Vegan Protein Powder Waffles (Quick & Easy Recipe)

The best Vegan Protein Powder Waffles are light and fluffy with the perfect crispy, golden brown exterior. This quick and easy recipe is ready in under 10 minutes for a high protein breakfast!

I am a huge fan of Van's protein waffles but have been on an endless search for healthy protein waffles to meal prep myself... and this is the one! 

This waffle mix only takes a few minutes to make and cooks even faster! They store great in the fridge or freezer, so you can always have them on hand.

Vanilla protein powder and vanilla extract give these delicious waffles a sweet and warm flavor. 

The best part of this recipe is that you can customize it to your liking. Add fresh fruit to the batter, change the protein powder flavor, and pile on your favorite toppings like coconut whipped cream or chocolate chips. You name it!

Protein waffles are a great option for a post-workout snack because they pack in 8 grams of protein for every serving, which is 2 mini waffles. Add a drizzle of almond butter and a handful of fresh fruit, and you have a complete meal!

Serve up a vegan breakfast feast and make vegan Bisquick pancakes, jumbo banana muffins, oatmeal blender pancakes, and tofu scramble too!

Looking for more traditional waffles? Check out oat flour waffles! They are naturally gluten-free, delicious, and easy to make.

Ingredients

You will need these simple ingredients to make high protein waffles:

• All-Purpose Flour - You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed. Whole wheat flour should also work, but you may need some extra milk.
• Pea Protein Powder - Vanilla flavored adds a great taste to the waffles. This recipe is tested using the Garden of Life brand.
• Granulated white Sugar - Adds just a touch of sweetness. Brown sugar or coconut sugar should also work.
• Salt - Adds to the flavor.
• Baking Powder + Apple Cider Vinegar - Reacts to make fluffy protein waffles without egg.
• Unsweetened Soy Milk - Or another plant-based milk like oat milk or almond milk. Soy milk has a higher protein content and is perfect for protein waffles.
• Olive Oil - Helps ensure light and fluffy waffles that aren’t dry.
• Vanilla Extract - Enhances the existing vanilla flavor from the protein powder.

Equipment

This recipe is tested using a 4” Dash mini waffle maker. They now come in family-size versions, which will make 4 mini waffles at once (a huge time saver for meal prepping!)

A regular-sized or Belgian waffle maker can be used instead! Adjust the amount of batter used and cook time depending on the requirements of the model. 

Directions with Pictures

These easy protein waffles are ready in no time! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making them:

1. Place all dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and whisk until combined.
2. Place the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
3. Whisk until a smooth batter forms. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure all the dry ingredients are incorporated.
4. Heat a mini waffle maker and brush with olive oil.
5. Scoop a ¼ cup of batter into the waffle maker.
6. Cook for about 4 minutes or until the waffle is golden brown. Lift the waffle out with a fork or tongs.

Variations

Try these mix-ins in this vegan protein waffle recipe to vary the flavors and textures:

• Flavor Infusion - Experiment with different protein powders like chocolate or berry.
• Fresh Berries - Add a handful of fresh berries like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries to the waffle batter. Berries provide natural sweetness and a burst of color and antioxidants.
• Chopped Nuts - Incorporate some chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added crunch and a boost of healthy fats and protein. Toast them lightly for extra flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Chips - Vegan dark chocolate melts to create pockets of gooey goodness in the waffles.
• Spices - Add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm and comforting flavor. These spices can complement the sweetness of the waffles. 
• Coconut Flakes - Sprinkle unsweetened coconut flakes onto the waffle batter before cooking. Coconut adds a tropical twist and a pleasant crunch to your waffles.

Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to create unique and delicious vegan protein powder waffles according to your taste preferences.

Ways to Serve

Here are some ideas for how to serve your vegan protein waffles. Mix and match your favorite toppings!

• Very Berry - Add a burst of fruitiness to your waffles! Top with fresh or frozen berries of your choice, then drizzle over maple syrup. You could also try topping it with berry salad!
• Double Protein - Spread nut or seed butter like almond butter over the waffles and top with crushed nuts, maple vanilla granola, and popped quinoa for an extra protein boost.
• Banana Nut - Place thinly sliced banana over the waffle and drizzle with nut butter. You could even top with another waffle to make a “peanut butter banana sandwich.” 
• Dessert Style - Dollop coconut whipped cream or vegan ice cream on top, then sprinkle with chocolate chips and a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra decadent treat.

Storage

These waffles are great to make ahead and have on hand for a high-protein breakfast or snack. Store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Or store in the freezer for up to a month.

For best results, reheat these waffles in an air fryer or toaster oven at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This ensures a perfectly crispy waffle. You can also try cooking them in a toaster, but since these waffles are so light and fluffy, they weigh themselves down in the toaster and start to curl (though that does give me a delicious idea for waffle tacos!)

FAQ