Healthy Waffles with whole wheat flour and no refined sugar for a healthy breakfast that can be made ahead and toasted from frozen for busy mornings!

For more easy grab-n-go breakfast ideas try my almond flour waffles, Instant Pot egg bites or almond flour banana muffins.

Healthy waffles on a plate with fresh berries.

A healthy waffle recipe that results in crispy and delicious waffles? Yes, please! These waffles will satisfy the kid in all of us and are made with your everyday pantry staples.

If you make a big batch, freeze some for later for easy breakfast when you’re in a pinch. We always do that with protein waffles and cottage cheese waffles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Whole grains: Higher in fiber and full of complex carbohydrates that keep you full longer.
  • Less sugar: Using stronger tasting maple syrup or honey allows you to use less, which equates to less sugar and caloric intake.
  • Whole food ingredients: No processed ingredients, no preservatives in our waffle recipe, just simple wholesome real food.
  • Budget friendly: Find all these ingredients at your local grocery store, no specialty stores needed.
  • Easy to make: One bowl, less fuss, less mess!

Ingredients for Healthy Waffles

To make this recipe, you will need just a few simple ingredients.

Avocado oil, almond milk, maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, vanilla extract, whole wheat flour, salt.
  • Flour: This recipe uses whole wheat flour or spelt flour. You’ll notice that these waffles aren’t as fluffy as your average waffle due to the whole wheat flour containing bran and germ. I don’t recommend using other flours, as I have not tested them and baking is a science.
  • Large eggs: Used for binding waffles together.
  • Any milk: I used unsweetened almond milk but feel free to use any unsweetened dairy milk or other milk of choice. Avoid canned coconut milk or milk with any added sweeteners.
  • Maple syrup or honey: Either liquid sweetener works.
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: You can also use melted butter as well.
  • Pure vanilla extract: Not imitation vanilla for best taste.
  • Baking powder: Technically any baking powder works, I prefer aluminum free bakign powder.
  • Salt: Enhances waffles taste.

How to Make Healthy Waffles

Here is a quick overview how to make healthy waffle recipe from scratch. Full recipe card is located below.

  • Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Add milk, maple syrup, olive oil, vanilla, baking powder, and salt; whisk until well combined. Add whole wheat flour, mix well. 
  • Cook the waffles: Preheat the waffle maker well. The amount of batter depends on the size of your waffle maker. I used about 1/3 cup per waffle. If your waffle maker is cast iron you might have to spray it with cooking spray to prevent waffles from sticking. This waffle recipe uses enough oil, so you might not. Just try one first and see how it comes out.

Recipe Tip

For crispier waffles, I also cook a bit past the green Ready indicator.

Tips for Best Results

  • Measure flour correctly: Don’t overpack your flour, scoop and level. Scooping your flour into your measuring cups keeps it light and airy, and then leveling it with a knife ensures you have the precise amount.
  • Don’t use other flours: As much as I love almond flour, it cannot be used for this recipe. Make almond flour waffles instead. I have not tested this recipe with all purpose flour or wheat pastry flour. White whole wheat flour can usually be replaced on a 1:1 basis. If you try, let us know in the comments!
  • Preheat the waffle maker: You want it nice and hot before you pour the batter in.
  • Spray waffle maker with cooking spray: This is especially true for cast iron, but is a good tip for any waffle iron as the last thing you want is all the hard work to be stuck to the kitchen appliance.

Variations

  • Cinnamon: For added warmth and a delicious hint of cinnamon, add a dash. Use pumpkin pie spice in the fall!
  • Blueberry waffles: You could add blueberries tossed with a small amount of flour into the waffle batter. Blueberries do tend to stick to the waffle maker, so you may have to use a bit more elbow grease when washing it.
  • Chocolate chips: I love to use mini chocolate chips, so then I get some in every bite. You could use any you like including dark, semi-sweet, milk or even sugar free chocolate chips.
  • Savory: Add some chopped cooked bacon to the batter.
  • Chopped nuts: Pecans or walnuts chopped small would add a nutty taste.
  • Sprinkles: Would be a fun healthier version of a cake batter waffle. So fun for little ones or if celebrating a birthday! Just add them into the batter.
Pouring maple syrup on a stack of healthy waffles topped with fresh berries.

Toppings Ideas

  • Maple syrup: Look for pure maple syrup. It is full of vitamins and nutrients and your kids will not notice the difference.
  • Yogurt: When I have time I make Instant Pot yogurt or buy plain whole milk yogurt. Add maple syrup on top and it’s creamy heaven with extra protein!
  • Frozen fruit: Thaw it a bit and its juices will blend beautifully with yogurt and maple syrup.
  • Berry compote: Use my simple cherry compote from Greek yogurt cheesecake recipe.
  • Nut or seed butter: Almond butter, tahini, and peanut butter all add a creamy, nutty, high protein topping.
  • Chocolate spread: Like Nutella.
  • Savory: Healthy fried chicken and waffles, sausage or bacon are all savory toppings you could have with your healthy waffle recipe or even sandwich between two!
  • South of the border waffle: Add pico de gallo, diced avocado and a fried egg.

