Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Waffles (Crispy & Fluffy)
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Learn how to make the best Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Waffles from scratch. Made with almond flour, 1:1 applesauce, and apple cider for a crispy outside and light, fluffy center.
Why You'll Love These Grain-Free Apple Cinnamon Waffles (Crispy & Fluffy)
Maximum Fluff & Lift: The reaction between the apple cider vinegar, apple cider, and baking soda creates air bubbles during the rest period for a super fluffy interior.
Extra Crispy: The combination of tapioca starch (and resting the freshly cooked waffles on a cooling rack) helps these gluten-free apple waffles get a super golden, crispy crust!
Triple Apple Flavor: Using real apple cider, applesauce, and finely diced fresh fruit adds fresh fruit flavor and natural apple sweetness into every single bite.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: Crafted with a balanced base of almond flour and tapioca starch, giving you the traditional Belgian waffle texture without any wheat or dairy (regular dairy-milk can be substituted at a 1:1 ratio if you prefer).
I love our GreenPan Elite 4-Square Belgian & Classic Waffle Maker. We use it almost every weekend to make a batch of waffles. This waffle maker is completely non-toxic and the waffle plates are interchangable and actually come off. Even more amazing, the plates can be cleaned in the dishwasher! This waffle maker makes the best crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside waffles!
Open, empty Green Pan Waffle Iron used for making Gluten-Free Cinnamon Apple Waffles Removable plates from the Green Pan waffle iron used for making Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Waffles
Check out Shop My Kitchen Essentials for other great gluten-free cooking products and non-toxic kitchenware I use in my home.
Frequently Asked Questions: Crispy, Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Waffles
How do I stop the fresh apples from sinking to the bottom of the waffle iron?
Rather than stirring the freshly chopped apples directly into the main batter bowl, sprinkle them onto the batter after you pour or scoop it onto the hot waffle iron. This ensures even distribution and prevents the apples from burning against the waffle plate.
Why do my gluten-free waffles get soft or soggy?
Gluten-free waffles trap steam quickly after cooking. To keep them light and crisp, transfer cooked waffles directly to a wire cooling rack in a single layer instead of stacking them on a plate. For maximum crispiness, keep them in a 200°F (95°C) oven while baking remaining batches.
Why is there apple cider vinegar in this waffle batter and will I taste it?
No, you will not taste it at all. Apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking soda to generate bubbles. This reaction helps create a light, airy, and fluffy texture on the inside of the waffle while keeping the exterior crisp.
Can I meal-prep and freeze these gluten-free apple waffles?
Yes you can, and I totally recommend this. Let the waffles cool completely on a wire rack, then flash-freeze them on a baking sheet for 1–2 hours. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container separated by parchment paper. Reheat frozen waffles directly in a toaster or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until warm and crisp.
Is this recipe grain-free as well as gluten-free?
Yes, it is grain-free. Because the base relies on almond flour and tapioca starch rather than rice or oat flour, this recipe is naturally grain-free, refined sugar-free, and dairy-free.
What should I do if I don't have tapioca flour?
You can substitute arrowroot starch or potato starch at a 1:1 ratio to preserve the chew and crispness.
Substitutions & Customizations
Oil Substitutions
Melted coconut oil also works! (refined or unrefined). Ensure your wet ingredients are at room temperature so the coconut oil does not re-solidify and create chunks of oil in your batter.
Sweeteners
Honey or agave nectar can be used instead of maple syrup in the waffle batter.
Milk Alternatives
Any plant-based or dairy milk works at a 1:1 ratio.
Oat milk or almond milk are recommended. Coconut milk works too but adds fat which will produce a richer waffle.
Check out other great gluten-free, dairy free recipes:
If you try this recipe, leave a comment below👇 and let me know how it turned out—I absolutely love hearing from you!
How to Make Gluten-Free Waffles made with Applesauce
Ingredients Notes:
Step 1: Preheat the Iron
Preheat your waffle iron according to its instructions to ensure it is thoroughly hot. (I highly recommend the GreenPan Elite 4-Square Belgian & Classic Waffle Maker. I used the Belgian setting for this recipe and it worked great. This waffle iron makes the BEST crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside waffles).
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, tapioca starch, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until completely blended.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. Whisk in the almond milk, apple cider/juice, applesauce, avocado oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry and Rest the Gluten-Free Waffle Batter:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula just until the flour is fully incorporated and no dry spots remain. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula just until the flour is fully incorporated and no dry spots remain.
Let the batter sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. The apple cider vinegar and apple cider will react with the baking soda to build air bubbles for a fluffy interior, while the tapioca starch hydrates to lock in the crispy crust.
Step 5: Pour & Scatter Apples
Lightly spray your waffle iron with avocado oil. Pour the rested batter onto the center of the hot iron, then immediately scatter a generous handful of the finely diced apples evenly over the wet batter before closing the lid.
Step 6: Cook the Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Waffles
Close the waffle iron and cook until golden brown and the iron completely stops steaming (the fresh apples contact the heating element directly, so give it an extra 45–60 seconds for the steam to release). I used the Belgian setting on our GreenPan Elite 4-Square Belgian & Classic Waffle Maker and it worked perfectly!
Step 7: Cool for Crispness
Place the cooked waffles onto a wire cooling rack in a single layer instead of stacking them on a plate so steam escapes and the exterior stays extra crisp. Serve with extra sliced apples and maple syrup! Enjoy!
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