This Fluffy Whole Wheat Waffles recipe turns out perfectly every time. These easy waffles are light, crispy, and made from scratch. Only you will know they’re 100% whole-grain. And secrets are fun!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
This whole wheat waffles recipe is everything you want a waffle to be. They’re fluffy and crispy, and not overly sweet.
Why in the world would you dump a bunch of sugar into something you are very likely to drizzle (drench?) in syrup?
Whole Wheat Waffles are one of my favorite go-to easy make-ahead breakfasts. I highly recommend you make a double or triple batch of waffles as part of your weekly easy healthy meal prep.
Whole Wheat Waffles Ingredients
This recipe is rocking:
- Whole wheat pastry flour
- Vital Wheat gluten <—secret weapon for making whole wheat baked goods light and fluffy.
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter (or use your favorite neutral-flavored oil)
- Milk – buttermilk, your favorite milk, or plant-based milk all work wonderfully.
- 1 large egg, room temperature preferably
- Extract(s) – vanilla extract and (optional—>) almond extract.
- A wee bit of sugar
What to Serve With Waffles
Serve these whole grain waffles with Make-Ahead Scrambled Eggs, Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs, bacon you bake in the oven, or steamed apples with cinnamon.
AWESOME WAFFLE TOPPINGS
Maple syrup is a classic, but if you love homemade fruity toppings for your waffles, check out our Blackberry Syrup, Strawberry Syrup, Peach Syrup, Sugared Strawberries, or Peach Compote.
Frequently Asked Questions
For pancakes and waffles, you’ll use a cup-for-cup substitution for all-purpose to whole wheat flour.
A good rule when converting AP flour to whole wheat recipes is to add 1 tbsp of vital wheat gluten per 1 cup of whole wheat flour.
Whole wheat flour contains all parts of the wheat and a lot of fiber. Compared with all-purpose/white flour, whole wheat flour often makes you feel more full/satiated.
Unlike white flour, whole wheat flour often takes longer to digest, which can keep blood sugar from spiking dramatically.
Some recipes call for a lot of sugar, but this one is rocking a mere 2 tbsp. Want a deeper flavor with your waffles? Replace the white sugar with brown sugar.
All the waffles to fully cool and then store in an air-tight container at room temperature for two days or up to a week in the fridge.
We love to reheat our waffles in the air fryer for delightfully crispy waffles (320F for 2-3 minutes). You can also use a toaster oven or a conventional toaster.
Yes!
Allow the waffles to fully cool and then transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment. Freeze for two hours and then transfer to a freezer bag. I use these reusable silicone bags.
I love this waffle iron because 1) the plates are removable and dishwasher-safe for cleaning 2) you can adjust the browning levels from 1-5 and 3) it beeps when it is done, so there is no guesswork. And if you’re busy making other dishes, you won’t accidentally forget them.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- If you do use buttermilk, save the extras for future batches. Learn more about it in this post on freezing buttermilk.
- Do not overmix; some lumps are ok!
- Do allow the batter to sit for 5-10 minutes while the waffle iron preheats. This allows the glutens to develop delightful air bubbles which makes the waffles extra fluffy.
- If you use all-purpose flour, you can omit the vital wheat gluten from the mixture.
MORE easy Breakfast RECIPES You’ll Love
WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS
One serving of whole-grain waffles has 2 WW Freestyle SmartPoints.
Easy Whole Wheat Waffles Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp vital wheat gluten
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled {or a neutral-flavored oil}
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 egg {room temperature}
- 1 1/2 cups milk {buttermilk or favorite non-dairy milk}
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients.1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 2 tbsp vital wheat gluten, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tbsp sugar
- In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients, whisking well.1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1 tsp almond extract, 1 egg, 1 1/2 cups milk
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and add the wet. Whisk to combine, without over mixing (some lumps are ok!).
- Allow the batter to sit for 10 minutes while you preheat the waffle iron. Don't rush this step, as resting the batter allows it to develop the air bubbles that will create a fluffy product.
- Make waffles according to your waffle maker’s instructions.
Notes
- Do not overmix; some lumps are ok!
- Do allow the batter to sit for 5-10 minutes while the waffle iron preheats. This allows the glutens to develop delightful air bubbles which makes the waffles extra fluffy.
- If you use all-purpose flour, you can omit the vital wheat gluten from the mixture.
Shop this Post:
(may include affiliate links)
Just made my second double batch of these and I must say they are a delight! I used 100% spelt flour, and a mixture of plain yogurt and milk to emulate the buttermilk. You’d never know these are 100% wholegrain, they’re so fluffy and crisp. A total hit with the whole fam!
Just tried these, oh my I wish I wouldn’t have waited so long to do so! Delicious!
So glad you liked them!! 🙂
Just made these & they were delicious!!! I didn’t have almond extract so I’ll have to get some to try next time. Thanks for the recipe, it’ll be my new go to!
Who-hoo!!! The almond extract adds a depth of flavor to the waffles to make them addicting. I hope you give it a shot when you have a chance. Thanks so much for commenting and rating the recipes.
I made these on my princess waffle maker. Be jealous. They were yummy but I’m pretty sure the princess made it that way.
this looks yummy
Yes, super excited to try these this weekend! And keep the vital gluten using recipes coming, I need to use up that bag! And I almost want my current waffle makers to have “accidents” so I can get the one in your link. Removable plate envy 🙂
Ask, and you shall receive. Here are three pages of whole wheat recipes and all (almost all?) include the vital wheat gluten! https://www.sustainablecooks.com/category/whole-wheat/
Maybe the waffle iron could “fall off a truck”?
Haha thank you so much!!!
Yay! I will be trying this recipe. I have kept my waffle maker out on the kitchen counter this winter for warm treats. I made your whole wheat Pizza and your sauce recipe this past Saturday. It was DELICIOUS! I have four boys… BIG EATERS… They loved it. Have a nice day!
FOUR boys!? Oh my, your kitchen must always be busy.
YUM. Waffles! Glad the boy has decided to add them to his “will eat” list! smart boy! and I LOVE the title of this post!!! LOL