Whole Grain Waffles
Hearty, crispy whole grain waffles with a tender, fluffy interior. Made with whole wheat flour and oats, these waffles are a wholesome twist on a breakfast classic. They come together quickly and pair perfectly with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat the waffle iron.
Plug in your waffle iron and set it to medium-high heat. Let it preheat while you prepare the batter.
- mix
Combine the dry ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly blended.
TIPSifting the flours isn't necessary, but do whisk well to avoid clumps of baking powder. - mix
Whisk the wet ingredients.
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs. Then whisk in the milk, oil, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- mix
Combine wet and dry ingredients.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula just until combined. A few small lumps are fine; overmixing will make the waffles tough.
TIPStop mixing as soon as you don't see dry flour. The batter will be slightly thicker than pancake batter. - bake · ~6 min
Cook the waffles.
1.Lightly brush the preheated waffle iron with a little oil if not non-stick.2.Pour about 1/2 cup of batter onto the center of the iron, spreading it slightly so it doesn't quite reach the edges.3.Close the lid and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4 to 6 minutes, or until steam stops escaping.TIPDon't lift the lid too early, or the waffle will tear. Wait for the steam to subside significantly. - serve
Serve immediately.
Carefully remove the waffle from the iron and place it on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
TIPFor extra-crispy waffles, place the cooked waffles directly on the oven rack in a 200°F oven while you finish cooking the rest.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid clumps of baking powder in the finished waffles.
- 2Do not overmix the batter; a few small lumps are fine and ensure tender waffles.
- 3Let the waffle iron preheat fully before adding batter for an even, crispy crust.
- 4Resist the urge to lift the lid early; wait until steam significantly subsides to prevent tearing.
- 5Keep cooked waffles crisp by placing them on a wire rack in a 200°F oven while you finish the batch.
- 6For a nuttier flavor, toast the oat flour lightly in a dry skillet before mixing it into the batter.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water, rested for 10 minutes) and use a plant-based milk like oat or almond. The waffles will be slightly less fluffy but still hearty and crisp.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce the oil to 1 tablespoon and substitute the remaining 2 tablespoons with unsweetened applesauce. The waffles will be slightly less crispy but lighter in fat and still tender.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add ¼ cup of vanilla or unflavored protein powder to the dry ingredients, and increase the milk by 2 tablespoons to maintain batter consistency. This bumps up protein without sacrificing texture.
spiced appleSpiced apple
Fold ½ cup of finely diced apple and an extra ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon into the batter just before cooking. The apples add pockets of sweetness and moisture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Whole Grains
Whole wheat flour and oat flour provide dietary fiber, which supports digestion and helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the morning.
Good Source of B Vitamins
Oats are naturally rich in B vitamins like thiamine and folate, which aid in converting food into usable energy.
Lower in Added Sugar
With only 1 tablespoon of honey sweetening the entire batch, these waffles contain significantly less added sugar than many traditional waffle recipes.
Contains Heart-Healthy Fats
The vegetable oil provides unsaturated fats that can support cardiovascular health when used in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, substitute the whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose blend and use certified gluten-free oat flour. The texture will be slightly more delicate.
