Do you need some healthy breakfast inspiration? These easy Oat Flour Waffles are great for any day of the week (seriously - even weekdays! They're that easy!).
One of the great debates is waffles versus pancakes (which side are you on?!). I have to say that I am team #waffle most of the time... there is something about the way butter & maple syrup sit in the little squares that makes it taste SO much better. I literally used to fill each square individually with butter and syrup - it was like I was having a side of waffles with my butter (and I ain't mad about it!!!). BUT if you are team #pancake, don’t worry! This recipe can also be made in pancake-form.
This recipe is inspired by a classic weekend brunch, as well as a classic oatmeal recipe. I wanted to create something that was equally delicious, healthy, and easy to make! Oats are high in fiber, which aids digestion and feeds our good gut bacteria. Oats are also a good source of protein, and an even better source of complex carbohydrates. This means they can keep you full and satisfied until your next meal or snack - no energy slumps here!
Overall, these waffles are packed with fiber, protein, slow digesting carbohydrates, healthy fats, B vitamins, iron, manganese, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, and selenium. I personally like to even add some plant-based protein into the homemade mix, just for some added satiation. This is of course optional, as you are already getting protein from the eggs and oats in this recipe.
After making the waffles, they are best served with a side of fruit, such as sliced bananas, fresh or frozen berries, baked apples, and/or a personal favorite, peanut butter! And if you're wanting to impress someone at breakfast, you can make homemade jam. I promise you, this is a VERY easy way to make this breakfast "fancy", and making homemade jam or compote is much easier than you may think.
Simple Homemade Jam Recipe: microwave 1/2 cup frozen berries for one to two minutes. Mix berries with a hand blender or mash with a fork, and VOILA! You have a sugar-free, colorful compote to add as a topping! I personally like using a mixture of blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries, but you can use any combination of berries (or just a single berry variety!) to make your compote.
To give you some more topping ideas, you can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt, a spoonful of peanut butter, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or anything else your heart desires!
Okay, let's get to the fun stuff. Here is the Oat Flour Waffle (or pancake) recipe:
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups oat flour (or blend 1.5 cups of quick oats until a flour is formed)
2 tsp baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Pinch of cinnamon
¾ cup milk of choice
¼ cup + 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (or 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted)
2 large eggs, whisked
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add wet ingredients and mix well.
If making waffles: follow the waffle maker instructions and pour recommended amount onto the skillet and close waffle maker until cooked.
If making pancakes:
Place a pan on medium heat
Coat pan with coconut oil (or oil of choice)
Scoop 1/3 cup of mix and dollop onto the pan
Cook until bubbles appear and flip (about 2 min each side)
Remove from pan. Enjoy!
SUBSTITUTIONS:
If you don’t want to use oat flour, you can substitute with 1 ¾ cup almond flour or coconut flour instead (you need less oat flour since oats are highly absorbent). Feel free to play around with the recipe all you want to get that desired consistency! I personally like it thick and fluffy, but you can also add more liquid to make them thinner in pancake form.
One of the great things about this recipe is that all the ingredients can be organic and with no preservatives added! Maple syrup is one of the best tasting sweeteners and so natural, so no added processed or refined sugars are needed.
All in all, this waffle (or pancake) recipe is a personal favorite and has become a breakfast staple for us. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and figure out what you like!
Happy cooking!
