Healthy Waffles Recipe

Are waffles healthy?

Waffles can definitely be healthy—it all comes down to the ingredients. Traditional waffles are usually made with refined flour, sugar, and quite a bit of butter, often making them more indulgent than pancakes. But when you swap in wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients, it's easy to make healthy waffles at home.

For this homemade version, I use rolled oats instead of flour, banana for natural sweetness, eggs for protein, nut butter for healthy fats, and milk to blend it all together. The result? A clean, nutritious waffle recipe that’s perfect for both kids and adults—without sacrificing flavor or texture!

Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.

1. Oats – Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture and structure. Unlike quick-cooking or instant oats, rolled oats blend well without turning gummy, making them perfect for wholesome and hearty.
2. Almond Butter – Adds richness, healthy fats, and a nutty depth of flavor while helping to bind the batter. You can substitute with peanut butter if desired.
3. Banana – A very ripe banana with plenty of brown spots is essential for natural sweetness, since there is no sugar in the waffle batter. If using frozen banana, ensure it’s fully thawed to avoid cold clumps and uneven batter.
4. Eggs – Eggs are crucial for providing structure and protein, allowing the waffles to hold together while maintaining a fluffy, tender interior.
5. Milk – Oat flour batters absorb more liquid than regular ones, so this oatmeal waffle recipe uses a full cup of milk to keep them from becoming dry. Whole milk is ideal, as its fat content adds richness and helps them stay moist and flavorful after cooking.
6. Baking Powder – The dual-acting lift gives the waffles a light, airy texture and ensures they rise beautifully in the waffle maker.

How to make healthy waffles?

You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.

Best blender to make waffle batter

You don’t need an expensive blender—any blender will do. If you have a powerful one, grind the oats into a coarse powder first, then add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. I prefer using a Vitamix because it blends easily and can handle the entire recipe in one batch. If you’re using a smaller blender like a NutriBullet, you may need to blend in batches.

Substitutions & Tasty Variations

• Boost the flavor: Stir in a splash of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a dash of pumpkin spice for cozy fall vibes.
• Make it gluten-free: Simply use certified gluten-free oats to keep the recipe gluten-free.
• No banana? No problem: Swap in 1¼ cups of unsweetened applesauce for a fruit-sweetened version with a subtle apple flavor.
• A little extra sweetness: Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or maple syrup to the batter if you like your waffles on the sweeter side.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute with plant-based milks like almond, oat, or soy milk—they all work great!
• Chocolate chips: Fold in a handful of chocolate chips after blending.
• Swirl it up: Swirl in a spoonful of creamy peanut butter or almond butter into the batter before pouring into the waffle maker.
• Nut butter options: Use peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or any nut/seed butter you love in place of almond butter.

Healthy Waffle Toppings

Here are a few wholesome topping ideas to make your breakfast waffles even healthier and more satisfying:

• Fresh Fruit: Top with sliced bananas, berries, kiwi, or apple slices for natural sweetness and fiber.
• Nut Butters: Spread almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter on top of the cooked waffles.
• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a protein boost.
• Chia Jam: Use chia seed jam (made with berries + chia seeds) as a refined sugar-free alternative to maple syrup.
• Nuts & Seeds: Sprinkle with chopped walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds, or hemp hearts for added crunch and nutrients.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: A light, dairy-free topping that’s creamy and pairs well with fruit.
• Cacao Nibs or Dark Chocolate Shavings: Add a little indulgence with antioxidant-rich cacao nibs or a sprinkle of dark chocolate.
• Date syrup: It is thick, sweet, and a great alternative to maple syrup.

Freezing instructions

I usually make a double batch of this healthy waffles recipe, place cooled ones in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat: My favorite way to re heat them is to pop one or two (from frozen) in a bread toaster, until hot and crisp. Great for weekday mornings!

Recipe tips

• Select very ripe banana for natural sweetness.
• Use only old fashioned oats and not quick cooking or steel cuts.
• The batter tends to thicken as it sits, so the last batch may not be as light as the first. If the batter appears too thick for the final batch, you can stir in a couple of tablespoons of water.
• Cook until they get a deep golden brown for guaranteed crispness. It took 5 to 6 minutes in my waffle iron.
• Waffle iron - Not all appliances work the same way. Make sure to check the instructions that come with your waffle iron for the manufacturer recommendations on cooking time.

Love banana and oats together? Try these simple, wholesome recipes next:

• Baked Oatmeal Cups: A portable twist on classic baked oatmeal. Freeze a batch for an easy, grab-and-go breakfast!
• Breakfast Cookies: Healthy cookies? Yep. These chewy bites are vegan, dairy-free, and can be made gluten-free too!
• Banana Overnight Oats: All the flavor of a banana nut muffin—no baking required. Just mix, chill, and enjoy!
• Carrot Oat Cookies: Not the prettiest, but definitely one of the healthiest. Just 6 ingredients—no butter, oil, sugar, or flour!
• Baked Oatmeal: Warm, cozy, and customizable. Naturally sweet and made with simple, nourishing ingredients.