How to Store and Reheat

Store: Keep healthy waffles in an air circulating container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freeze: To freeze, let waffles cool completely, then place in a resealable Ziploc bag, let as much air out as possible, seal and freeze for up to 6 months.

Reheat: Pop them in the toaster straight out of the fridge or freezer to heat up. You can also use the microwave if you like them a bit softer.

FAQs

Why are my waffles not crispy?

Moisture is the culprit! Ensure your waffle iron is hot before your batter touches it by testing it with water first. The water should sizzle when it makes contact with the hot iron. If you still want even more crispy waffles, you can either toast them further in the oven or toaster.

Should I use oil or butter in healthy waffles?

Really it is personal preference. Oil will help thin your batter resulting in crispier waffles, whereas butter will solidify and make a softer waffle.

How thick should waffle batter be?

It should be the consistency of honey. Not so thick that it is sticking and clumping to your whisk or spatula, but not so runny either like water. It should be thicker than a pancake batter!

Why are my waffles doughy in the middle?

Did you pour too much waffle batter in your iron? Only pour enough to cover the lower cooking grid. Waffle batter needs room to expand or you will end up with a soggy middle. Another culprit could be too much liquid in your batter.

Why did my waffles split?

Splitting could be for a variety of reasons but here are some common reasons. Your grid plates were not hot enough, the non-stick coating has become ineffective or you forgot to grease the plates. Also could be because you omitted the oil (waffles need fat), opened the waffle maker too soon and the waffles were not fully cooked, or poured too much batter into the iron (if it oozes out the side, you poured too much in).

More Healthy Breakfast Recipes to Try

Healthy waffles garnished with frozen berries on a blue plate.
Healthy waffles on a plate with fresh berries.

Healthy Waffle Recipe

Healthy Waffle Recipe with whole wheat flour and no refined sugar for an easy breakfast that can be made ahead and toasted from frozen for busy mornings!
4.89 from 99 votes
Servings 12 waffles
Calories 131
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • In a large mixing bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Add milk, maple syrup, olive oil, vanilla, baking powder and salt. Whisk until well combined.
  • Add whole wheat flour and mix gently with a spatula just until combined. Do not overmix.
  • Preheat waffle maker until it's hot and spray with cooking spray.
  • Make waffles according to your waffle maker's instructions. Amount of batter depends on the size of your waffle maker. I used about 1/3 cup batter per each waffle. For crispier waffles, I also cook a bit past the green Ready indicator.

Video

Notes

  • Store: Refrigerate in air circulating container for up to a week. 
  • Freeze: Fully cook, cool completely, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Pop them in the toaster straight out of the freezer to heat up. You can also use the microwave if you’re wanting to get them a bit softer.
  • Whole wheat flour: You’ll notice that these waffles aren’t as fluffy as your average waffle. This is due to the whole wheat flour containing bran and germ.
  • To prevent splitting: Don’t overfill your waffle iron and resist peeking before waffles are finished cooking.
  • To prevent sticking: Don’t omit oil, waffles need healthy fat to cook correctly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1waffle | Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 169mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: North American
Author: Olena Osipov
Did you make this recipe?Mention @ifoodreal or tag #ifoodreal!

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About Olena

Welcome! I grew up in Ukraine watching my grandma cook with simple ingredients. I have spent the last 14 years making it my mission to help you cook quick and easy meals for your family!

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Olena, thank you for the most scrumptious waffle recipe!
    Yes, I did use a different combination of flours (oat, cassava, soft wheat freshly milled, and spelt).
    I have been using your most delicious, easy to make and healthy recipes for over two years now and I am never disappointed, but quite the contrary, very pleased as well as my husband saying the same! I’ve shared your name and website with many others and just want to tell you how thankful I am for your gifting to cook and bake, hard work, dedication and love to share with the rest of us!

    1. Aw, thank you so so much for sharing with me how much you’re enjoying my recipes! Always makes my hard days much lighter. Sometimes it’s hard to sit on the other side of the screen without the feedback and your comments make my days! I have the best community!

  2. 5 stars
    Right amount of fluffiness, crunchiness, sweetness, and saltiness. Used only 2 tbls extra light tasting olive oil. Added flax seed and chia seeds. Turned out great!

  3. Let’s be clear. When it says 12 waffles it means 12 “silver dollar” waffles. This recipe barely made 8″ waffles.

  4. 5 stars
    Absolutely beautiful! I used Polish natural kefir (buttermilk) and they are tasty as!! I wanted to make the home made chocolate spread but couldn’t find measurements anywhere. Would it be possible to add it to this recipe by any chance? Pretty please?

  5. Hi, I was wondering if I could substitute the whole wheat flour for gluten free all purpose flour. Would it turn out more like a regular waffle?

4.89 from 99 votes (39 ratings without comment)

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