Gluten Free Belgian Waffles
Make the BEST Gluten Free Belgian Waffles with this simple recipe! Fluffy, golden, and perfect for busy mornings. Quick gluten free breakfast made easy.
You know what makes a Sunday morning feel extra special? The unmistakable aroma of golden waffles wafting through the kitchen while everyone’s still in their pajamas. When I first went gluten-free, I honestly thought those crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside waffles were a thing of the past.
But here’s the beautiful truth: you can absolutely make the BEST Gluten Free Belgian Waffles right in your own kitchen, and nobody will ever guess they’re gluten-free.
These waffles have become our go-to no gluten breakfast on lazy weekends and busy school mornings alike. They’re perfectly light, beautifully golden, and they crisp up just like the waffles you remember. Plus, they come together in about 15 minutes from start to finish, which is a lifesaver when you’re juggling coffee, kids, and that never-ending laundry pile.
Whether you’re new to gluten-free cooking or you’ve been at it for years, this recipe is going to become your new favorite waffle brunch idea. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Make the BEST Gluten Free Belgian Waffles
Equipment
- Belgian Waffle Maker
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Dough Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour
- 3 tsp Gluten-Free Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 cups Milk or dairy-free milk
- 2 Eggs separated
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
- ⅓ cup Vegetable Oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Give everything a good stir so the baking powder distributes evenly—this is what gives your waffles that gorgeous rise and fluffy texture. Set this bowl aside for just a moment.
- Here’s where the magic happens—separate your eggs carefully, putting the whites right into your dry mixture. Using a dough whisk or regular whisk, gently fold those egg whites into the flour mixture. This creates little pockets throughout the batter that’ll make your waffles incredibly light.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until everything’s beautifully combined and slightly frothy. Pour this wet mixture into your dry ingredients and mix until you’ve got a smooth, pourable batter with no lumps hiding at the bottom.
- Plug in your Belgian waffle maker and let it heat up until the indicator light tells you it’s ready (usually takes about 3-4 minutes). Give it a light coating of nonstick cooking spray—even if yours claims to be nonstick, trust me on this one.
- Pour about one cup of batter into the center of your waffle maker, then gently close the lid. Let it cook according to your waffle maker’s timing, usually around 4-5 minutes, until the steam stops escaping and the waffle turns that perfect golden brown color.
- Carefully remove your first waffle (it should lift out easily) and repeat with the remaining batter. Keep finished waffles warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack while you cook the rest—this keeps them crispy instead of soggy.
- Serve these beauties immediately with warm maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or whatever makes your heart happy.
Notes
Belgian Waffles Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups |
| Gluten-Free Baking Powder | 3 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Eggs, Separated | 2 |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 Tbsp |
| Vegetable Oil | 1/3 cup |
Belgian Waffles Instructions
Step 1: Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Give everything a good stir so the baking powder distributes evenly—this is what gives your waffles that gorgeous rise and fluffy texture. Set this bowl aside for just a moment.
Step 2: Here’s where the magic happens—separate your eggs carefully, putting the whites right into your dry mixture. Using a dough whisk or regular whisk, gently fold those egg whites into the flour mixture. This creates little pockets throughout the batter that’ll make your waffles incredibly light.
Step 3: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until everything’s beautifully combined and slightly frothy. Pour this wet mixture into your dry ingredients and mix until you’ve got a smooth, pourable batter with no lumps hiding at the bottom.
Step 4: Plug in your Belgian waffle maker and let it heat up until the indicator light tells you it’s ready (usually takes about 3-4 minutes). Give it a light coating of nonstick cooking spray—even if yours claims to be nonstick, trust me on this one.
Step 5: Pour about one cup of batter into the center of your waffle maker, then gently close the lid. Let it cook according to your waffle maker’s timing, usually around 4-5 minutes, until the steam stops escaping and the waffle turns that perfect golden brown color.
Step 6: Carefully remove your first waffle (it should lift out easily) and repeat with the remaining batter. Keep finished waffles warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack while you cook the rest—this keeps them crispy instead of soggy.
Step 7: Serve these beauties immediately with warm maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or whatever makes your heart happy. Man, oh man, there’s nothing quite like that first bite of a perfectly crispy waffle!
Substitutions
Milk alternatives: Any dairy-free milk works beautifully in this quick gluten free breakfast recipe. I’ve had great success with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, and even coconut milk. Just stick with unsweetened varieties so your waffles don’t end up too sweet.
Oil swaps: If you don’t have vegetable oil on hand, melted coconut oil or melted butter (or dairy-free butter) work just as well. The oil keeps these waffles tender and prevents them from sticking, so don’t skip the fat entirely.
Sugar reduction: You can cut the sugar down to 1/4 cup if you prefer less sweet waffles, especially if you’re planning to top them with syrup or fruit. According to expert guidance on sugar intake, reducing added sugars in recipes is always a smart move for family health.
