Do you love waffles, but are looking for a healthier version? These healthy whole wheat waffles are it! Made 100% whole wheat flour and come out perfectly light and crispy at the same time!
When it comes to healthy eating, this whole wheat waffles recipe is one way I get more whole grains into mine and my family's diet. Whole grains contain more fiber so there's more health benefits and they're often more satisfying.
Explore more breakfast faves made with whole grains such as spelt flour pancakes, sprouted oat pancakes, and healthy carrot cake pancakes.
Why This Healthy Waffle Recipe Works
- No refined sugar. Since you likely will add syrup at the end, the waffles are made without any added sugar. I figure there is enough sugar in the syrup, so there's no need to add it to the batter.
- Separation of the eggs. This recipe is unique because the egg whites are beaten into stiff peaks and then folded into the batter. I think you will love how fluffy it makes whole grain waffles.
- Use a blend of whole wheat flour. The recipe is made with half white whole wheat flour and half whole wheat pastry flour. I love the combo. You can always use 100% of either of those on their own, but I like the mix.
Ingredients
Here's what you need to make fresh whole grain waffles for breakfast.
- Flour: We will use a combination of whole wheat pastry flour and white whole wheat flour to create the light texture you want in waffles. You can also use red wheat flour or einkorn instead of the whole wheat white flour. I've used both and they work great.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Makes these healthy waffles so light and fluffy.
- Buttermilk: Richer, tangy flavor that works great for whole grain waffles but it also works to activate the baking soda.
- Eggs and melted butter: Moistens the batter, adds richness, and the egg whites gives them a lighter texture.
How to Make Whole Wheat Waffles
- Mix together both flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Set them aside for a bit.
- Combine the milk and egg yolks in a separate bowl and beat with an electric mixer.
- Add the dry ingredients to the bowl of eggs and milk. I like to fold this in with a rubber spatula. You don't want to over-mix at this point.
- Add the melted butter and gently fold it in the same as the flour, just barely combining.
- Add the stiff egg whites. Fold them in carefully. You don't want to deflate them too much.
- Heat up your waffle iron and spray lightly with pan spray or butter. When it's hot add your batter and cook until the waffles are a beautiful deep golden brown.
If you have been hesitant to try healthy waffles with whole wheat, give these a go! I think you will love the texture and flavor. If you still aren't sold, you can always use 50% all-purpose with it as well. The recipe is still awesome!
How to Store
Healthy wheat waffles are great served right away but they also work to make ahead to use for an easy breakfast during the week.
- Store: Allow them to cool completely and then store them in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge or three months in the freezer.
- Reheat: In the oven, toaster oven, or even the microwave either thawed out or frozen until heated through.
How to Serve
I take my waffles pretty plain. Just butter and pure maple syrup. You can't go wrong with this, right? But if you're wanting some other options here are some other favorites!
- Change up the flavor of your syrup. I love this homemade cranberry syrup, copycat I-Hop pecan syrup, and blueberry syrup.
- Use jam, preserves, or fruit sauce instead of syrup. This extra-thick raspberry sauce adds some fruity, yet healthy flavor.
- Serve them up with some fresh fruit salad on the side.
- Make dessert waffles! Add some fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, ice cream, and any other favorite ice cream sundae toppings.
Expert Tips
- Prefer a sweeter waffle? You can always add in about 2 tablespoons to one-quarter cup of granulated sugar.
- Make sure the waffle iron is heated before adding the batter.
- Don't over-mix once the flour is mixed into the egg and milk mixture.
- Be gentle folding in the egg whites. I prefer using a spatula and slowly folding the mixture up over the egg whites to combine them together.
FAQs
You don't. If you only have white wheat, use that. I just love the mix.
I would say start easy. Don't go 100% if they aren't ready for it. If they are really opposed to wheat flour, start with 1 ½ cups all-purpose and ½ cup whole wheat. If they are kind of used to whole wheat try one cup of whole wheat with one cup of all-purpose flour. You want them to enjoy these and not hate them!
Well, to get the results you want in this recipe, yes it is really essential.
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Healthy Whole Wheat Waffles
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 cup regular whole wheat flour I prefer white wheat,but if you have a red wheat, you can use that instead. I have also used einkorn and liked that!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 3 eggs, separated
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Heat waffle iron.
- Mix dry ingredients in a small bowl.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites to stiff peaks.
- Add milk and eggs to a larger bowl and mix together. Add in dry ingredients and use a rubber spatula to combine. Do not overmix. Then add in your melted butter. Mix again, just to combine.
- Last, fold in the beaten egg whites. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites, mix gently.
- Spray waffle iron if needed. Scoop waffle batter into the iron. I used about ¾ cup. This will depend on the size of your iron.
- Cook in waffle iron until golden brown.
- I realize the beaten egg whites add in another step you might not be used to making, but I think it's worth it. I love the crispy, but tender effect it creates.
- I generally make a triple batch of these on the weekends. I freeze leftovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, single layer. Then we eat then throughout the week. You don't even need to thaw, just throw them in a toaster. Super simple, quick, tasty, and healthy!
- Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it!
Notes
- Prefer a sweeter waffle? You can always add in about 2 tablespoons to one-quarter cup of granulated sugar.
- Make sure the waffle iron is heated before adding the batter.
- Don't over mix once the flour is mixed into the egg and milk mixture.
- Be gentle folding in the egg whites. I prefer using a spatula and slowly fold the mixture up over the egg whites to combine them together.
Jamie Scarlett says
Oh what a wonderful waffle recipe, I can't wait to give it a go on the weekend. The freezing idea is great too, might just have to batch bake a good few. Thanks for sharing.
admin says
Thank you Jamie! Let me know what you think. It's one of my favorite waffle recipes!