Gluten Free Waffles

gluten free waffles stack

I’m going out on a limb here, but I think this delightfully satisfying gluten free waffles recipe is about to take the world by storm! 

The day one gets the call from their doctor with the stern recommendation to forever avoid gluten like the plague, it’s easy to freak out, especially when you start running through the list of fan favorites you think you’ll never be able to have again.  

When I found out I needed to avoid the glutens, waffles were one of those food items that immediately came to mind.  Not pancakes though – I could really care less about those. 

A quick aside – I find the superiority of waffles over pancakes is a fact as irrefutable as the law of gravity.  Waffles boast a delightful structured exterior and fluffy interior that simply cannot be matched by their flimsy, flat pancake counterparts.  Plus, waffles have those little pockets to hold all of your delicious toppings, making them the ultimate breakfast treat.  

[steps off soap box]

Anyway, much like anyone else, I wallowed in the sorrow for a few weeks and got teary eyed at any mention of breakfast, brunch, or dessert (my favorite meals).  That is, until I happened upon a fellow colleague working some oatmeal banana pancakes on the griddle in the company kitchen. After hearing about the details of his non-standard pancake extravaganza, I had a massive **head explosion** moment.

Since then, I’ve been on a mission to find the best gluten free waffles recipe.  While there are so many ways to crack this nut, like using rolled oats (if you can handle them), almond flour, rice flour, potatoes, etc., there’s no denying the tasty satisfaction of the coconut flour rendition I’ve shared below or the happiness it brings me every Saturday morning.  

Let’s get on with the goodness!


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Personally, this gluten free waffles recipe battle came down to two common gluten free flours: coconut flour and almond flour. What are the big differences, you ask? Let’s discuss.

Ahem [clears throat]…

Coconut Flour vs. Almond Flour

When it comes to baking or cooking with coconut flour versus almond flour, there are certainly some key distinctions to keep in mind.

For starters, coconut flour is far more absorbent than almond flour, which means you’ll need to use significantly less of it in your recipes. Additionally, coconut flour is naturally sweet and can potentially lend a slightly tropical flavor to your baked goods, while almond flour has a more neutral taste.

Another major difference is their respective nutritional profiles. Coconut flour is derived from a fruit and packed with fiber and healthy fats, while almond flour is derived from a nut and is rich in protein and vitamin E.

And finally, because coconut flour is so absorbent, it can be a bit trickier to work with than almond flour. You may need to adjust your liquid ratios and cooking times to get the desired results. It is interesting just how far a little coconut flour will go though. It’s a surprising 1:4 substitution ratio for coconut flour to almond flour; not 1:1. 

In short, what you lean into really comes down to personal preference.  I’ve made gluten free waffles both ways and they’re great, but I do prefer coconut flour as I find almond flour to be a little more grittier texture wise and love how much more cost effective it is. 

What You Need to Make This Gluten Free Waffles Recipe

For this recipe, you need the following things:

Ingredients

  • Banana (ripe to overripe**)
  • Eggs
  • Coconut Flour
  • Cinnamon
  • Maple Syrup (optional topping)

**an underripe to ripe bananas will be too difficult to mash

Tools

  • Waffle iron
  • Mixing bowl
  • Potato masher (alt: fork)
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Let The Batter Rest 

In line with my comment above about coconut flour being more absorbent, I do like to let the batter rest for a few minutes before pouring it into the waffle iron.  This will allow the batter to thicken up and in turn, and provide some indication of whether or not your batter is too runny or is in desperate need of liquid.

If you find it’s a little runny, add a pinch more coconut flour.  Remember that a little goes a long way!

If you find it’s too thick or paste-like, add a little water or milk and whisk to smooth it out. You could also add another egg which will not only provide more liquid, but also add more protein to the dish.

Repeat either option above until the batter sticks to your spatula and slowly runs off.      

How To Make Gluten Free Waffles

Grab your (1) ripe to overripe banana, (2) eggs, (3) coconut flour, (4) cinnamon, and (5) maple syrup (optional) – it’s gluten free waffles time!

gluten free waffles recipe ingredients include banana, eggs, coconut flour, and cinnamon

To start, peel the banana and mash it until it’s in a mushy state.  You can use a potato masher or fork to do this.  Crack the eggs on top of the mashed banana and whisk.  This will help the banana break down further.

mashed bananas and 4 eggs

Add the coconut flour and cinnamon and whisk again until the batter is fully incorporated.  Set it aside to let the coconut flour absorb some of the liquid.  Notice how the batter thickens. 

