These amazingly easy fluffy Protein Waffles made with pea protein powder, pumpkin puree and almond powder have 12 of Protein per waffle. Serve them with homemade protein chocolate sauce for an extra 5 grams of protein in each chocolate sauce serving!
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I am going to be straight with you guys: I am not usually one for using added protein powders in my cooking. But since I started intermittent fasting in the mornings, I find that I need an extra boost of protein when I sit down for my first meal of the day. So I set out to develop homemade waffles that are made with protein powder, but also have a nice cake-like texture and that my kids are going to love as well. And I'm happy to say that I've got it with these healthy waffles!
These healthy protein waffles are packed with plant-based protein, they are an easy recipe to make, and full of natural ingredients like pumpkin puree, eggs, and almond flour! My kids and I love these waffles with chocolate sauce, so I also ame uo with a chocolate protein sauce. What more do you need for a healthy breakfast??
What protein powder should I use in protein waffles?
I tried different protein powders over the years until I finally found one I like. These recipes were developed and tested with Naked Nutrition protein powders, and to be honest, we liked them so much that we have been making them the SAME WAY every time. In the waffle recipe, I used vegan Naked Pea Protein Powder, and in the chocolate sauce I used Naked Whey Chocolate Whey Protein Powder. I love these products because unlike many other protein powders, there are no "surprise ingredients" whose name I can't pronounce. No additives or artificial sweeteners - which means you control your own nutrition, and the flavor of each recipe I've developed.
If you already have a specific kind of protein powder you're using, then feel free to use it to make these protein waffles for breakfast.
Why make your own protein waffles?
If you want to make protein waffles, but aren't sure if it's worth it compared to just buying them ready-made, I am here to convince you that it's SO WORTH IT to make waffles from scratch! Making your own waffles lets you:
- Choose the right protein powder for you
- Decide on the amount of sweetener
- Control exactly what goes into your recipe
- Avoid artificial sweeteners and additives
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Waffle Recipe
These easy protein waffles are:
- Gluten Free
- Super easy to make -the blender does all the work!
- Fluffy - I tested and retested to get the right texture!
- High Protein Breakfast - 12 grams of protein in each waffle, and 5 grams of extra protein in the optional chocolate sauce serving!
- Easy to Freeze
- Ready for Meal Prep
What is the Nutritional Value of these healthy protein waffles?
Each protein waffle you make by this recipe has:
- 221 Calories
- 24g Carbohydrates
- 12 grams
- 10g Fat
- 4g Fiber
- 9653IU Vitamin A
- 3mg Vitamin C
- 86mg Calcium
- 3mg Iron
If you top each waffle with ¼ of the chocolate sauce, you will add:
- Calories: 9kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: ¼ g
- Potassium: 20 ½ mg
- Fiber: ¼ g
- Vitamin A: 11IU
- Calcium: 14 ¼ mg
What is a recommended serving size of these waffles?
Honestly, I find that one waffle is enough for me if they're big enough! I usually have my breakfast with a large non-dairy latte alongside it, so that's filling enough for me. But if you have a large appetite, you may want to have two waffles, or top it with an egg.
The base recipe makes 4 regular sized waffles, or 3 giant waffles.
Pumpkin Protein Waffles with Chocolate Sauce Ingredients
Protein waffles:
- pea protein powder - I use Naked Nutrition pea protein to make these waffles, but you can use any unflavored protein powder you like.
- almond flour
- tapioca flour
- baking powder
- baking soda
- whole eggs
- pumpkin puree
- maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Strawberries, for serving (optional)
Vegan chocolate sauce:
- Chocolate Protein Powder - I use Naked Nutrition chocolate whey protein for this recipe, but you can use any chocolate protein powder you like.
- 1 tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 3 tablespoon non-dairy milk
- 1-2 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)
- ½ teaspoon melted coconut oil (optional)
How to Make this Pumpkin Protein Waffle Recipe
Preheat waffle iron to high heat.
Make waffle batter:
Combine all the ingredients for the waffle mix in a blender. Blend the components until a velvety texture is achieved. The consistency of the mixture should be dense; if it’s too thin, gradually incorporate 1 teaspoon of almond and tapioca flour.
Cook waffles:
Spray the waffle maker with a cooking spray. Pour in ¼ cup of the blend, close and heat up until lightly browned on the outside. Move to a serving plate and keep going until all the combination has been used.
Allow the waffle to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
How to Make High Protein Chocolate Sauce
Whisk sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, non dairy milk and maple syrup. Whisk until a uniform mixture is attained.
Thicken if needed:
If chocolate sauce is a bit thin, add coconut oil.
