Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce Waffles: The Ultimate Sweet & Healthy Breakfast Recipe

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon and sweet apples filling your kitchen. These moist Cinnamon Applesauce Waffles are not just a dream; they’re your next go-to breakfast for something truly special. Combining the comfort of classic waffles with the wholesome goodness of applesauce and a delightful spice kick, they strike the perfect balance between indulgence and a semi-healthy breakfast option. With just a few common ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch that will have everyone reaching for seconds in no time!

Forget the bland, dry waffles of the past. Our recipe ensures every bite is incredibly tender and bursting with flavor. The secret lies in the generous addition of applesauce, which not only provides natural sweetness but also guarantees an unparalleled moistness. Paired with the inviting warmth of cinnamon, these waffles offer a symphony of taste that’s hard to resist. Whether you prefer them adorned with a drizzle of maple syrup, our signature cinnamon applesauce glaze, or simply enjoyed on their own, these waffles are a versatile delight.

Why These Applesauce Waffles Will Become Your New Favorite

While our blog often features a variety of delicious treats, this Cinnamon Applesauce Waffle recipe is truly exceptional, and I couldn’t keep it a secret! There’s something uniquely satisfying about creating a breakfast masterpiece from scratch. Not only is it vastly superior to any box mix you might find, but it also uses simple ingredients you likely already have stocked in your pantry and fridge. This makes it an accessible and rewarding culinary adventure for any home cook, regardless of experience level.

The depth of flavor in these homemade applesauce waffles is simply amazing. The natural sweetness of the applesauce perfectly complements the aromatic cinnamon, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and exciting. You’ll taste the difference that fresh ingredients and a little love make, elevating your breakfast experience from ordinary to extraordinary. Plus, making waffles at home allows you to control the quality and quantity of each ingredient, ensuring a wholesome meal for your family.

The Joy of Waffles: Anytime, Anywhere

For me, waffles hold a special place in my heart. They perfectly merge my love for indulgent desserts with the importance of breakfast – truly the most crucial meal of the day, no matter when you choose to enjoy it! Whether it’s a leisurely weekend morning, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a delightful “brinner” (breakfast for dinner) experience, waffles are always a welcome addition. This easy applesauce waffle recipe transforms a simple meal into an event, bringing warmth and cheer to any occasion.

These Cinnamon Applesauce Waffles are incredibly versatile. They’re hearty enough to fuel your morning, yet sweet enough to satisfy that dessert craving without feeling overly heavy. The moist texture ensures they remain delightful even as leftovers, making them excellent for meal prepping. Imagine grabbing a freshly reheated waffle on a busy weekday, a sweet reminder of the deliciousness you created. Their comforting flavors are especially perfect for cooler months, evoking cozy feelings and autumnal bliss, but they are equally enjoyable year-round.

Ingredients Spotlight: What Makes These Waffles Special

The magic of these Cinnamon Applesauce Waffles truly comes from their thoughtful selection of simple, everyday ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each component essential:

Flour: The structural backbone of our waffles, providing the perfect chewiness and stability.
Sugar: Just enough to enhance the natural sweetness of the applesauce and contribute to that desirable golden-brown crispness.
Salt: A pinch elevates all the other flavors, making them sing. Don’t skip it!
Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, responsible for those wonderfully fluffy and light interiors. It’s what gives waffles their signature rise.
Cinnamon: The star spice! It infuses the waffles with a warm, inviting aroma and a spicy-sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps to create a smooth, pourable batter. Any type of milk works here, so use what you have.
Egg: Acts as a binder, lending structure and richness, while also contributing to the beautiful golden color.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors, adding a subtle depth and enhancing the overall sweetness.
Applesauce: The true hero of this recipe! It’s not just a flavor enhancer; it’s key to the incredible moistness and natural fruit sweetness that makes these waffles unique and a healthier alternative. Unsweetened applesauce is preferred, but sweetened works too – just adjust sugar to taste.

