These healthy whole wheat waffles with no added sugar are super easy to make with just one bowl and a handful of simple ingredients. They are freezer-friendly and perfect for baby led weaning and toddlers!
This post has been written and medically reviewed by Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist).
Healthy Whole Wheat Waffles for Baby & Toddler
If you need a solid waffle recipe that works for the whole family and is more of a nutritious breakfast than a dessert, this recipe is for you! I wanted one basic waffle recipe that is healthy, tasty for the whole family, and of course, easy to make. Something equally appropriate for a weekend family breakfast or for meal prep for the little ones. This whole wheat waffle recipe checks all the boxes! It is:
- Healthy, made with whole wheat flour and no added sugar.
- Delicious! Whether you drizzle with maple syrup, spread with peanut butter or top with fruit, these waffles always hit the spot.
- Easy to make with just one bowl and a few simple ingredients.
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly - perfect for prepping for little ones' weekday breakfasts.
- Great for the whole family, from the smallest BLW babies to grownups.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Whole wheat flour: Whole wheat pastry flour has a lighter texture; if you're new to whole wheat flour, you may choose to use half whole wheat and half all purpose flour.
- Cornstarch: This helps the outsides crisp up a little. Sub arrowroot or tapioca starch if you'd like.
- Baking powder and baking soda: We're using both here since the recipe calls for acidic buttermilk. Look for aluminum free baking powder if possible.
- Egg: The egg is important for binding, so don't skip it. It also adds protein!
- Vanilla: For a little sweetness without the sugar.
- Buttermilk: If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling to the 1 ½ cup line with milk.
- Butter or unrefined coconut oil: You can also use a neutral flavored oil, such as avocado oil.
Helpful equipment: Mixing bowl, whisk, waffle maker (I use this inexpensive one for the perfect mini waffles for toddlers and kids!)
Step By Step Instructions
For the full printable recipe, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- In a mixing bowl, melt the butter or coconut oil. Then add the rest of the wet ingredients (egg, buttermilk, vanilla) and whisk well to combine.
- Add the dry ingredients (flour, cornstarch, baking powder and soda) and whisk until the flour just disappears.
- Pour batter into preheated waffle iron and cook until done. Repeat with all of the batter.
Tips and Recipe Variations
- Try not to over-mix the batter, since it can result in tougher, denser waffles. You want the streaks of flour to just disappear.
- The recipe can take anywhere from 1 ¼ cups to 1 ½ cups of buttermilk depending on the consistency of the buttermilk and the freshness of your flour. Start on the lower end and add more if the batter appears too thick.
- I use ¼ cup of batter for mini waffles, and a little over ½ cup for full-sized waffles. The amount will vary based on your specific waffle maker.
- If you want sweeter waffles for kids over the age of 2, feel free to add 1-2 tablespoon sugar or maple syrup to the batter.
Storage and Reheating
These waffles store great in both the refrigerator and freezer! Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat waffles, you can pop them in the toaster, toaster oven, or air fryer on a low setting for a few minutes until warmed through. This works well from frozen or the refrigerator. You can also pop them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds each (from the refrigerator or thawed).
How To Serve Waffles To Babies 6 Months and Up
For baby led weaning babies and babies in the finger food stage, the best way to serve waffles is is strips the width of 1-2 adult fingers. This shape is easiest for little hands to scoop up with a fist and hold at the mouth.
For babies who have developed a pincer grasp (using the index finger and thumb to pick up small objects) and toddlers, you can continue serving waffles in strips for biting and tearing practice, or cut into small bite size pieces, about the size of your fingernail.
I like to spread waffles with peanut butter, plain Greek yogurt, or another nutritious sugar free spread for more nutrients in each bite!
More Healthy Pancake and Waffle Recipes for Baby
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One Bowl Healthy Whole Wheat Waffles Recipe
These healthy whole wheat waffles with no added sugar are super easy to make with just one bowl and a handful of simple ingredients. They are freezer-friendly and perfect for baby led weaning and toddlers!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 mini waffles 1x
- Category: breakfast
- Method: waffle iron
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter or unrefined coconut oil, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 ½ tsp aluminum free baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, melt the butter or coconut oil.
- Whisk in the remaining wet ingredients (egg, vanilla, buttermilk) until well combined. Start with 1 ¼ cups buttermilk.
- Add dry ingredients (flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda). Whisk until streaks of flour just disappear. If the batter appears too thick, add a little more buttermilk, whisking gently.
- Pour batter into a preheated waffle iron and cook according to directions. If your waffle iron is not nonstick, you will need to grease it with a little butter or oil before adding the batter. I use about ¼ cup batter for mini waffles, and a little over ½ cup for large waffles.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
Equipment
Buy Now → Notes
- Flour: Using whole wheat pastry flour or white while wheat flour will give you lighter, fluffier results. If you're new to using whole wheat flour, you may start with half whole wheat and half all purpose flour.
- No buttermilk? Make a substitute by adding 1.5 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider) to a measuring cup, then filling the rest of the way to the 1.5 cup line. Stir and let rest for a few minutes.
- Cornstarch: You can substitute arrowroot or tapioca starch. If you don' t have any of the above, leave it out.
- Try not to over-mix the batter, since it can result in tougher, denser waffles. You want the streaks of flour to just disappear.
- The recipe can take anywhere from 1 ¼ cups to 1 ½ cups of buttermilk depending on the consistency of the buttermilk and the freshness of your flour. Start on the lower end and add more if the batter appears too thick.
- I use ¼ cup of batter for mini waffles, and a little over ½ cup for full-sized waffles. The amount will vary based on your specific waffle maker.
- If you want sweeter waffles for kids over the age of 2, feel free to add 1-2 tablespoon sugar or maple syrup to the batter.
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