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GET IT NOWThese protein waffles are one of my favorite ways to enjoy a protein-packed, healthy breakfast that tastes sweet. I love eggs and crispy bacon, but some days you want a little treat, you know? And this is the perfect sweet way to start your day with plenty of protein. It’s also very filling — it keeps me so full until lunch, or even later. Make this protein waffle recipe with me in minutes!
Why You Need My Protein Waffle Recipe
- Crispy and fluffy, with a nutty vanilla flavor – These waffles are fluffy and a little chewy, with a crispy, golden crust. I love the hint of peanut butter and vanilla flavors, but they’re mild, so they go with any toppings you love.
- Clean ingredients with no added sugar – Many high protein waffle recipes rely on sweetened protein powder (often with artificial ingredients) and white flour, so they’re actually a sugar bomb first thing in the morning. Mine is gluten-free, flourless, and naturally sweetened.
- Quick and easy – You need just 7 ingredients, plus salt, and you can be enjoying your breakfast in under 10 minutes.
- Super high protein – 34 grams of protein per serving!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my protein waffles recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Protein Powder – I recommend whey protein isolate, because it doesn’t have unnecessary fillers and more importantly, gives your waffles the best texture. (You can also use it to make my protein cookies, protein pizza, and protein ice cream.) Some other types of protein powder (like egg white protein) can make your waffles dense. Flavored powders do work, but usually have sugar.
- Peanut Butter – This is actually the base, and allows my protein waffles to be flourless! I like this thick, creamy one with no added sugar. Almond butter or another nut butter (or even sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free option) works, too.
- Coconut Oil – Prevents dryness. I use this one. If you don’t like the taste of coconut, you can choose a refined one, or swap in butter or avocado oil. Or for extra protein, replace this with Greek yogurt.
- Eggs – The whites add structure and extra protein, and the yolks help with leavening. Egg substitutes will probably work, but will change the texture.
- Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – My go-to natural sweetener because it dissolves easily, for no gritty texture. Regular sugar works if you don’t need a sugar substitute. I don’t recommend liquid sweeteners, as they’ll make your batter too runny.
- Pantry Essentials – Baking powder (not to be confused with baking soda!) for lift, vanilla extract for flavor, and sea salt for balance.
How To Make Protein Waffles
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Blend the wet ingredients. Combine the peanut butter, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients. Add the protein powder, Besti, baking powder, and sea salt. Blend again until smooth.
- Cook until golden. Preheat your waffle maker (I use this Belgian waffle maker, spray it with cooking spray, and pour in the waffle batter. Cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions.
Enjoy your protein waffles with your favorite toppings! I love mine with sliced strawberries and sugar-free maple syrup, pictured below. If you’re feeling fancy, add chia jam, sliced bananas with a drizzle of honey (or sugar free honey), or even whipped cream.
My Recipe Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients. If some (like the eggs) are cold, the coconut oil can solidify. My shortcut is to place the eggs in a bowl of warm water to come to room temp quickly.
- Don’t have a blender? You can also mix the ingredients with a hand mixer. I do recommend something electric over mixing by hand, because this creates more air bubbles to get you fluffy results.
- How do you know when they are done? Your protein waffles are ready when no more steam is coming out of the sides of the waffle maker. Sometimes they are done when there’s just a little left, so check on them at that point.
- Cool a few minutes for the best texture. They’ll get more crispy as they cool from hot to warm, plus the texture inside will improve.
- Do they taste a lot like peanut butter? Nope! Something about this ingredient combo takes away most of its flavor, so they’re just a hint of nutty.
- Can you make the batter ahead? Yes, but wait to add the baking powder until right before cooking, and blend in fresh. Otherwise, the baking powder will react and no longer be effective.
- Note on waffle makers and nutrition info: You might notice a serving is half a protein waffle. That’s because they’re huge in my favorite Belgian waffle maker, and super filling! You’ll get more waffles if you use a regular one, or sometimes I like using this mini one for better portion control.
Flavor Variations
I love this basic version the most, but I’ve also made these different flavors and all are delicious:
- Chocolate – Mix in 1/2 cup chocolate chips (I use these sugar-free ones), or swap in chocolate protein powder.
- Berries – 1/2 cup is a good amount here, too. I love fresh or frozen blueberries in these protein waffles, but you can also use chopped strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries.
- Pumpkin – For cozy fall vibes, cut the peanut butter to 3 tablespoons, and add 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree and 1/2 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice.
- Cinnamon – Mix a teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the batter. Simple, but so good!
More High Protein Breakfast Recipes
If you’re loving these protein-packed waffles, I’ve got more high-protein breakfast ideas to keep you fueled all day:
Protein Waffles (Crispy With No Flour)
Fuel your day with these protein waffles! This recipe uses peanut butter & protein powder, and no flour or sugar. A healthy, sweet breakfast!
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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In a blender, blend the peanut butter, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla, until smooth.
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Add the protein powder, Besti, baking powder, and sea salt. Blend again, until smooth.
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Preheat your Belgian waffle maker and spray with cooking spray. Transfer the batter into the waffle iron and distribute evenly.
