What can I substitute for milk in waffles?

The best substitute for milk in dairy free waffles is oat milk. It’s naturally creamy and neutral in flavor, which makes it a great match for both sweet and savory toppings. Almond milk and soy milk are also solid options, though you might notice a thinner texture in the batter. If you’re looking for something richer, a mix of coconut milk and water adds body and subtle sweetness. I go deeper into flavor pairings in my pistachio latte recipe , which uses oat milk as its base, it works in more than just drinks.

Do all waffles have dairy?

Nope. While many traditional recipes call for milk or butter, it’s easy to make waffles without either. In fact, many Belgian and yeasted waffle recipes naturally lean more on eggs for structure than dairy. When you understand what each ingredient does, it’s simple to skip dairy and still get the same delicious results. That’s the whole reason this recipe for dairy free waffles works so well, it’s designed to be flavorful and familiar, without the dairy.

Can oat milk be used for waffles?

Yes, and it’s one of the best choices. Oat milk is thicker than other plant milks, which means it behaves more like dairy in batter. It helps your waffles brown better, stay moist inside, and crisp nicely on the outside. Just be sure to use unsweetened oat milk so you have full control over the flavor. I used the same approach in my millville protein pancake mix review , where oat milk gave great consistency to a dry mix that needed help.

Is there milk in a waffle?

Traditionally, yes. But it doesn’t need to be. If you’re using this recipe for dairy free waffles , there’s no milk at all. Plant-based milks step in perfectly. You get the same texture and lift thanks to baking powder, eggs, and the right balance of wet to dry ingredients. So no, milk is not a must. And the best part? You won’t taste the difference.

Dairy Free Waffles – Easy Recipe With Amazing Results 2025

Ingredients

Scale

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

2 tbsp sugar

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 ¾ cups oat milk (unsweetened)

2 large eggs

¼ cup avocado or canola oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with oil.

2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk oat milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla together.

4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until just combined.

5. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.

6. Spoon batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden brown.

7. Repeat with remaining batter.

8. Serve warm with desired toppings.

Notes

Use coconut oil for a hint of sweetness.

For egg-free waffles, substitute flax eggs.

Freeze extra waffles and reheat in a toaster for busy mornings.

Author: Sophia Benton
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Waffle Iron
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 waffle
Calories: 240
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 290mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg