20-Minute Overnight Dairy-Free Sourdough Waffles

Prep: 20 minmediumAmerican
Overnight Dairy-Free Sourdough Waffles with Banana Milk

Fluffy, tangy waffles with a subtle banana sweetness that develop complex flavors through overnight fermentation. The sourdough starter creates a light, airy texture while banana milk replaces dairy for those with lactose sensitivities. Perfect for weekend brunches or special breakfast occasions, these waffles combine traditional sourdough techniques with modern dairy-free alternatives. The overnight rest allows the flour to fully hydrate and the starter to work its magic, resulting in waffles with deeper flavor and better texture than quick morning batters.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups banana milk
    regular plant milk1:1dairy-freevegan

    slight flavor change

  • ½ cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
    butter1:1traditionaladds dairy

    richer flavor

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup ripe sourdough starter, stirred down
  • 2 cups flour, can be mixture of all purpose and whole wheat
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
    flax eggs2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp waterveganegg-freeeggs-free

    denser texture

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. 1

    Add banana milk and cooled coconut oil to a large mixing bowl

  2. 2

    Add sourdough starter and whisk thoroughly

  3. 3

    Sprinkle sugar on top and whisk in flour gradually until incorporated

  4. 4

    Cover bowl and let sit at room temperature overnight

  5. 5

    In the morning, sift baking soda, salt, and cinnamon onto batter

  6. 6

    Separate eggs into two clean bowls

  7. 7

    Whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form

  8. 8

    Lightly scramble egg yolks in second bowl

  9. 9

    Pour yolks into batter and stir lightly

  10. 10

    Fold egg whites into batter until just incorporated

  11. 11

    Cook in smoking hot waffle iron until done to your liking

Tips

Tip 1

Use a ripe, bubbly sourdough starter that has been fed within the last 12 hours for best rise and flavor development.

Tip 2

Heat your waffle iron thoroughly before cooking - it should be smoking hot to create crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors.

Tip 3

Don't overmix when folding in the egg whites to maintain the light, airy texture that makes these waffles special.

Good to Know

Storage

Store leftover waffles in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in toaster or oven.

Make Ahead

Prepare batter through overnight fermentation step. Complete in morning before serving.

Serve With

Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Top with butter, syrup, fresh fruit, or yogurt.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip the overnight fermentation as it develops flavor and improves texture.

Watch

Avoid overmixing the egg whites to maintain airiness.

Watch

Ensure waffle iron is fully preheated to prevent sticking and achieve proper browning.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

banana milk
regular plant milk1:1dairy-freevegan

slight flavor change

Vegan Options

eggs
flax eggs2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp waterveganegg-freeeggs-free

denser texture

Full guide →

General Alternatives

coconut oil
butter1:1traditionaladds dairy

richer flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make the batter without overnight fermentation?

While possible, overnight fermentation is essential for proper flavor development and texture. The sourdough starter needs time to work on the flour for best results.

What if I don't have banana milk?

You can substitute any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. The banana flavor will be lost but the waffles will still be delicious and dairy-free.

How long will these waffles keep frozen?

Frozen waffles will maintain quality for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers or freezer bags and reheat directly from frozen in a toaster.