Rainbow Waffles topped with whipping cream and unicorn sprinkles will brighten your kiddo’s breakfast and put a smile on their face. They are also delicious tasting and so easy to make.
Key Takeaways:
- Fun and Kid-Friendly: Rainbow waffles are a cheerful, colorful breakfast treat that brings joy to kids and adults alike.
- Simple Ingredients: The batter uses basic pantry staples like flour, baking powder, sugar, and buttermilk—plus optional vanilla or almond extract for added flavor.
- No Need for Fancy Tools: A mini waffle maker and plastic squeeze bottles help shape the rainbow rings easily, but they’re not mandatory.
- All-Natural Coloring Options: You can make these waffles using plant-based, food dye-free coloring and sprinkles—perfect for health-conscious families.
- Topping Ideas: Whipped cream and unicorn sprinkles are a must, but strawberries, syrup, or homemade strawberry sauce elevate the taste even more.
- Time-Saving Hack: Skip whipping egg whites since the batter gets poured into squeeze bottles—making prep quicker without sacrificing texture.
Overview
Turn an ordinary morning into a magical breakfast experience with these vibrant, plant-based Rainbow Waffles—a kid-approved treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Made with an easy homemade batter that’s both fluffy and crispy thanks to a blend of baking soda, baking powder, and buttermilk, these waffles are naturally colored with dye-free, plant-based alternatives for a guilt-free splash of color. Using squeeze bottles, you’ll layer colorful rings of batter into a mini waffle maker (bonus: it comes in fun colors and designs!), creating a stunning rainbow swirl with every bite. Finish them off with a cloud of whipped cream and a handful of unicorn sprinkles for a breakfast that brings joy to any plate—no artificial dyes required. Whether topped with fresh strawberries, strawberry sauce, or syrup, these whimsical waffles are a sure way to start the day with a smile.
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Here are the plant-based food dye-free coloring alternatives.
Use plant-based, dye-free, all-natural colors. Click here to purchase.
Use sprinkles that are free of food dyes. Supernatural makes a variety of sprinkles that are free of food dyes. (click here to purchase)
I made these mini waffles in the most adorable mini waffle maker I’ve ever seen. The waffle maker comes with a bunch of colors and designs. I love it. (click here) to purchase it. These waffles are also delicious with fresh strawberries or my Strawberry Sauce made from frozen strawberries. Either way, don’t forget to top it with lots of whipped cream and unicorn sprinkles. (click here) for the Unicorn sprinkles.
Rainbow Waffles - How to make them
What Do I need for Rainbow Waffles?
The batter for these waffles is easy to make. I’ve adapted my favorite waffle recipe to create these yummy rainbow waffles. I’ve added cornstarch to help thicken the batter without making a dry waffle. Both baking soda and baking powder are in this recipe. The baking soda keeps the waffle tender and helps with the crispy crust. The baking powder gives the waffles a nice lift. I usually separate the egg whites and beat them until they are fluffy. I then fold them into the batter. However, because you are coloring the batter and putting it into the plastic squeeze bottles this extra step is unnecessary.
The buttermilk adds a tang to their flavor and the sugar lightly sweetens them. For extra flavor, I’ve added vanilla extract. Almond extract is also delicious.
Let’s Make these Waffles – Step by Step.
- Preheat the waffle maker.
- Mix all of the dry ingredients.
- Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until nearly smooth. Small lumps are ok, but larger lumps will clog the squeeze bottle tip.
- Divide the batter into four bowls and color each bowl of batter. I used blue, green, yellow, and pink. Put the colored batter into the 4 squeeze bottles and cut about half of the tip-off to enlarge the opening in the tip.
- Star with the blue and make a small circle in the center of the waffle maker. Then add a ring of green, a ring of yellow, and finally, the outermost ring is pink. Close the waffle maker and cook until lightly browned and crispy on the edges.
- Serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream and top with Unicorn Sprinkles. Strawberries and Syrup are also delicious on top of the waffles.
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FAQ:
Q: Can I use regular food coloring instead of plant-based dyes?
A: Yes, you can, but plant-based options are safer for kids and those avoiding artificial additives.
Q: What if I don’t have squeeze bottles?
A: You can use spoons to pour the batter, though the color layering may be less precise.
Q: Can I freeze leftover waffles?
A: Absolutely! Let them cool, then store in an airtight container and reheat in the toaster.
Q: Do I need a mini waffle maker?
A: No, a regular waffle maker works just fine—the shape may differ, but the flavor stays fun.
Q: Can I make these waffles gluten-free?
A: Yes, just substitute with your preferred gluten-free flour blend and adjust liquid as needed.
Q: Are unicorn sprinkles necessary?
A: Not at all—they’re just for fun! You can use any toppings your family enjoys.
Rainbow waffles - Homemade
Equipment
- 4 squeeze/decorating plastic bottles
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose Flour(240g)
- 2 tbsp granulated Sugar
- 2 tbsp Corn Starch
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 cups Buttermilk
- 4 tbsp. melted Butter Let cool a bit before adding so it doesn't cook the eggs.
- 1 tsp Vanilla or Almond Extract
Instructions
- Preheat mini waffle maker.
- Mix together the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Flour, sugar, corn starch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the liquid ingredients: buttermilk, eggs, flavoring, and melted butter.
- Whisk together until smooth. (lumps in the batter will clog the tip of the bottles)
- Divide into 4 bowls and add 2 or 3 drops of food coloring to each bowl to make blue or purple, green, yellow, and pink batter. Fill a plastic squeeze bottle with each color of batter. You may need to cut the tip to give a larger opening. (see notes for a dye-free coloring)
- Use the different bottles of colored batter to create a rainbow waffle in the mini waffle maker.
- Bake the waffles in the mini waffle maker or a larger Belgian waffle maker.
- Serve with whipped cream, strawberries, sprinkles, and syrup.