Pour over protein waffles:
Pour protein chocolate sauce on waffles, top with strawberries, and serve immediately.
Make Ahead & Storage
You can make the batter for these waffles up to 1 day in advance.
Store leftover waffles in an airtight container for 2 days. They can be reheated in a toaster.
How do you reheat frozen waffles?
Allow the waffles to cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. Place parchment paper between individual servings before freezing, which will make it easier to separate when reheating. These waffles can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply place the frozen waffle in a preheated oven at 350°F or pop it in a toaster.
Best Toppings for Protein Waffles
Protein waffles are a delicious, nutritious breakfast option that can be customized with a variety of toppings. To really make your protein waffle stand out, consider topping it with:
- Protein chocolate sauce, of course!
- Fresh fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas.
- You can also add some crunch by sprinkling on chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
- If you’re looking for something sweet and decadent, top your waffle with nut butter and honey
- For an added boost of flavor and nutrition, sprinkle on some shredded coconut or chia seeds.
No matter what toppings you choose to add to your protein waffle, it’s sure to be an enjoyable, healthy meal!
Variations
Apple protein waffles - sub the pumpkin puree for 1 cup unsweetened applesauce.
Banana protein waffles - sub the pumpkin puree for 1-2 mashed bananas.
If you are looking for a keto option, try this yogurt keto chaffle.
FAQ
Yes, these waffles freeze very well! But you have to cool the waffles completely before transferring them to an airtight storage container. Separate the waffles with parchment paper before freezing, so they will be simple to split when reheating. These waffles will keep in the freezer for 3 months. To reheat from frozen, put the waffles in an already heated oven at 350°F or put it in a toaster.
These protein waffles have a delicious, light and fluffy texture. They have a mild sweetness that is not overpowering, making them a great option for breakfast or snacks. The flavor of the waffle itself is similar to any other classic waffle, with a hint of nuttiness from the protein powder and pumpkin from the pumpkin puree. When you bite into one, you'll get a nice crunchy exterior and soft interior.
Protein waffles get dry because protein powder requires more liquid. With the amount of pumpkin puree used in this recipe, you should be OK - but if you find your waffles a bit dry, try to add more pumpkin puree!
Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. This will help keep them fresh and moist for a few days. If you have cooked too many waffles, you can also freeze them and thaw them out when you’re ready to eat them again. When reheating the waffles, try not to heat it up too much or too quickly as this could cause the protein waffle to become dry and hard. Additionally, serve your waffles with protein chocolate sauce, a dab of butter or syrup, all of which will add moisture and flavor.
For more easy breakfast recipes:
Stewed strawberry rhubarb compote with chia coconut pudding
The perfect cup of Maui Estate Coffee
Tried and loved this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below! Your reviews mean a lot to me, so if you've got any questions, please let me know in a comment.
Fluffy Pumpkin Protein Waffles with Protein Chocolate Sauce
Equipment
- waffle maker
Ingredients
Protein waffle recipe:
- 1 scoop pea protein powder
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup tapioca flour
- ¼ tsp. baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2-3 tsp. maple syrup or honey optional
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Strawberries for serving (optional)
- Hemp hearts for serving (optional)
Protein chocolate sauce:
- 2 tablespoon Chocolate Protein Powder
- 1 tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 3 tablespoon non-dairy milk
- 1-2 teaspoon maple syrup optional
- ½ teaspoon melted coconut oil optional
Instructions
Protein waffles:
- Preheat waffle iron to high heat.
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender. Process until smooth. Batter should be thick; if it’s too thin, add 1 teaspoon at a time of almond and tapioca flour.
- Spray the waffle iron with cooking spray. Add ¼ cup of batter to the waffle iron, close and cook until golden brown on the outside. Transfer to a plate and repeat until all the batter has been used. If serving immediately, let waffle sit for 2-3 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Protein chocolate sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, non dairy milk and maple syrup.
- Whisk until a uniform mixture is attained. If chocolate sauce is a bit thin, add coconut oil.
- Pour protein chocolate sauce on waffles, top with strawberries, and serve immediately.
Addison says
Love these for a healthy and protein packed breakfast!
Donna says
I have a massive bag of pea protein I bought ages ago and never really knew what to do with it until now. Loved it in these waffles!
Mandy Applegate says
I've been looking for recipes with protein powder in, and most are like, meh, this is the first one that made me want to try them. The waffles were awesome!
Shilpa says
These protein waffles were delicious. I also stirred in some coconut oil and it turned out great. So healthy and filling.
Rupali says
These waffles make for an awesome make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings. I am also going to try them with what protein isolate next.