Flour blends: Most store-bought gluten-free all-purpose flour blends work great here—I’ve tested this with Bob’s Red Mill, King Arthur, and several others. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon if it doesn’t.
Troubleshooting
Waffles sticking to the iron? This usually means you need more cooking spray or your waffle maker isn’t quite hot enough yet. Always wait until the indicator light says it’s ready, and don’t be shy with that nonstick spray—a generous coating makes all the difference.
Batter too thick? Gluten-free flour can sometimes absorb liquid differently depending on humidity and the brand you’re using. If your batter seems more like cookie dough than pancake batter, whisk in milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency.
Waffles turning out dense? The secret to light, fluffy waffles is in that egg white technique. Make sure you’re folding the whites into the dry ingredients first before adding the wet mixture—this creates air pockets that keep everything light. Also, don’t overmix once you add the liquids; a few small lumps are totally fine.
Not crispy enough? Let your waffles cook for the full time recommended by your waffle maker, even if they look done earlier. That extra minute creates the crispy exterior we all love. Also, resist the urge to stack hot waffles directly on top of each other—use a wire rack instead.
Storage
These gluten free Belgian waffles store like a dream! Let them cool completely on a wire rack, then stack them with small pieces of parchment paper between each waffle to prevent sticking. Pop them in an airtight container or freezer bag and refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for the ultimate make-ahead no gluten breakfast.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just toast them straight from the fridge or freezer until they’re hot and crispy. My kids actually prefer the reheated versions because they get extra crunchy in the toaster—who knew?
Serving Suggestions
Well, the classic route is warm maple syrup and a pat of butter, but these waffles are like a blank canvas for your breakfast creativity. Top them with fresh berries and whipped cream for a fancy waffle brunch idea, or go savory with fried chicken and a drizzle of honey for a show-stopping dinner.
My favorite quick weekday version? A smear of almond butter, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of honey. It’s filling, delicious, and keeps the kids satisfied until lunch. For holiday mornings like Christmas or Easter, I love setting up a waffle bar with different toppings—chocolate chips, nuts, fruit compote, and coconut whipped cream—so everyone can customize their own stack.
Variations
Dairy-free version: Simply swap the regular milk for your favorite plant-based milk (I love almond or oat milk for this). Use dairy-free butter or stick with vegetable oil, and you’ve got waffles that everyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary needs.
Kid-friendly chocolate chip waffles: Fold 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter right before cooking. These disappear so fast in my house that I usually have to double the batch! They’re perfect for birthday breakfasts or just making Tuesday morning feel a little more special.
Protein-packed version: Add 1/4 cup of your favorite protein powder to the dry ingredients and reduce the flour by 1/4 cup. This turns your quick gluten free breakfast into a more substantial meal that keeps you full longer—perfect for active families or busy mornings before school sports.
Cinnamon spice waffles: Whisk 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg into your dry ingredients. These taste like fall in waffle form and pair beautifully with apple compote or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.
Gluten Free Belgian Waffles FAQs
Can I make the batter the night before?
Absolutely! Mix up your batter, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just give it a gentle stir in the morning before cooking. The batter might thicken slightly in the fridge, so you may need to add a tablespoon or two of milk to get it back to the right consistency.
What’s the best gluten-free flour for these waffles?
Any quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works great—I’ve tested this recipe with at least six different brands. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum, which helps bind everything together and creates that perfect texture.
How do I keep waffles crispy for a crowd?
Place cooked waffles directly on your oven rack (not a baking sheet) in a 200°F oven while you finish the batch. This allows air to circulate around them and keeps them from getting soggy, so everyone gets hot, crispy waffles at the same time.
Can I freeze these for meal prep?
Yes, and I highly recommend it! These waffles freeze beautifully and reheat perfectly in the toaster. Cook a double batch on Sunday, freeze them, and you’ve got quick breakfast solutions ready for those hectic school mornings all week long.
Why separate the eggs?
Separating the eggs and adding the whites to the dry mixture first creates air pockets in the batter, which results in lighter, fluffier waffles. It takes an extra 30 seconds but makes a noticeable difference in texture.
Best way to reheat frozen waffles?
Pop them straight into your toaster from frozen—no thawing needed! Toast on medium-high until they’re hot all the way through and crispy on the outside, usually about 3-4 minutes depending on your toaster.
Make These Waffles Part of Your Morning Routine
There’s something incredibly satisfying about serving a stack of homemade gluten free Belgian waffles to your family, especially when they taste this good. These waffles prove that going gluten-free doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, texture, or those cozy weekend breakfast traditions.
If you loved this recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out our fluffy gluten-free pancake recipe for another fantastic no gluten breakfast option. And for savory breakfast lovers, our crowd-pleasing gluten-free sausage balls are perfect for brunch spreads and holiday gatherings.
Looking for more make-ahead breakfast ideas? Try our protein-packed keto sausage balls —they’re another family favorite that makes busy mornings so much easier.
Happy cooking, friend! Here’s to many delicious waffle brunch ideas and golden mornings ahead. 🧇
