LOVE is in the air… Crispy golden vegan waffles + luscious strawberry syrup = a match made in heaven! Inspired by 50 First Dates (2004), this comforting duo will warm your heart.
Looking for even more LOVE-infused recipes? Try my Vegan Strawberry Champagne Truffles or Vegan Raspberry Creme Brûlée! Enjoy these sweet treats on Valentine’s Day and beyond.
This post contains affiliate links to products we use and love!
The Story: 50 First Dates (2004)
Dr. Henry Roth (Adam Sandler) is afraid of commitment. He plays one woman after another. The only authentic relationships he forms are with his patients, Jocko and Willy, which happen to be marine animals… In addition to his eccentric assistant Alexa (Lusia Strus), a marijuana-smoking local named Ula (Rob Schneider) keeps the philandering veterinarian company.
Everything changes when Henry meets Lucy (Drew Barrymore) at the Hukilau Café. A skilled artist, she enjoys constructing buildings and shapes out of delicious waffles. It’s her favorite Sunday tradition. Henry is instantly charmed by her idiosyncrasies. When Lucy invites him to breakfast, he accepts without hesitation.
The next morning, Henry waltzes into the Hukilau Café, only to find that Lucy doesn’t remember him. In fact, she can’t recall any events from the previous day. Sue (Amy Hill), the restaurant owner, explains that a car accident left Lucy with anterograde amnesia, the inability to create new memories and recall the recent past. However, her long-term memories made before the amnesia-inducing event remain completely intact.
Lucy’s father (Blake Clark) and brother (Sean Astin) developed an elaborate scheme to keep her in a happy bubble. From a distance, they can safely monitor—and predict—her routine. Every day, she wakes up believing that it’s October 13, her father’s birthday. She usually orders waffles at the Hukilau Café, paints in her studio, and visits the Callahan Institute, run by Dr. Keats (Dan Aykroyd).
Despite the warnings from protective friends and family members, Henry follows his heart. He’s determined to earn Lucy’s love and trust. Day after day, he invents new ways to grab her attention. The more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow. Lucy’s strict regimen even changes. Since meeting Henry, she can’t stop singing the Beach Boys’ “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.”
Although they face countless setbacks and disappointments, one variable never changes: their unrelenting love for each other.
My Take
Falling in love is easy. Building a strong relationship takes serious effort! 50 First Dates proves this time and time again.
It was always easy for Henry to woo women. What about Lucy? Well, she’s far from average… Beyond her memory condition and creative pursuits, she possess a rare combination of traits. Lucy is daring, charismatic, empathetic, and most importantly, genuine. Henry quickly comes to realize that Lucy, unlike previous conquests, is a rare gem. All good things are worth fighting, and that includes lasting romance.
The Recipe: Lovely Vegan Waffles with Strawberry Syrup
Every Sunday, Lucy frequents the Hukilau Café and makes waffle “houses.”
I created charming heart waffles, because home is where the heart is! I hope you and your loved ones have an unforgettable Valentine’s Day. Feel free to enjoy this breakfast classic any time of year. And don’t skip the strawberry sauce. It’s seriously to die for!
Lovely Vegan Waffles with Strawberry Syrup
Equipment
- 1 Waffle Maker (I used an 8" heart-shaped waffle iron!)
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- 1 Large Bowl (for dry ingredients)
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Medium Bowl (for liquid ingredients)
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Medium Pot (for strawberry syrup)
- 1 Wooden Spoon
- Non-Stick Spray
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups flour (spelt, light, whole-wheat, all-purpose, or GF blend), see notes
- ¼ cup granulated cane or golden coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups non-dairy milk (unsweetened)
- ¼ cup apple sauce (unsweetened)
- ¼ cup refined coconut oil (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 teaspoons almond extract
Strawberry Syrup
- 3 cups frozen whole strawberries (thawed)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (tightly packed)
- 1 cup granulated cane or golden coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 cup water (warm)
Instructions
Waffles
- Preheat your waffle maker, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mix the sifted dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon powder.2 cups flour, ¼ cup granulated cane or golden coconut sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- In a medium bowl, mix the dairy-free milk, apple sauce, refined coconut oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract.2 cups non-dairy milk, ¼ cup apple sauce, ¼ cup refined coconut oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1.5 teaspoons almond extract
- Pour your wet ingredients into the large bowl of dry ingredients. Combine well! Be careful not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Cover your hot waffle iron with non-stick spray or vegan butter. Pour the batter into the center. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. Mine took about 6 tablespoons of batter and cooked for 6 minutes.
- Add your favorite toppings and syrup! Whipped cream and strawberry syrup is a heavenly combo.
Strawberry Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, corn starch, and warm water. Bring the mixture to a boil.3 cups frozen whole strawberries, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 cup granulated cane or golden coconut sugar, 1 tablespoon corn starch, 1 cup water
- Lower the heat and simmer for about 18 minutes, or until the strawberries are softened in a reduced, syrupy liquid.
- Blend and strain the syrup if you want a thinner consistency!
Notes
- For a light and fluffy texture, it’s very important to sift your dry ingredients.
- Room temperature ingredients are the recipe for success.
- Don’t overmix your batter! Believe it or not, a lumpy consistency is ideal.
- Be sure to grease your waffle maker for a crispy outer texture.
- Wait for any steam to disappear. That is a sign that your waffles are still cooking!
- Unlike unrefined coconut oil, the neutral flavor of refined coconut oil blends well in baking.
- If you want a thinner syrup, add more water and/or blend and strain.
- Coconut sugar is my preferred sweetener, but it can change the color of your final product. For the photographs, I used off-white granulated cane sugar, because the red color is better preserved.
Nutrition
Missy
This is such a cute idea-
Heart shaped vegan waffles on Valentine’s Day. Even if just for yourself!
I love your view on what it takes to build a relationship. Good advice for anyone.