Irresistibly Delicious: Vegan & Gluten-Free Lemon Poppyseed Waffles with Vanilla Blueberry Sauce
These Lemon Poppyseed Waffles are a burst of sunshine and flavor! Perfectly crisp yet fluffy, they’re crowned with a luscious vanilla blueberry sauce, all while being completely vegan and gluten-free. Get ready for your new favorite breakfast or brunch indulgence!
This post is proudly sponsored by Nielsen-Massey. All opinions are 100% my own, reflecting my genuine love for their products. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Jessica in the Kitchen possible!
The age-old breakfast dilemma: are you a devoted waffle enthusiast, or does your heart belong to the delicate charm of pancakes? It’s a tough choice, I know! For me, while I appreciate both, waffles always win. There’s just something magical about the contrast – that delightful fluffy interior paired with a perfectly crisp exterior. It’s a textural dream come true that elevates a simple breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience.
It struck me recently that it’s been far too long since I shared a dedicated waffle recipe with you all. So, inspired by the vibrant flavors of spring and my enduring love for lemon, I crafted these exquisite Lemon Poppyseed Waffles with Vanilla Blueberry Sauce. And let me tell you, they are every bit as incredible as they sound! As a bonus, these homemade waffles are completely vegan and gluten-free, making them accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Consider it an early celebration, because these waffles are truly a gift!
Crafting the Perfect Vegan & Gluten-Free Waffles
Let’s dive into the details of these magnificent waffles first, and then we’ll talk about the irresistible vanilla blueberry sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over absolutely everything. I’ve been refining my waffle recipe for quite some time, aiming for perfection, and I genuinely believe I’ve achieved something special with this one. My goal was to create a gluten-free waffle that doesn’t “taste” gluten-free and a vegan waffle that’s so rich and satisfying, you’d never guess it was dairy-free or egg-free.
To accomplish this, I opted for a thoughtful blend of oat flour and an all-purpose gluten-free flour mix. This combination is key to achieving that ideal texture – a balance of tenderness and a slight chewiness that truly diversifies the eating experience. Beyond the flour, I kept the ingredient list remarkably simple, proving that you don’t need a pantry full of obscure items to create something extraordinary. The resulting texture is incredibly similar to the waffles you’d savor at your favorite brunch spot, making them a treat you’ll crave morning after morning.
Infusing Bright Lemon and Rich Vanilla Flavors
With spring in full bloom, I wanted to incorporate those fresh, bright flavors that everyone adores. For a truly divine lemon essence in these waffles, I turned to Nielsen-Massey’s Pure Lemon Extract. A small amount of this exceptional extract boosts the waffle batter with an intensely aromatic and delightfully zesty lemon flavor that truly takes them over the top. But no waffle is complete without the warm, comforting notes of vanilla, which is why I also incorporated Nielsen-Massey’s Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract. Only the best extracts can deliver the depth of flavor these waffles deserve.
My Longstanding Love for Nielsen-Massey Extracts
Regular readers already know that I only endorse products I genuinely love and trust. My affinity for Nielsen-Massey goes way back to my early baking days. I distinctly remember exclusively using Nielsen-Massey’s Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract. I’d often order the largest size available from their website, eagerly anticipating its arrival, and then guard it like a precious treasure – which, in the world of baking, it truly was!
What makes Nielsen-Massey stand out is their unwavering commitment to quality. All their products are all-natural, GMO-free, certified gluten-free, certified Kosher, and allergen-free. This aligns perfectly with the dietary needs of my family and many of you in the JITK community, making them a reliable and preferred choice for all our recipes.
In fact, after one particularly cherished bottle of vanilla extract was finally empty, I couldn’t bring myself to throw it away. It was so beautifully crafted that I kept it as a decorative piece until I moved out of my parents’ house! This anecdote truly illustrates my deep admiration for Nielsen-Massey’s products and the exceptional quality they infuse into their meticulous vanilla-cultivation process and the crafting of all their pure, natural flavors.
The Journey of Vanilla: A Fascinating History
Let’s take a moment for a brief, incredibly enlightening history lesson. Have you ever paused to consider, “Where does vanilla truly come from?”
Vanilla is a truly global treasure, cultivated only within a narrow band of 10-20 degrees of the equator. The vast majority of vanilla beans we enjoy today originate from exotic locations like Madagascar, Mexico, and Tahiti. What many don’t realize is that the entire vanilla-cultivation process, from the initial planting of the orchid to the beans finally reaching the market, is an incredibly labor-intensive journey spanning five to six years. After harvest, the beans undergo a crucial curing process. For two weeks, farmers meticulously spread the beans in the intense heat of the sun during the day, then carefully wrap them in blankets at night to “sweat.” This essential step develops their complex flavor. Following this, the beans are conditioned on racks for another two weeks. Finally, they are aged for an additional six to eight months in wooden boxes, a patient process that allows their full, magnificent spectrum of complex flavor notes to fully emerge. This dedication to tradition and quality is what makes premium vanilla extracts truly special.
Why Nielsen-Massey’s Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract?
