- Caramel or Salted Caramel Sauce
- Nutella – It’s worth warming through in a bowl to make it runnier and drizzleable.
- Ice Cream – with or without sauce and sprinkles.
- Crème Fraiche or Yoghurt – with or without berries/fruit.
- Fruit Compote or Caramelised Banana Sauce
- Marshmallows
- Lemon and Sugar
Savoury waffle ideas
- Cream Cheese or Ricotta (with or without ‘salad’ veg)
- Bacon and Maple Syrup
- Houmous – My easy Homemade Houmous and Caramelised Onion Hummus are perfect.
- Guacamole – If you haven’t tried my ‘Real Guac’ (no tomato) authentic recipe, then it’s SO good!
- Baba Ganoush – A smoky aubergine (egg plant) dip.
- Sausages and Beans
- Smoked Salmon (and cream cheese or ricotta).
- Melted Cheese – Top the waffle and pop it under the grill.
- Scrambled Eggs or Tofu Scramble
- Fried or Poached Egg
Can I freeze Gluten Free Waffles?
While waffles are always at their best freshly cooked, they can also be frozen for a speedy breakfast or treat another day. So… If you have any leftovers or want to make waffles ahead, you can!
Once the waffles have been cooked, let them cool, before layering with baking paper, wrapping in an airtight bag or some clingfilm and popping them in the freezer. They should stay good for up to two months.
When ready to eat (and to get the crispness back), take them from the freezer and pop them in the toaster or under the grill (turning a couple of times during cooking). There’s no need to defrost first… Just keep an eye on them and when they are crisp on the edges and hot right through, they’re ready to scoff.
You can also use the toasting method for pepping up waffles that haven’t been frozen, but were left over at the end of breakfast!
Ready to make my Gluten Free Waffles?
I won’t waffle on any more (get it?!)… You’ll find the recipe for my EPIC Gluten Free Waffles below (just scroll another inch or two). I hope you enjoy every bite!
Like all my recipes, I share this one for free with the gluten free community… Because you all deserve the BEST food and should NEVER have to miss out.
If you’re new to gluten free eating, it’s really not a hardship. You may need to cook more than you’re used to, but once you have a few basic skills under your belt, it’s pretty straightforward.
All the Gluten Free Alchemist recipes are shared on the blog… The easiest way to find them is using our fully categorised Gluten Free Recipe Index. If you can’t find what you want (or have ideas for new recipes), just let me know! You can either email me, leave a comment at the bottom of the post or message me via social media. (Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest (@glutenfreealchemist)).
All shared with my love
More great Gluten Free Breakfast Ideas at Gluten Free Alchemist…
- Gluten Free Breakfast Cake
- Coco Banana Freeze Bites (perfect for kids)
- Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
- Gluten Free Sweet Potato Muffins
- Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns
- Apple Pie Granola
- Shakshuka
- Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls
- Granola Pots with Berries and Yoghurt
- Easy Blender Pancakes
- Oat-Free Porridge
Gluten Free Belgian Waffles
Key equipment
Ingredients
- 200 g gluten free flour blend I use GFA blend B – See NOTES (but other blends work well
- 2½ tsp baking powder gluten free
- 20 g caster sugar (leave out for a savoury version)
- pinch fine sea salt
- 2 large eggs – Separated – UK large (Canadian ‘Extra Large’; Australian ‘Jumbo’; and US ‘Extra or Very Large’))
- 300 ml/g milk/dairy free alternative
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional – leave out for a savoury version)
- 80 g butter/dairy free alternative (melted)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, weigh and mix together the flour, baking powder, caster sugar and salt. Set aside.
- Whisk the egg whites using a clean bowl until you have stiff peaks – Set aside while mixing the rest of the batter. Do not wash the whisk yet!
- Add the egg yolks, milk and vanilla to the flour and using the whisk, blend together until smooth.
- Add the melted butter and fold through until just combined.
- Gently fold the whisked whites into the batter.
- Cook the waffles using a waffle-maker/waffle iron by the manufacturers instructions.
