Crispy, Airy, and Vegan, Overnight Belgian Waffles

Weekends are made for lazy mornings. Sleeping in, snuggling with the kids during cartoons, and a nice warm breakfast. But how can you get a nice warm breakfast without spending an hour in the kitchen, away from the warm bed and snuggles? That just ruins the perfection. I was determined to find a way to have my snuggles and my warm yummy breakfast too! This recipe has served as a key for that.

I am extremely fond of light and crunchy waffles. You know the kind, put them in the toaster and they are almost like a cracker. These waffles are that fresh from the waffle maker. We have been avoiding dairy products in our house for years now and over the last few months have eliminated eggs as well. Overall, this does not affect much of our meals; however, many of the best breakfast meals are just not the same without these ingredients. A lot of substitutes or variations left the waffles soft or with a dense, heavy texture.

Most of the prep is done the night before giving the yeast time to activate. I have found that I can spend 10 -20 minutes while the kids are taking their baths to get the batter prepped for the morning.

This is simply warming the water and then activating the yeast. Then while the yeast is activating, I will melt the butter, warm the milk, and measure my dry ingredients. Once the yeast is good and foamy, I will mix the wet ingredients and then whisk it into the flour, cinnamon, and salt mix. While you could use a mixer, I typically choose a whisk as I am finishing cleaning the kitchen at this point and want as few things to clean as possible. Once everything is mixed all I must do is set it on the counter, sealed with plastic wrap, and forget about it until the tummies start grumbling in the morning.

When we are ready in the morning, I start warming up the waffle maker and add the last few ingredients. By the time the waffle maker is warm, I have mixed in the ingredients and laid out the fun add ins for the kids (and kids as heart). Now the kids can list off their demands as I scoop in the batter and we wait patiently to eat. Basically, you have 10 minutes from tummy grumbles to a fresh warm waffle on your plate. The best part, IF you have any leftover batter it can be stored in the fridge for up to three days in a sealed container. That means you can enjoy waffles all weekend or as a special treat during the week.

These waffles have the perfect balance of crunch, airiness, and flavor. Best yet, the kids love to make these as there are so many options of how you can personalize their own waffle. This simple batter can be easily personalized adding chocolate chips, blueberries, sprinkles, whatever your heart desires.

Personally, I love mine with a fresh warm mixed berry syrup and a dollop of coco-whip. My biggest breakfast critic loves his to be rainbow style (sprinkles inside), loaded with fresh fruit, coco-whip, and extra sprinkles on top.

This recipe is simple, versatile and if I say so myself DELICIOUS.

---

Vegan Overnight Belgian Waffles

Makes approximately 12 waffles

Prep Time: 8 hours 30 minutes (active time 30 minutes)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (105-115 Degrees)

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 4 1/2 tsp Active Dry Yeast (2 Packets)

• 4 Cups plant based milk (105-115 Degrees)

• 1 cup melted & cooled vegan butter

• 2 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp cinnamon

• 4 cups flour

• 1 cup sparkling water

• 3 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

1. In a large bowl combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy

2. Add warm milk, butter, salt, and cinnamon to the yeast.

3. Using whisk beat in flour until smooth.

4. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and let sit overnight (at least 8 hours) on the counter.

5. In morning, preheat waffle maker and then mix in sparkling water, vanilla extract, and baking soda to batter