In the meantime, turn on your waffle iron if you haven’t done so already.  By the time it beeps to let you know it’s ready, so should the batter.  Spray the waffle iron plates with avocado oil or coconut oil to prevent sticking.  I like avocado oil best as it imparts no taste to the waffle.

gluten free waffles batter poured into the waffle iron

Once ready, remove the newly minted gluten free waffles from the waffle iron to a plate.  

Top with butter, fruit, chocolate chips, syrup, etc., and stuff your face. Warning: a state of morning bliss will soon follow.  

plated gluten free waffles ready to soak up maple syrup

The Best Ways to Serve These Gluten Free Waffles

Much like a standard waffle mix, this gluten free waffle recipe is accommodating of all the classic mix-ins and topping.  Here are some of my favorite:

  • Mix-ins – blueberries, strawberries, sprinkles, chocolate chips
  • Toppings – butter, maple syrup, #all-the-fruit, honey, nut butter, chicken(!) 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can this same recipe be used for pancakes?

Waffles are far superior to pancakes, but… yes (*snarky smile*).  Just like a standard pancake, simply ladle this gluten free batter onto a hot pan or griddle.  Flip the pancake as soon as you start to see bubbles form. Voila – gluten free pancakes! 

Can these gluten-free waffles be frozen?

They can!  I’d recommend placing each individual square on a parchment covered baking sheet and sliding them into the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour.  This will allow them to individually flash freeze and avoid sticking together.  Then transition the waffles to a large ziplock bag.  When you’re ready to eat a waffle, pop it into the toaster!

How to prevent waffles from sticking to the waffle iron?

Use a non-stick spray on the waffle iron plates before adding your liquid batter.  With so many crevices in the waffle iron plate, using anything but a spray will be futile.

How can I speed up the ripening of my banana?

So, you’ve got a green banana and want to make gluten free waffles, eh?  Short answer: the recommendation depends upon how much time you have. Find all-the-ways here, but the two mentioned below are tried and true from my personal experience.  

  • Brown Paper Bag – If you have a few days, add your green or barely ripe banana to a brown paper bag with other ethylene producing fruit (e.g. apple or avocado) and fold the bag shut.  You should have a ripe banana in 24-48 hours.
  • Microwave – If you want it now (okay, ‘Veruca Salt’), place your unpeeled banana on a microwavable plate, pierce it with a fork, and pop it into the microwave for 30 second intervals.  Warning: the peel will turn black and that’s okay!  After each interval, press the banana to test its firmness.  When it starts to feel mushy inside, it’s done.  

Can I substitute the coconut flour for almond flour?

Yes.  The coconut flour to almond flour ratio is 1:4, so that’s 1.5 Tbsp of coconut flour x 4 = 6 Tbsp of almond flour. 


📺 Watch Me Make this Gluten Free Waffles Recipe


🍳 Recipe

gluten free waffles recipes on a plate

Gluten Free Waffles

Get ready to flip over these gluten-free waffles! Made with a mix of banana, egg, coconut flour, cinnamon, and a touch of magic, this recipe will have you savoring each bite of golden goodness without any gluten-induced woes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 1 Person
Calories 519 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Waffle iron
  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Spatula
  • 1 Potato masher (alt: fork)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Banana (ripe)
  • 4 Eggs
  • 1.5 tbsp Coconut flour
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Turn on the waffle iron and let it heat up.
  • Peel the banana, add it to the mixing bowl, and use a potato masher (or fork) to turn it into banana mush.
    1 Banana
  • Crack 4 eggs on top of the mashed banana and whisk.
    4 Eggs
  • Measure and add coconut flour and cinnamon to the mixing bowl and whisk again until thoroughly incorporated. Set aside to allow the batter to thicken.
    1.5 tbsp Coconut flour, 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • Spray the waffle iron with a non-stick spray. I like avocado oil best.
  • Evenly pour the gluten free waffle batter onto the waffle iron plate. Close to cook.
  • Transfer the golden waffle onto a plate, top with your favorite toppings (e.g. syrup, chocolate chips, fruit). Enjoy!
Keyword 5 ingredients or less, banana waffles, coconut flour waffles, gluten free recipe, gluten free waffles, maple syrup waterfalls, paleo waffles, waffle tower, waffles

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