Applesauce Waffle Cakes

(vegan, gluten-free)

This recipe is reminiscent of a stroopwafel, only thicker, fluffier, and bursting with apple flavor. Amazingly, the recipe is also vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for most diets, unless you are swearing off sweets…and then I both respect you and I am very sorry for you.

Depending on your waffle maker, you may need to cook each waffle a little longer than usual to properly firm up the cakes. The sprinkling of brown sugar on the top of each waffle caramelizes into a decadent sugary crunchy coating.

This is a dessert, not a breakfast. But I promise not to judge you if you decide to eat dessert for breakfast.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour or regular all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (eliminate for non-gluten-free version)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup neutral tasting oil (e.g. canola)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Brown sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat waffle maker while mixing the rest of the ingredients.
2. Whisk together flour, xanthan gum, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix together in separate bowl the applesauce, oil, sugar, vanilla, and apple cider vinegar.
4. Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients with electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until completely blended.
5. Pour ¼ to ⅓ cup waffle batter into preheated waffle griddle square, top each with 1-2 teaspoons brown sugar, and cook waffles per usual instructions.
6. Let waffles cool completely before eating. Waffles will firm upon cooling and can be eaten straight or drizzled with honey, caramel, or chocolate sauce.

Makes 12-14 waffles.

NUTRITION

Serving size: 1 waffle (12 count/14 count)
176/151 calories, 1.1/1.0 g protein, 0.3 g fiber, 4.8/4.1 g fat