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Cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically the waffle cooks for 2-3 minutes, and is done when there is almost no steam coming out of the waffle maker.
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Let the protein waffles cool for a few minutes. They come out of the waffle maker soft, but as they cool from hot to warm, they will crisp up on the outside AND the inner texture will improve.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/2 large Belgian waffle
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best texture in your protein waffles, alternatives if you don’t have a blender, how to know they are done, and notes on waffle size.
- Flavors: See my flavor variations above to make chocolate, berry, pumkin, or cinnamon flavors.
- Store: Let protein waffles cool, then keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Meal prep: Triple the batter, make waffles, and stash in the fridge or freezer.
- Freeze: Cool, layer with parchment in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Pop them in a toaster, toaster oven, or oven at 350 degrees F—even straight from the freezer!
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle!
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Protein Waffles
109 Comments
Elizabeth S
1These were really delicious! I used the why protein you suggested and the waffles had a nice crust but were still soft and fluffy on the inside. Will make again.
HeatherT
1I really like these. I did use swerve instead and used a chocolate protein powder. But wow, so fluffy and full of flavor. I didn’t even put anything on top of the waffle. Just ate it plain! Will experiment with sugar alternative syrup next! Thanks for the recipe! Loved it. I think I may use a hand mixer next time. The batter was hard to get out of my blender. Might be easier to scape out of a bowl.
SquirrelGirl
1These waffles were the bomb! Even my little grandson that has food aversions ate his and loved it. They were like pillowy peanut butter bites of guilt free joy for me. I can’t wait to experiment adding other ingredients to these like bananas, blueberries, strawberries and etc… Thank you so much for sharing!
Chris
0OMAG! these are the best! I’ve made them with both peanut and almond butter! A delicious mid afternoon cheeky snack!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you so much, Chris! Enjoy!
Gary Lynn Humphries
0Read that heating protein powder destroy the powders benefits. Will this happen in this recipe?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Gary, I’m not sure where you heard this, but no, heating protein doesn’t destroy it — if it did, eating cooked meat wouldn’t provide us protein and obviously it does. Maybe what you heard is that heating denatures protein powder? If so, it’s true that the taste and texture changes, but that doesn’t cause any problems in this recipe. And obviously you can’t make waffles without cooking them. Hope you like these!
Chris
0When I first made these, my waffle maker failed and had to make pancakes, they were nice but heavy. Today, with a new waffle maker….devine! I got 8 small ones and have packed them in 2’s. Lovely snack size.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Chris! I’m so glad you got to try again with the waffle maker. Yes, I think it turns out a bit heavy for pancakes but as waffles they’re great.
Alison Z
0These waffles are delicious and very filling! Definitely a nice change from plain eggs when eating low carb. The only note I would give is that the recipe for me made 2 waffles (I overflowed the waffle maker on the first try).
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad you like them, Alison! The number of waffles can vary depending on the size of your waffle maker, so yes, it sounds like with the size you have you’d want to split the batter into two next time.
Anne Marie
0I loved this recipe! I am gluten and Lactose Free so it is perfect for me. I used sugar free peanutbutter powder and added 2 tbsp carob powder. So good!😍
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m glad you enjoyed these, Anne Marie! Thank you for sharing your variation.
Carol L
0Question: if you use a mini waffle maker, is that considered 1/2 the size of a large Belgian waffle maker (or 1 serving)?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Carol, It depends on the waffle maker, but if it’s a mini like the kind often used to make chaffles, the recipe for one big Belgian waffle would probably make 4 mini waffles. Hope this helps!
Linda
0I made this recipe this morning. I used chocolate flavored protein powder and my mini waffle maker. They came out fantastic!!!! I plan on making a bigger batch and my full size waffle maker so that I can freeze some to toast up when even I need a quick breakfast. Thank you Maya for this easy and very tasty recipe!!! <3
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad you liked the chocolate version, Linda! Enjoy!
Kelly
0Very easy quick recipe with great taste!
Sparkle
0Am I correct in seeing that half a waffle, without any toppings is already 500 calories?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Yes, it’s a giant Belgian waffle, 7-8 inches across. And these are very filling, due to all the peanut butter.
Carol
0I love your Chaffles recipe – I make them all the time – so I decided to try this waffle recipe today instead. I am sad to say that these turned out exceptionally dry. My only substitution was egg white protein powder in place of whey because I don’t use it. I’ll stick with the Chaffles from now on. ☺️ Thank you.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Carol, Sorry to hear the recipe didn’t work for you, but the reason is likely the substitution you made. I have not had great results with substituting whey protein powder for egg white protein powder, and they work quite differently in recipes. If you can’t use whey, I would recommend using a different recipe altogether.
Susan
0This recipe includes peanut butter on a nut free site???
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Susan, Wholesome Yum is not a nut-free site, but you can make this recipe using sunflower seed butter or tahini in place of peanut butter. Hope this helps!
Traci
0I have my go to protein waffle but always love changing it up a bit. These were incredibly delicious and loved them!
Vladka
0With coconut oil, peanut butter, and protein powder, these waffles are just too perfect to be true.
Addison
0These waffles were so crispy golden and delicious! They are such a great breakfast for kids too.