And for the optional, but highly recommended, Cinnamon Applesauce Glaze:

Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of our smooth, sweet glaze.
Cinnamon: Adds a fragrant spice kick to the glaze, mirroring the waffles’ flavor.
Applesauce: Used instead of milk or water for the glaze, it deepens the apple flavor and creates a perfectly pourable consistency.

How to Make These Delectable Cinnamon Applesauce Waffles

Creating these homemade waffles is surprisingly simple, making it perfect for a quick breakfast or a relaxed weekend brunch. The key is to keep your wet and dry ingredients separate initially, ensuring a perfectly smooth and lump-free batter.

Step-by-Step Waffle Batter Preparation:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Ensure they are well combined to distribute the leavening and spices evenly. This step is crucial for consistent texture and flavor throughout your waffles.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, gently whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and applesauce. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture. Using a whisk or spatula, mix until just combined. A few small lumps are perfectly fine; in fact, overmixing can lead to tough waffles, so resist the urge to beat the batter smooth! The goal is to hydrate the flour without developing too much gluten.

Cooking Your Waffles:

Before you start pouring, make sure your waffle iron is adequately preheated. This is a critical step for achieving that coveted crispy exterior and uniform golden-brown color. Most waffle irons have an indicator light that signals when it’s ready. Once hot, lightly grease your waffle iron plates if they aren’t non-stick.

Preheat Waffle Iron: Set your waffle iron to your desired temperature (typically medium-high, or around 300 degrees F).
Portion and Cook: Pour about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of batter into the center of your preheated waffle iron, depending on its size. Close the lid and cook until golden brown and steam is no longer escaping. Cooking times will vary by waffle iron, but generally range from 3-5 minutes. The waffles should be beautifully crisp on the outside and wonderfully moist inside.

The Optional (But Highly Recommended!) Cinnamon Applesauce Glaze

While these Cinnamon Applesauce Waffles are fantastic on their own, the homemade glaze truly elevates them to another level. It’s incredibly simple to make and adds a touch of extra sweetness and a lovely sheen that makes your waffles even more appealing.

To prepare the glaze, simply combine powdered sugar, a dash of cinnamon, and 2-3 tablespoons of applesauce in a small bowl. Whisk until completely smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more applesauce; if too thin, a bit more powdered sugar. This simple step adds a wonderful, unified flavor profile that ties the entire recipe together beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute!

I recently made these at the same time I was preparing some Vanilla Wafer Meringue Pie Cups. Sadly, I don’t have any pictures of Edward trying one, but I did have Kal taste them, and he absolutely loved them! His seal of approval is always a good sign that a recipe is a winner.

Tips for Perfect Applesauce Waffles Every Time

Don’t Overmix: This is the golden rule for light and fluffy waffles! Mix the batter until the dry and wet ingredients are just combined. A few lumps are fine and actually preferred to avoid tough waffles.
Preheat Your Waffle Iron Properly: A hot waffle iron is key to achieving crispy exteriors. Give it ample time to heat up before adding batter.
Grease Lightly (if needed): Even with non-stick waffle irons, a light spray of cooking oil or brush of melted butter can help ensure easy release and a perfectly golden crust.
Don’t Overfill: Start with about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of batter, depending on your waffle maker’s size. Too much batter will overflow, too little will result in incomplete waffles. You’ll quickly learn the right amount for your specific iron.
Serve Immediately: Waffles are best enjoyed fresh off the iron when they’re at their crispiest. If making a larger batch, you can keep cooked waffles warm in a single layer on a wire rack in a preheated oven (around 200°F / 93°C) while you finish the rest.
Use Good Quality Applesauce: The applesauce is a star ingredient, so choose one you enjoy. Unsweetened works best as it allows you to control the sugar content, but sweetened is also fine.

Variations and Add-ins to Customize Your Waffles

While these Cinnamon Applesauce Waffles are delicious as is, feel free to get creative with these delightful variations:

Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Chocolatey Treat: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweeter, more indulgent waffle experience.
Spice It Up: Enhance the warm spice profile by adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ground ginger alongside the cinnamon.
Fruity Boost: Stir in finely diced fresh apples (about 1/2 cup) for extra apple chunks in every bite.
Cheesy Twist: For a savory-sweet option, try adding a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese to the batter. It sounds unusual, but it’s surprisingly good!

