Vanilla Protein Waffles for Two

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1) Heat up your waffle maker per manufacturer’s instructions. Spray with cooking spray to keep your waffles from sticking.

NOTE: My vanilla waffles are a healthier take on traditional waffles.  I use my go-to Kodiak Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix that is packed with whole grains and protein.  It is just a great start to a lot of my baked goods like my Healthy Start Kodiak Muffins, Kodiak Cakes Apple and Walnut Sheet Pan Pancakes, and my Lemon Mini Pancakes.

These waffles get another nutritional boost from the addition of chia seeds which are packed with omega 3s and fiber and a scoop of vanilla whey protein powder.  Topping with fresh berries is always a delicious thing and I use a sugar-free  maple syrup and light butter to lighten these up even more.  Remember, as with all my recipes, feel free to use full fat and full sugar products.  The recipe remains the same, is just your choice on the products you use.

Since I am usually cooking for two, I love using the little Dash waffle maker.  It takes about two-three heaping tablespoons of batter to make a waffle. They will cook in about three minutes. Since I’ll be making four waffles with this machine, I keep them warm in a 200 degree F. oven while I make them all.  Feel free to use a full size waffle maker and know this recipe will make a total of four waffles.  I recently got the most adorable heart-shaped waffle maker and used that to make mini-waffles for Valentine’s Day.  So cute and a great start to a sweet holiday.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS IN MY VANILLA PROTEIN WAFFLES

Kodiak Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix

This is a powerhouse ingredient that is a great, healthy start to all kinds of recipes including pancakes, waffles, cookies, muffins, bread and more.  It is packed with whole grain, fiber and protein.  It is one of those ingredients that I use a lot when I want something healthy and fast.  Yes, I usually “doctor it up” with lots of yummy ingredients, but I consider that one of my go-to basics.

Vanilla Whey Protein Powder

I used Premier Vanilla Whey Protein Powder but feel free to use your favorite brand.  This is completely optional in this recipe since the Kodiak mix is already packed with protein.  However, I add even more (plus I like the addition of the vanilla flavor).  When I say Vanilla Protein Waffles, that’s exactly what I mean.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are small black or white seeds that come from the plant Salvia hispanica, which is native to Mexico. Despite their tiny size, chia seeds are packed with essential nutrients and offer various health benefits.

Chia seeds are particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a plant-based form of omega-3. They are also an excellent source of dietary fiber, providing a significant portion of your daily needs in just one ounce.

Chia seeds are also rich in minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. They are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress.

Because of all these nutritional benefits, I try to incorporate them into my everyday cooking and food prep.  Be sure to check out my Everything Bagel Seasoning PLUS recipe for a way I sneak these into my diet everyday.

Vanilla vs. Vanilla Bean

While most of us use vanilla extract in our baking and cooking, if you are looking to further enhance the vanilla flavor in these waffles, you may want to consider using vanilla bean.  Be sure if you are using extract, it is pure vanilla extra – never the imitation variety.  Yes, you can definitely taste the different.

What you may not know about vanilla is that Vanillin is the source of the floral flavor that we know as vanilla. Interestingly, most of the world’s vanilla comes from Madagascar.  What we call vanilla beans are actually the pods from a vanilla plant that contains those tiny seeds inside them.  You’ll recognize those from vanilla bean ice cream.   

Vanilla extract is made through a process of extracting the flavors from vanilla beans and infusing them into a liquid, typically alcohol.  Vodka is commonly used.  Beans are split in half, put in a jar and covered with the alcohol.  The jar is sealed and kept in a dark, cool place for several months.  The result is a rich, flavorful vanilla extract.

Vanilla beans are much stronger in flavor than extract so you don’t need to use as much. In this recipe, you can swap out the teaspoon of vanilla extract for 1/3 of a vanilla bean. (About a two-inch piece.)  I use both pure vanilla extract and vanilla bean when baking.  Use what you have on hand but if you want to taste the difference, I recommend trying vanilla bean.

Fresh Berries vs. Frozen Berries

I have used fresh blueberries to top my waffles, but any fresh or frozen berry will work.  Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries work great on top of these waffles.  If using frozen berries, be sure to thaw them first.  They lose their form when frozen and often become soft and watery.  If I’m using frozen, I drain them well and let them come to room temperature.  Then, I add them to the syrup and heat them together either in the microwave or on the stove top until warmed through.  I prefer fresh berries, but both work just fine.

Skim milk or another milk of your choice

In this recipe, you can use the milk of your choice.  Whether that is whole milk, 2% or 1% milk, soy, almond or oat milk, they all work so use what you like best.

Lite Butter

I’m a fan of Land ‘o Lakes Light Butter.  It has half the calories and is made with canola oil so it is a better choice for me.  Feel free to use regular butter or omit it as a topping.  These are your waffles so it is your choice.

Sugar-free maple syrup

I’m sure there will be lots of controversy over this product.  I personally think the taste is great and that it makes a great substitute for the sugar loaded regular maple syrup.  BUT, don’t get me wrong, I love maple syrup and use it often.  This is your call.  On days where I’m watching that waist line, I may use the sugar-free version.  On special occasions, I’ll have real maple syrup.  Let’s face it, maple syrup from New England is amazing!!!  You decide.

If I’m using sugar-free, I usually find a good brand in the pancake aisle at my supermarket.  I’ve used Maple Grove Farms Maple Syrup – Sugar-Free for several years and really like the taste.

Sugar Substitute

You can certainly use white granulated sugar in this recipe.  However, I try and stay away from a lot of added sugar in my cooking and baking so I typically use monk fruit.  Lakanto Monk Fruit sweetener is my sweetener of choice but there are other good brands on the market including Swerve.  I particularly like their brown sugar alternative.  I like Lakanto because it is derived from monk fruit and there is no aftertaste.

To get started on this recipe, Heat up your waffle maker per manufacturer’s instructions. Spray with cooking spray to keep your waffles from sticking.  I usually use my Dash Waffle Maker that makes one average sized waffle at a time.  It is small and takes up almost no space in my kitchen cabinet so it is my go-to tool.  However for special occasions, like Valentine’s Day or when I’m serving kids, I like to use my mini heart-shaped waffle maker.  It just makes the whole meal fun.  Different sized heart-shaped waffles piled up on a plate is just a fabulous way to start the day.  Just use the waffle maker of your choice and enjoy.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and pour or spoon batter into waffle maker. Cook the indicated time on your waffle maker.

If you need to keep them warm in between batches or are holding until ready to serve, put them on a baking sheet and keep in a 200 degree F. oven.

Serve with sugar-free syrup, light butter and berries OR your favorite toppings.  Finish with a dusting of confectioner’s sugar. Use a powdered sugar canister for easy application. (optional)  Enjoy!

Did you like this recipe?  Do you like waffles?  Be sure you try my Peanut Butter Waffles and Jonathan’s Chocolate Chip Waffles recipes too.  Looking for other lighter breakfast and brunch recipes?  Be sure to try some of my favorites:

Scrambled Egg Bread Bowl for Two

Brioche French Toasts Casserole

Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal Muffins

Cornmeal-Chia Waffles with Maple and Blueberry Syrup

Whipped Ricotta Toast with Berries & Honey