Nielsen-Massey also prides itself on using the fewest possible ingredients when producing their pure vanilla extracts, ensuring the highest-quality product available. This minimalist yet rigorous process is precisely why their extracts achieve such perfection. I specifically chose the Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for these waffles, not just because it was the very first vanilla extract I fell in love with nearly a decade ago, but also because vanilla from Madagascar boasts a uniquely sweet, creamy flavor profile with velvety after-tones. It’s an exceptional “all-purpose” vanilla, making it ideal for both sweet and savory recipes. Clearly, it was the perfect choice to complement the bright notes of lemon in these waffles.
The Divine Vanilla Blueberry Sauce
Now, let’s talk about that incredible blueberry sauce! This is a recipe I’ve been making for years, and it was high time I reintroduced it to you all. It thickens beautifully, creating a luxurious coating for your waffles, and is infused with the most divine vanilla flavor. Since blueberries and lemon are a classic pairing, I decided to incorporate both Nielsen-Massey’s Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract and their Pure Lemon Extract directly into the sauce. A little secret: if you sneak a taste of this sauce (and trust me, you will!), the blueberries will give your tongue a tell-tale blue tint. Speaking from experience, it’s a dead giveaway when you’re caught going back for more!
The Brilliance of Pure Lemon Extract
And speaking of the Pure Lemon Extract, it’s a true pantry hero. To craft their all-natural pure flavors, Nielsen-Massey begins with premium ingredients meticulously sourced from across the globe. Their Pure Lemon Extract, derived from California lemon oil and expertly rounded out with delicate peel notes, is a phenomenal “helper” ingredient. It’s perfect for those moments when you need to impart a bright, authentic splash of citrus flavor without adding excess liquid or acidity. Nielsen-Massey utilizes a proprietary process to gently extract these delicate flavors, ensuring that none of the natural sweetness or richness of the original ingredient is lost. This meticulous extraction means that with just a teaspoon and a half of their lemon extract, you achieve those wonderfully subtle yet distinct lemon notes dancing throughout every bite of these amazing waffles!
Tips for Perfect Waffles Every Time
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can develop the gluten (even in gluten-free flour) and lead to tough waffles. Mix until just combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Rest the Batter: Allowing the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes gives the flours time to hydrate, resulting in a lighter, fluffier waffle.
- Preheat Thoroughly: A properly preheated waffle iron is crucial for that crispy exterior. Wait for the indicator light (if your iron has one) or allow at least 5-7 minutes.
- Don’t Peek! Resist the urge to open the waffle iron too early. The steam needs to fully escape to create that crisp texture. Opening it prematurely can cause the waffles to stick or fall apart.
- Keep Warm: To serve all waffles at once, place cooked waffles on a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 200°F/95°C) while you finish the rest of the batch. This keeps them toasty and crisp.
I genuinely hope you and your loved ones enjoy these incredible Vegan & Gluten-Free Lemon Poppyseed Waffles with Vanilla Blueberry Sauce as much as I do. They are truly a delightful way to start any day, or even enjoy as a special treat. Happy eating, friends!
P.S. For even more delicious recipe inspiration and to stay updated on their amazing products, make sure you follow Nielsen-Massey on social media!
Lemon Poppyseed Waffles with Vanilla Blueberry Sauce (Gluten Free)
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Ingredients
Vegan Lemon Poppyseed Waffles
- 1 cup oats, ground into a flour (or oat flour), 87g
- 1 ¼ cups all purpose gluten free flour mix, 185g
- ½ teaspoon baking soda, 2.4g
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, 7.2g
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt, 4.2g
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 9.3g
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk, 360ml
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar, 10ml
- ¼ cup unmelted melted vegan butter, 44g
- 1 ½ teaspoons Nielsen-Massey Pure Lemon Extract, 7.5ml
- ½ teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, 2.5ml
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 30ml
Vanilla Blueberry Sauce
- 3 cups frozen blueberries, 420g
- 1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, 5ml
- 1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Pure Lemon Extract, 5ml
- ½ cup organic brown sugar, or coconut sugar, 96g
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch, + 2 teaspoons water, mixed together, 6.66
Instructions
Vegan Lemon Poppyseed Waffles
- Mix the almond milk and apple cider vinegar together. Let sit for at least 3 minutes to create a vegan buttermilk.
- In a large bowl, mix the oat flour, gluten free flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt and poppy seeds together. Set aside.
- In a smaller bowl, mix all the vegan buttermilk, the melted vegan butter, the maple syrup and the Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract and Nielsen-Massey Pure Lemon Extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until combined.
- Preheat your waffle iron in the meantime and grease according to manufacturer’s settings. I set mine two dials before max because I like mine crisp but also very fluffy.
Using a ½ cup/125ml measuring cup, scoop out some batter and pour/spread into the middle of the greased waffle maker. You don’t need to push it to the edges. Close and let cook until the steam has COMPLETELY finished to rise from the waffle maker. Otherwise the waffle will fall apart. Don’t open it before the steam is finished! Remove each waffle and place on a baking sheet in your oven or toaster oven on “warm” or 200F/95C to keep warm and crispy until finished with the entire batter. Continue with the rest of the batter.
- While the waffles are being made, you can prepare your Vanilla Blueberry Sauce.
Vanilla Blueberry Sauce
- Add all the ingredients to a pot over high heat. Bring the ingredients to a boil until blueberries begin to pop, and then reduce to a lower heat for 10 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken. Feel free to add more cornstarch slurry if you want your sauce much thicker.
- Serve the waffles with the vanilla blueberry sauce and enjoy!
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.