Healthy Protein Chocolate Waffles

These delicious, healthy vegan chocolate waffles are inexpensive and pack in plant-based protein and nutrients (with no protein powder!). They require just a blender and waffle iron. Plus, they’re oil free, egg-free, and boosted with whole wheat flour and unrefined sugar!

This chocolate waffles recipe was created by Ashley, from Plantiful Picnic!

The Ingredients for Protein Chocolate Waffles

All you need for this easy vegan waffle recipe are seven inexpensive pantry staples.

• Black beans: You can use a can of black beans (drained and rinsed) or 1.5 cups of cooked beans for these chocolate black bean vegan waffles.
• Plant-based milk: Use the milk of your choice, i.e., almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, etc.
• Maple syrup: Or agave. You could also use granulated sugar like coconut sugar. You could also use a sugar-free sweetener, adjusting the amount to taste.
• Cocoa powder: Use cocoa or cacao powder (the latter has more antioxidants but is more bitter).
• Banana: Use ripe bananas with plenty of dark spots. Alternatively, applesauce may work.
• Whole wheat flour: I used whole wheat for these healthy vegan waffles. However, use regular all-purpose flour if preferred.
• Baking powder: To leaven and provide lift and fluffy texture to the plant-based chocolate protein waffles.
• Vegan chocolate: (optional) I use vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips for these delicious double chocolate waffles. You could also use chopped-up bars of vegan semi-sweet chocolate if preferred.

Optional Add-ins & Recipe Variations

• Salt: Just a pinch of salt will enhance the rich plant-based chocolate flavor in these vegan chocolate waffles.
• Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon will add a more cake-like flavor to the chocolate protein waffles.
• Coffee: Instant coffee powder or espresso powder is a great way to enhance the chocolate flavor (add more for mocha waffles).
• Extracts: Natural food extracts/flavors are a great way to experiment with flavors. Orange, mint, coconut, and coffee would all taste delicious with dairy-free chocolate waffles.
• Protein powder: You may be able to further enhance the protein in this plant-based chocolate protein waffle recipe by adding plain, vanilla, chocolate, coffee, or peanut butter flavored vegan protein powder. You can also substitute some of the flour for protein powder. I haven’t tried, though, so can’t guarantee results.

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Blender Waffles?

With just a blender, spoon, and waffle maker, these vegan protein waffles are practically effortless to prepare and require just 5 simple steps.

• 1) First, preheat your waffle maker.
• 2) Then, add the black beans, plant-based milk, maple syrup, banana, and cocoa powder to a blender and blend until smooth.

• 3) Next, add the flour and baking powder and pulse just a few times until combined.

Be careful not to overwork the gluten in the flour. Otherwise, it can lead to dense, heavy vegan waffles.

• 4) Finally, stir in the vegan chocolate chips.

• 5) Then, cook the waffles according to your waffle maker’s instructions. Serve warm with your toppings of choice. Keep reading to see my favorites!

Depending on your waffle maker, the cooking process usually takes between 3-6 minutes and will be indicated by a light or timer.

However, you can also tell when waffles are ready by monitoring the steam. Once the steam stops rising from the machine, the waffles are ready.

FAQs

Toni’s Tips and Notes

• Preheat the waffle maker: This is important for crispy, evenly-cooked dairy-free chocolate waffles.
• Don’t over-mix the batter: Overworking the gluten in the flour will lead to chewier, denser, less fluffy vegan whole wheat waffles.
• Don’t overfill the waffle iron: If you’re new to using it, this may take a few tries to get ‘just right.’ Just remember that it’s better to under-fill it than over, as it will spread once closed. The manufacturer should recommend an amount.
• Leave them to cook untouched: If you open the waffle iron, the temperature will drop, take longer to cook, and may cook unevenly. It can also cause the waffles to stick.
• Use non-scratch utensils: Silicone or wooden tools are best to avoid scratching the non-stick coating of your waffle iron.
• Keep the waffles warm: If you are making a large batch, I highly recommend keeping the oven on at 200F/100C to keep the waffles warm until you’re ready to serve.

How to Top Vegan Waffles?

• Whipped coconut cream or another vegan cream
• A scoop of vegan ice cream (or nice cream) – vanilla, plant-based chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, etc.
• Shredded coconut/ flakes
• Berries—raspberries, chopped strawberries, etc.
• Banana slices
• Drizzle of vegan caramel sauce or maple syrup
• Strawberry or raspberry compote/syrup/sauce
• A drizzle of nut or seed butter
• Chopped nuts or seeds (raw or toasted)

How to Make Ahead & Store?

Fridge: Once prepared, you can store any leftover vegan waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Freezer: Alternatively, you can flash freeze them on a tray until solid and transfer them to a Ziplock/Statsher bag in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheat: To reheat the waffles, I recommend using an oven at 225F/107C until warmed through. You could also use a toaster.

I highly recommend making these egg and dairy-free chocolate protein waffles in large batches to store in the refrigerator or freezer to reheat later. You could also make a batch early in the morning to reheat so they’re all warm in time for breakfast.

More Sweet Vegan Breakfast Treats

Vegan Breakfasts

Carrot Cake Pancakes

Vegan Desserts

Vegan Lemon Blueberry Scones

Vegan Breakfasts

Chocolate Baked Oatmeal [Blended or Whole]

Vegan Breakfasts

Peaches and Cream Smoothie Bowl

If you tried this healthy protein chocolate waffles recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!