Indulge in Festive Flavor: Vegan & Gluten-Free Orange Cranberry Waffles with Cranberry Maple Compote
These Orange Cranberry Waffles are bursting with holiday flavour! They are drizzled with a Cranberry Maple Compote and are vegan and gluten free!
The holiday season truly is the most magical time of the year, a period filled with joy, tradition, and heartwarming culinary delights. As an avid enthusiast of all things festive, I’m always searching for innovative and delicious recipes to grace our holiday breakfast and brunch tables. Often, I feel a void when it comes to truly festive breakfast options that cater to diverse dietary needs, which is precisely why I poured my heart into creating these exquisite **Vegan and Gluten-Free Orange Cranberry Waffles with Cranberry Maple Compote**. Trust me, once you experience these, you’ll agree they are an absolute must-have for your Christmas or any holiday gathering.
This year, our family will be celebrating Christmas away from our usual home, but that doesn’t mean we’ll compromise on our cherished traditions. I believe a piece of home can always travel with you, especially when it comes to food! While I won’t be transporting a stack of freshly made waffles across the country (though the thought has definitely crossed my mind!), you can bet your last dollar that my trusty waffle maker will be packed safely in my luggage. It’s that indispensable for crafting the perfect holiday breakfast, no matter where we are.
Allow me to introduce you to the unsung hero behind these perfectly crisp and fluffy waffles: the Calphalon IntelliCrisp Waffle Maker. If you’ve been following my Instagram stories, you’ve likely seen me enthusiastically praising its revolutionary features. This isn’t just any waffle iron; it’s a testament to intelligent kitchen design, making the process of creating flawless waffles utterly effortless, especially when working with sensitive vegan and gluten-free batters. It’s a standout in Calphalon’s impressive new collection of kitchen appliances, which includes other gems like the Calphalon Quartz Heat Countertop Oven, the Calphalon Special Brew Coffee Maker, the Calphalon Even Sear Multi-Grill, the Calphalon Digital Sauté Slow Cooker, and the Calphalon Auto-Speed Blender. But let’s delve deeper into what makes the IntelliCrisp Waffle Maker an absolute dream for any waffle enthusiast:
- **Effortless Preheat Notification:** One of its most brilliant features is the audible beep that signals when the waffle maker has perfectly preheated. This takes all the guesswork out of the crucial first step, ensuring your waffles start cooking at the ideal temperature for that sought-after golden-brown exterior and tender interior. No more peeking and wondering if it’s hot enough!
- **Superior Ceramic Non-Stick Surface:** The ceramic coating is truly exceptional. It’s so effective that you absolutely do *not* need to oil or butter the plates. This not only promotes healthier cooking but also guarantees an unbelievably easy release of your waffles every single time. Bid farewell to sticky situations and difficult cleanups; your waffles will slide right off!
- **Smart Sensing & Precision Timing:** This is where the “IntelliCrisp” lives up to its name. The waffle maker features a smart sensor that detects the batter, then automatically calculates and counts down the optimal cooking time. Once your waffles are perfectly done, it alerts you with another cheerful beep. This intelligent automation alleviates any stress or anxiety associated with timing, allowing you to relax and enjoy the process.
- **Secure Locking Mechanism for Convenience:** The design includes a secure locking feature, which is incredibly practical. This makes it super easy to store the appliance, even on high shelves, or to transport it without worrying about the lid accidentally opening. Its compact and sturdy build is ideal for both everyday use and travel.
- **Elegant and Modern Aesthetic:** Beyond its impressive functionality, this waffle maker is visually stunning. Its sleek, contemporary design adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen countertop, proving that kitchen appliances can indeed be both highly functional and beautiful.
Simply put, if you have a friend, family member, or even yourself, who adores waffles, the Calphalon IntelliCrisp Waffle Maker is the ultimate Christmas gift. It’s more than just an appliance; it’s an experience enhancer, promising consistently perfect results with minimal effort. This powerful kitchen tool will undoubtedly encourage more frequent waffle-making sessions. Indeed, if I didn’t already own one, it would be at the very top of my holiday wish list! So, prepare yourselves, because with this fantastic gadget, you can expect many more delicious and innovative waffle recipes from me in the near future.
Now, let’s turn our attention back to the star players of this recipe: the **Orange Cranberry Waffles** themselves. These waffles are truly a testament to perfect flavor harmony. The primary flavor profile beautifully highlights the tart and bright notes of cranberries, which are then elegantly complemented by a subtle, aromatic hint of fresh orange. Visually, they are just as appealing, speckled with vibrant, burst cranberries that not only add stunning color but also delightful textural variation to each bite. If you find yourself craving a more intense orange presence, simply adjust the recipe by swapping a few tablespoons of the vegan buttermilk for additional fresh orange juice. This easy customization allows you to fine-tune the citrusy kick to your preference, ensuring that every bite feels like a ray of pure sunshine, perfectly capturing the essence of holiday cheer.