- Enjoy with fresh fruit, your favourite sauce or any other topping you fancy.
Notes
Nutrition
© 2019-2023 Kate Dowse All Rights Reserved – Do not copy or re-publish this recipe or any part of this recipe on any other blog, on social media or in a publication without the express permission of Gluten Free Alchemist
Gluten Free Waffles shared with
- Fiesta Friday #474 with Angie and Beautiful Voyager
- Full plate Thursday #633 with Miz Helen’s Country Cottage
- What’s for Dinner #409 with The Lazy Gastronome
Made these for my dad who’s gluten-free. I’ll be honest – thought it was a faff to have to make up a flour blend, and then separate and whisk up the eggs as I assumed they wouldn’t actually taste that good in the end. I was super wrong. These waffles are light and fluffy and very yummy indeed. I ate three! I’d never have known they were gluten-free if someone had served them to me. I have been humbled by a waffle. Happily try out more of your recipes for him now. Thanks.
Thank you SO much for your lovely feedback Nerys. I love the idea that a waffle has been humbling! 😁
I’m so pleased that the waffles were enjoyed and that you took the time to mix the flours and separate the eggs! Sometimes it’s the little extra bits of effort that make all the difference xx
Good morning! My dear devoted husband tossed our very old waffle maker. I couldn’t find it and learned this. He probably thought he was doing me a favor. Would this recipe work as pancakes? I have looked at your pancake recipe, and it has rice flour, I think. Anyway, hope you are having a lovely day.
Hi Alene. BIG slap on the wrist for hubbie!
It’s probable that this recipe would work for the fluffy pancakes, but I haven’t tried it. Or the Blend B will be fine in my other pancake recipes too!!
I hope you’re well xxx
Haha! I wish I could, but I wouldn’t dare. Husbands. Well, you made me laugh!
Thanks for sharing at the What’s for dinner party. I’m looking forward to what you’ll bring tomorrow!
You’re welcome Helen xx
Oh wow – loving the new look! So clean and fresh. And those waffles – yum, yum, YUM!! They look incredible 😀 Eb x
Thanks Eb…… The look is a bit of a work in progress and very very long overdue!
The waffles were also overdue, but none the less delicious for the wait…. x
My family loves waffles so much I have two waffle makers! Sometimes I use both at once! I have my old trusty recipe, but it’s nice to have this GF one. One of my brothers in law is on GF diet so next time he comes visit I can make him these waffles. Thanks for the recipe!
Thanks Angie…. You're welcome.
Wow! Two waffle makers….. I'm impressed (and probably a bit jealous!). I hope you get to make these GF waffles and I hope this recipe stands up against your 'trusty' glutenous one xx
These look delicious Kate, do you mind sharing which waffle maker you have please? there seem to be a lot to choose from and reviews are very mixed.
Thanks Alison.
I did a fair amount of research before getting a waffle maker. I have a Sage 'No Mess' waffle maker which has a really helpful drip moat to catch any overfill. It isn't the cheapest, but we have been really happy with it and it is so simple to use that my 12 year old regularly makes waffles after school, whilst I am still at work. x
Thanks Kate, I will look into it, I am always happy to save and wait if need be to get the best for me appliance. x
Kate: What a great breakfast/dessert dish for those on a GF diet… and also for those who are not.
Thanks Denise. x
I am excited to see your waffle journey starting but sadly am lagging well behind. Your waffles look wonderful and would be great for any special breakfast
Ha ha! Thanks Johanna. I like the idea of it being my 'waffle journey'….. definitely sounds like there is a plan in there somewhere….. x
These look super scrumptious with all the lovely fruit on top, thank you for bringing them to #CookBlogShare and have a great Easter weekend!
Thank you Monika. You're welcome…… and have a great Easter too! x
We adore waffles in our family it's become even more of a challenge since I can't have eggs!!! I KNOW my two would love these waffles though, strawberries and chocolate spread tend to be their topping of choice
Thanks Rebecca. I am not sure how I would manage without eggs….. although you and Midge make some amazing bakes! x