Today, it is Autumn and the hills are breathtaking in their Autumnal finery. Gold, red, copper and brown leaves are everywhere. It brings out the kid in me, all I want to do is jump and roll. And it's apple season what's more so what better way to celebrate than with Spiced Apple Pie Waffles.
I've never been much of a waffle-eater. We are more pancake people in Australia. And fritters. We are big on fritters. Recently, however, I bought a waffle iron and I am officially a convert. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and drizzled with maple. What is not to love? Well, you do have to buy a waffle iron if you don't have one already and me thinks that might include most Australian families (or have I been living in a waffle-free bubble on my own?). However, waffle irons are pretty cheap and the waffle itself is seriously versatile.
While these spiced apple pie waffles are inspired by Autumn, they would work all year round; the same way ice-cream works at night in the dead of Winter. I don't understand the science, I just know it works. Ice-cream is chemically proven to take the chill out of Winter. This is especially true if the ice-cream is served with chocolate sauce. True story.
If you were inclined, and I would be, spiced apple pie waffles would be wonderful in colder months with a spoon of just-cooked spiced apples or perhaps a drizzle of my 3-ingredient vegan caramel sauce. If you can't do a nut caramel I also have a vegan caramel sauce recipe 3-ways you are going to love!
Today however, I simply sliced delicious and crunchy Red Gala apples and scattered them over the top. I love the crunch and slightly acidic sweetness the apples add. While everything is tastier in-season, this recipe doesn't call for apples to be in their prime. I use apple sauce in the waffle batter and apple juice in the syrup.
Have I mentioned the syrup? No? The syrup is compulsory. The waffles have a hint of spice but the syrup...the syrup is where the "pie" comes together. Cinnamon, apple juice and a tiny pinch of ginger warmed together with maple. I serve mine with coconut ice-cream and fight the dog to lick to the plate. Another true story. Enjoy, x.
Make This Recipe
Equipment
- waffle iron
Ingredients
Apple Topping (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- 1½ tablespoon light brown sugar
- ½-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1-2 tablespoon water or apple juice if needed
- 2 apples cored and sliced into half-inch wedges
Dry ingredients
- 1 cup (150g) all purpose flour
- 1 cup (150g) whole flour
- ⅓ cup quick oats or rolled oats
- 2½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Wet ingredients
- ¾ cup dairy-free milk + another tablespoon if needed
- 1 cup apple sauce unsweetened
- 3 tablespoon melted butter or sunflower oil
- 1½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar or raw sugar
To serve
- ½ cup Chopped pecans optional or toasted coconut to serve (optional)
Instructions
For the Topping
- In a medium sauté pan, melt the butter over low/med heat. Add the sugar, spices and salt and stir together. Add the apples and gently stir them until evenly coated. Add a tablespoon or 2 of water or apple juice to loosen the mixture.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture up to a simmer before turning it down again to low. Continue to cook for 5 to 7-minutes or until the apples are tender but not mushy. Remove from the heat while you prepare the waffles. We will gently reheat the topping before serving.
For the Waffles
- Turn on the waffle iron to heat.
- Combine flour, oats, baking powder and soda, cinnamon and salt in a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, juice, butter, vanilla and sugar.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry and fold until almost combined. Fold in the grated apple and continue mixing until just combined. Don't overwork the batter you you'll end up with rubbery waffles.
- Allow the batter to sit for 5 minutes.
- Turn the oven on to a low heat.
- Spoon the batter in to the waffle iron in batches and cook for approximately 5 - 7 minutes or until the waffles are slightly crispy. Once most steam has dissipated, the waffle should be ready.
- Keep the waffles warm in the oven while you finish cooking all the batter.
- Serve with the apple topping and chopped pecans (optional)
Nutrition
Ashley says
These look amazing Logan. Seeing your photos reminded me of my love for waffles. And when they are made with pure ingredients they are energizing and guiltless!
Amanda says
Thanks so much Ashley, I love waffles too! You have reminded me to make more.
amallia says
wow...waffles and ice cream. What a happy day 🙂 Nice pic !
Amanda says
Thanks Amallia! Thanks for visiting.
Michelle @ O Blog Off says
Hi Amanda!
These waffles are a work of art and coconut ice cream SOLD!
I will be trying these soon!
Thanks!
Michelle
Amanda says
Thanks Michelle, I love these waffles too. Let me know if you make them! Cheers, A.
Meg @ Noming thru Life says
Ahhhh someone hand me a damn waffle maker already! These waffles are seriously everything Amanda. WOW!
Amanda says
Thanks Meg. I have to say, I enjoyed the recipe testing IMMENSELY!
Lis @ The Fare Sage says
Clearly great minds thing alike - I just did a spiced apple waffles post this last week, though I admit mine was a slightly naughtier version 😉 I adore the sound of your spiced syrup and will definitely be pinching that idea! Gorgeous pics x
Amanda says
Ahhha! Well they must be a good idea! We can give the naughty and nice version. x