Giangi Townsend
0Super delicious and so easy to make. My son loves them and he requests them often.
Thank you for the recipe.
Jane
0I am making this for my grandson who is gluten free to have a good protein breakfast before school. I used almond butter for the milder taste, but was wondering if you think tahini would work in place of the peanut or almond butter? Almond butter is so expensive. The almond butter ones were really good.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad you like them, Jane! Yes, tahini should work great.
Alicia
0Hi Maya,
I love all of your recipes and can’t wait to try this one! However, I don’t eat eggs, and was wondering if I could substitute flax eggs.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m glad you love my recipes, Alicia! Yes, you can use flax eggs, but the texture will be more dense.
Tami
0What can I use in place of the bone broth protein? I have to eat gluten free. Can I simply add the same amount of 1:1 Gluten Free Flour in it’s place?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Tami, I recommend whey protein powder like this for this recipe and it’s gluten-free. I don’t recommend gluten-free flour.
Ed
0Awesome waffles. I’m new to the keto diet and find it hard to find food that I can make that tastes good. Thank you so much.
Joey
0These waffles are amazing and have the best structure of any low carb waffle recipe I have tried! Thank you for this recipe! I love how much protein is in them, as my kids are young and growing 🙂 Is there any way to adapt this to be a Pumpkin Waffle recipe? I’m dying for a pumpkin waffle but have to keep it low carb as I am T1D. Thanks!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad you liked them, Joey! Yes, I have instructions to make a pumpkin flavor above.
Moop Brown
0I love the way that these waffles both look tasty but are also full of protein as well.
Hayley Dhanecha
0These protein-packed waffles made with protein powder were hit with my friends, so easy and filling. Thanks for the recipe.
Amy B.
0This is a new favorite in my house! I love that it’s high protein, high fiber, AND it’s delicious!
Chenée
0These waffles were delicious! So satisfying and fluffy. I can’t wait to make them again!
Cathleen
0I am always looking for more waffle recipes, and this one looks like my new favourite. I can tell it will be made on repeat in my kitchen!!
Leslie
0I’m so excited for this protein waffle recipe! I’m so intrigued by your use of bone broth protein powder!
Liz
0Love the idea of adding protein powder to waffles!
Heather
0I haven’t tried cooking with protein powder before and cannot wait to try these waffles! Thanks for all of the great tips for getting just the right texture 🙂
aya
0These protein waffles are quick to make and tastes amazing! I loved how light these are.
Michele
0This Protein Waffles were delicious! Highly Recommended!
Anaiah
0Love these protein waffles! They were so flavorful and quick to whip up for the family.
Adriana
0These are the perfect protein waffles. A complete breakfast in few minutes and the taste is lovely.
Amy L Huntley
0These low carb protein waffles are such a simple protein packed breakfast. My kids love them and don’t even know that they are healthy! Win, Win!
Jennifer
0These are the most delicious waffles ever and I love that they’re low carb and full of protein! Couldn’t have asked for a better recipe!
Natalie
0What a delicious option!! So light & fluffy & the flavor is so good!
Samantha
0Oh I loved the inclusion of peanut butter in these! I’m a big fan of protein waffles since it helps boost my energy in the morning.
Cindy
0These were so delicious! Thanks for the great recipe!
Ice
0Just made these and I have to say I am happily surprised. The protein powder is superb and it is just the right amount of sweet.
My husband, who was quite skeptical, is helping himself to his 3rd serving.
So, yeah we like it.
KELLY Dagastino
0We loved these waffles! The blender makes it so easy!
Ann
0The peanut butter is an interesting addition to this waffle recipe.
Robin Donovan
0This is my new favorite breakfast! It’s easy and really delicious.
Lianne
0I see on your recipe that total carbs are 1.6g – are you not accounting for the peanut butter? I get 13.4g total carbs for 1/4 cup of peanut butter – using “Just egg white powder I have a total carbs count of 8.9g per waffle- Where did I go wrong? Enjoying them anyway
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Lianne, Thank you so much for catching this, you have a great eye! I have updated the nutrition for this recipe.
Guadalupe Alvarez
0Can I use body fortress whey protein powder
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Guadalupe, Sorry, I’m not familiar with this brand, but if it’s just whey protein, yes, it will work.
Steph
0Hello! Can’t wait to try this! I’ve heard that Whey protein isn’t great fir weight loss. Can you use vanilla egg white protein powder instead do you think?? ♀️
Thanks so much!!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Steph, I’m not sure where you heard this, whey protein should not cause any issues with that. I don’t recommend egg white protein for this recipe because the waffles will be very dense. Whey works totally differently.
Samantha Elkins
0I’m having trouble finding Atkins Powder. Maybe it was addressed and I missed it?
Any other subs work?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Samantha, I recommend this whey protein powder and it’s available. 🙂
Brenda
0Wondering what could be substituted for the peanut butter? Not a big fan of the flavor in my waffles, thank you!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Brenda, The peanut butter flavor in these is not strong, but almond butter will work as well. Let me know what you think when you try them!
Raechel
0Thank you so much for the great recipe! I used Quest cinnamon crunch protein powder and it turned out great. Super easy