Of course, you didn’t think I would serve these magnificent festive waffles with just plain old maple syrup, did you? While classic maple syrup is always a treat, these Orange Cranberry Waffles are special and deserve an equally extraordinary topping. That’s precisely why the homemade **Cranberry Maple Compote** is an absolute essential – it’s a flavor revelation! This compote is astonishingly simple to create and elevates the entire breakfast experience to an entirely new dimension. All you need to do is gently warm pure maple syrup in a saucepan with a generous handful of fresh or frozen cranberries, a touch of pure vanilla extract, and a bright burst of orange zest. Simmer this delightful mixture just until the cranberries begin to soften and pop, releasing their beautiful, tangy juices and blending seamlessly with the sweet maple. Once it has reached this delightful, slightly thickened consistency, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly while you complete the rest of your waffle preparations. The result is a warm, tangy, subtly spiced syrup that creates a sensational contrast with the perfectly crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside waffles. This homemade compote is one of those “little touches” that truly transforms a wonderful meal into an unforgettable culinary masterpiece.
I sincerely hope you and your loved ones cherish these delightful waffles as much as I do! They are not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably versatile and practical. The recipe can be effortlessly doubled or even tripled to accommodate larger gatherings during the busy holiday season, making it ideal for hosting brunch parties. Furthermore, these waffles freeze beautifully, allowing for excellent meal prep. You can easily make a large batch ahead of time, store them in the freezer, and then simply reheat them in a toaster or oven whenever you desire a quick, festive, and wholesome breakfast or snack. To streamline your holiday cooking even further, consider freezing your fresh cranberries and even zesting your oranges in advance. This foresight means that even the “hardest” part – the zesting – becomes a breeze when you’re ready to whip up another batch. I guarantee that their irresistible flavor and ease of preparation will have you making these more than once throughout the festive period, establishing them as a cherished new holiday tradition. Enjoy every delightful and nourishing bite, my friends!
Orange Cranberry Waffles with Cranberry Maple Compote (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
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Ingredients
Orange Cranberry Waffles
- 1 cup of oats, ground into a fine flour (or pre-made oat flour), 87g
- 1 ¼ cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, (185g)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda, 2.4g
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, 7.2g
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional, for added warmth
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt, 4.2g
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest, from about 1 large orange
- 1 ½ cups cashew milk, or any preferred unsweetened nut milk, 360ml
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar, 10ml
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice, for an extra citrus kick, 15ml
- ¼ cup melted vegan butter, 44g
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 2.5ml
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 30ml
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries, lightly chopped if large, 50g
Cranberry Maple Compote
- ½ cup pure maple syrup, or agave nectar, 120ml
- ¼ cup fresh or frozen cranberries, 25g
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest, for aromatic depth
Instructions
Vegan Orange Cranberry Waffles
- In a medium bowl, combine the cashew milk and apple cider vinegar. Stir gently and let this mixture sit for at least 3 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the mixture to curdle slightly, effectively creating a vegan buttermilk that will add richness and tenderness to your waffles.
- In a separate, large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: the oat flour (ensuring it’s finely ground), the Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon (if using for an extra hint of warmth), sea salt, and fresh orange zest. Make sure everything is well combined to distribute the leavening agents evenly. Set this bowl aside.
- Return to your “vegan buttermilk” mixture. Into this, add the fresh orange juice, the melted vegan butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gently pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough waffles. A few lumps are perfectly fine! Finally, fold in the fresh or frozen cranberries.
- Turn on and preheat your Calphalon IntelliCrisp Waffle Maker to your desired level of crispness. I personally prefer my waffles delightfully crisp and golden brown on the outside yet wonderfully fluffy on the inside, so I set mine two dials before the maximum setting. The intelligent features of this waffle maker ensure optimal temperature and cooking for consistent results.
- Once your waffle maker indicates it’s preheated and ready (it will beep!), use a ½ cup (125ml) measuring cup to scoop out the waffle batter. Carefully pour or spread ½ cup of batter into the center of each side of the waffle maker. There’s no need to push the batter right to the edges, as it will naturally expand. Close the lid and allow the waffle maker to work its magic. It will beep again when your perfectly cooked waffles are ready.
- Carefully remove each cooked waffle from the iron. To keep them warm and perfectly crispy while you finish cooking the rest of the batter, place them on a baking sheet in a warm oven or toaster oven set to “warm” or approximately 200°F (95°C). Continue this process with the remaining batter until all your delicious waffles are made.
- While the waffles are diligently cooking, this is the perfect time to prepare your luscious Cranberry Maple Compote.
Cranberry Maple Compote
- In a small saucepan, add all the ingredients for the compote: maple syrup (or agave), fresh or frozen cranberries, and fresh orange zest. Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to soften and burst, releasing their juices and creating a beautifully thick, fragrant compote. This usually takes just a few minutes. Once the cranberries have popped and the compote has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool while you finish cooking the remaining waffles; it will thicken further as it cools.
- Once all your waffles are ready and warm, artfully arrange them on plates and generously spoon over the delightful Cranberry Maple Compote. Serve immediately and savor every festive, homemade bite! Enjoy, friends!
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.