Serving Suggestions: What to Enjoy with Your Waffles

These versatile applesauce waffles are wonderful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of toppings and side dishes to create a truly memorable meal:

Classic Toppings: A generous pour of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Fresh Fruit: Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), sliced bananas, or extra apple slices add freshness and natural sweetness.
Yogurt & Granola: For a more wholesome touch, top with Greek yogurt and a crunch of granola.
Savory Sides: Complement the sweetness with crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or a perfectly cooked egg.
Coffee or Tea: Pair with your favorite hot beverage for a complete and cozy breakfast.

Storage and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Cinnamon Applesauce Waffles (which is rare!), they store and reheat wonderfully:

Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure the waffles are completely cool to prevent sogginess.
Refrigeration: Place cooled waffles in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Toaster/Toaster Oven: The best method for restoring crispness! Toast frozen or refrigerated waffles until heated through and crisp, usually on a medium setting.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place waffles directly on a baking sheet and heat for 5-10 minutes, or until warm and crisp.
- Microwave: While quickest, this method can make waffles less crisp. Heat for 30-60 seconds, or until warm. Best for very quick warming before topping.

Frequently Asked Questions About Applesauce Waffles

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious waffles:

Can I use homemade applesauce for this recipe?: Absolutely! Homemade applesauce will add an even fresher flavor to your waffles. Just ensure it’s a smooth consistency, or if it’s chunky, make sure the chunks are small enough not to interfere with your waffle iron.
Is unsweetened or sweetened applesauce better?: Unsweetened applesauce gives you more control over the sugar content of your waffles. If you use sweetened applesauce, you might want to reduce the amount of added sugar in the recipe by a tablespoon or two, or to taste.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?: Yes, you can! You can prepare the waffle batter and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a gentle whisk before using, as it might thicken slightly. Adding the baking powder just before cooking can sometimes yield even fluffier results, but it’s generally fine to mix it all at once.
What if I don’t have a waffle iron? Can I make pancakes?: Yes! This recipe can absolutely be used to make delicious Cinnamon Applesauce Pancakes. Cook them on a lightly greased griddle over medium heat until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
How do I prevent my waffles from sticking to the iron?: Ensure your waffle iron is properly preheated and lightly greased before each waffle, especially if it’s not a non-stick model. Avoid lifting the lid too early, as this can tear the waffle. Allow the waffle to cook until steam significantly reduces, indicating it’s done and ready to be released.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Breakfast Awaits!

These Cinnamon Applesauce Waffles are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to create warmth, comfort, and joy in your kitchen. Easy to make, incredibly moist, and bursting with the delightful flavors of apple and cinnamon, they offer a perfect start to any day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is designed for success and pure enjoyment. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your waffle iron, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these truly unforgettable waffles. Don’t forget to share your creations with us – we love to see your delicious results!

Yield: 4-6 waffles

Cinnamon Applesauce Waffles

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
10 minutes

Additional Time
5 minutes

Total Time
25 minutes

Ingredients

Cinnamon Applesauce Waffles

2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
dash of salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 milk
1 egg
1 tbsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups applesauce

Cinnamon Applesauce Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
2-3 tbsp applesauce

Instructions

Cinnamon Applesauce Waffles

Combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder in a large bowl and set aside.
Combine milk, egg, vanilla, and applesauce and slowly add to the dry ingredient mixture.
Preheat waffle iron to about 300 degrees, spoon in waffle batter, and cook until golden brown.

Cinnamon Applesauce Glaze

Combine powdered sugar, applesauce, and cinnamon until smooth.
Pour over waffles and enjoy!

Notes

This recipe will also work for pancakes!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 342Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 133mgCarbohydrates: 75gFiber: 3gSugar: 38gProtein: 6g