This gluten-free churro waffle recipe elevates a familiar breakfast into something indulgent, served with three irresistible dipping sauces. The recipe and story are courtesy of Tina from Just Putzing Around the Kitchen.
Recipe + Article Courtesy: Tina, Just Putzing Around the Kitchen
For my 30th birthday, my mother-in-law surprised me with my first waffle iron — a sleek black-and-chrome double-decker that makes two Belgian waffles at once. Ever since we brought it home, we’ve been making waffles constantly: blueberry, plain buttermilk, banana chocolate-chip, and my favorite twist so far — churro waffles.

About these Churro Waffles
These churro waffles are gluten free and dairy free. They began life as an early-morning craving for churros and chocolate, a desire to use the new waffle iron again, and a shortage of dairy milk — but plenty of almond beverage in the pantry.
A word about almond beverage (nut milk)
I recently tried several almond beverage varieties — Original, Unsweetened, and Vanilla — and they quickly won me over. If you haven’t tried almond beverage before, expect a creamier, slightly nuttier texture than skim milk and a richness closer to whole milk without the dairy. We found it great for pouring over cereal, mixing into smoothies, or using in baking and waffle batter.
Almond beverage also works well in recipes for people who avoid lactose or dairy. In these waffles it adds flavor and moisture while keeping the batter suitable for those avoiding wheat and dairy.
On to the churro waffles
These churro waffles are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, with a texture that leans a bit toward chewy — closer to a churro than a classic light Belgian waffle. After cooking, each waffle is brushed with melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar, then offered with chocolate, strawberry, and caramel sauces. Serve them fresh and warm for the best experience, or enjoy leftovers chilled where the flavor becomes even more concentrated.
If you love breakfast desserts or want to turn weekend brunch into a small celebration, these waffles are worth the effort. Below are the ingredient lists and clear step-by-step instructions to make everything from the batter to the three sauces.
Churro Waffles with Chocolate, Strawberry & Caramel Dipping Sauces
A gluten-free churro waffle recipe that reinvents the classic breakfast with a churro-style coating and three sweet dipping sauces: chocolate, strawberry, and caramel.
Ingredients
Waffle Batter
- 1 1/2 cups Vanilla almond beverage
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/4 cups gluten-free flour (Pamela’s pancake and waffle mix was used)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 eggs, beaten
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
Chocolate Sauce
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 to 2/3 cup almond beverage (Original)
Strawberry Sauce
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced and hulled
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
To make the cinnamon-sugar topping
- Mix the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a shallow plate or baking dish. Set aside until the waffles are ready.
To make the chocolate sauce
- Combine the semisweet chocolate chips and almond beverage in a microwave-safe bowl or mug.
- Microwave on high for 45 seconds, then stir vigorously until smooth.
- If needed, microwave in additional 20-second increments, stirring between each, until the sauce is silky and pourable.
To make the strawberry sauce
- Place the sliced strawberries and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally as the fruit releases its juices and the mixture warms.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Use a fork or potato masher to break up the cooked berries, then turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until serving.
To make the caramel sauce
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add the brown sugar and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and salt, and continue cooking 4–5 minutes until the mixture bubbles and thickens.
- Remove from heat and pour into a bowl to cool to room temperature.
To make the waffles
- Preheat and prepare your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Place the almond beverage, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Heat until the butter melts and the mixture begins to boil, stirring constantly.
- Remove the pan from heat (leave the stove on). Stir in the gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, and cinnamon vigorously.
- Return the pan to the heat and stir the mixture constantly for about 3 minutes, until the batter pulls away from the sides and forms a dough-like ball.
- Remove from heat and let cool for about 3 minutes. Divide the dough into two pieces and place one piece in a blender or food processor.
- Pour half of the beaten eggs over the dough in the blender, add the remaining dough, and pulse until smooth. The final batter should be slightly thicker than pancake batter.
- Scoop about 3/4 to 1 cup of batter (or the amount recommended for your waffle maker) into the prepared iron. Spread gently into an even layer, close the lid, and cook until done. Repeat with remaining batter.
- When waffles are cooked, place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and brush each waffle with the melted butter.
- Roll the brushed waffles in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres.
To serve
- Serve churro waffles warm. Drizzle with chocolate sauce or offer chocolate, strawberry, and caramel sauces for dipping.
- For a fun presentation, cut waffles into strips or bite-sized pieces for dipping.
- Enjoy immediately while the waffles are warm and the sauces are fresh.
A note of thanks to the almond beverage samples that inspired this recipe — they made a delicious, dairy-free base for the waffle batter and sauces. As always, adapt the recipe to fit your dietary needs and equipment, and enjoy a memorable brunch with family or friends.