Pumpkin Spiced Gluten-Free Waffles

Waffles are our family’s favorite weekend breakfast!

Baked goods don’t have to be full of refined, processed carbs and loads of calories and sugar.  We use waffle batter as an opportunity to ramp up the nutritional benefits of the most important meal of the day.

Start off with various gluten free flour blends; preferably higher fiber and protein choices like almond/oat/brown rice/quinoa/corn blends. Gluten-free flours are getting more common at grocery stores so they should be easy to find.

Next, we love to add:

1. Cinnamon for taste and help with blood sugar balance

2. Organic unsweetened applesauce and mashed up banana for natural sweetness that also give electrolytes (potassium) and antioxidants (quercitin, Vitamin C)

3. GF oats or oat bran for soluble, heart healthy fiber

4. Ground flax seeds and chia seeds for omega-3s, protein and more fiber

5. Mashed Pumpkin (or puree from BPA free box) for antioxidants and Vitamin A for healthy vision

6. Top with berries for more Vitamin C and fiber

Waffles even make great leftovers for a hearty, quick breakfast before rushing out the door.  I like to get creative and fold over ½ a waffle with almond butter and fresh strawberries or banana slices for a quick and healthy “breakfast sandwich.”

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 10 – 12

INGREDIENTS:

1. 2 cups (280 g) gluten-free flour

2. 1/2 cup (45 g) rolled oats

3. 1/4 cup (30 g) ground flax seed

4. 2 tbsp chia seeds

5. 1/4 cup mashed pumpkin

6. 1/2 tsp sea salt

7. 1 tsp baking soda

8. tbsp baking powder

9. 2 tbsp cinnamon

10. 1 tsp vanilla (gf, alcohol free)

11. 1 fresh banana, mashed

12. 1/2 cup (125 g) organic unsweetened applesauce

13. 2 organic eggs

14. 1 cup (250 ml) unsweetened almond (or coconut) milk

15. fresh strawberries, for topping

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix flour, oats, flax, chia, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon together in a large bowl.

2. Warm the almond milk.

3. Add almond milk, mashed banana, applesauce, pumpkin, vanilla and eggs to bowl of dry ingredients.

4. Gently mix together until a smooth consistency is formed.

5. Let sit 5-10 minutes while waffle iron heats up.

6. Drizzle coconut or other plant oil on waffle iron as needed to prevent sticking.

7. Place mixture onto waffle iron and cook until lightly browned (takes about 3 – 5 minutes per waffle).

8. Wash and slice strawberries,

9. Top with fresh berries and enjoy!