Zesty Hazelnut + Oatmeal Waffles

Waffles. What a way to start the day! You’ve got to love this light-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside treat! Our hazelnut and oatmeal waffles are extra special. The batter is made with oatmeal and ground hazelnuts, giving them an unmistakable flavor and buttery texture. We also add a little orange zest. Why? Well, if you haven’t tried the hazelnut/orange flavor combination – you’re in for a delicious surprise! It’s awesome.

So start the coffee, heat the waffle iron, and get ready for a terrific breakfast treat*!

*Note: waffles aren’t just for breakfast. No judgment here!

Where do Waffles Come From?

We’d forgive you for answering “Belgium.” After all, it’s called a Belgian Waffle, isn’t it? Well funnily enough, what we know as a Belgian Waffle was actually born in the USA! The recipe is descended from Brussels-style waffles served at the 1964 World’s Fair in Queens, NYC. However, the modern Belgian Waffles served in America are quite different from anything you’ll find in Europe.

Although the American love for waffles was sparked by a modern Belgian recipe, this food goes much further back. In fact, waffles were filling bellies in medieval times! Folks were cooking them up in France during the 14th to 16th centuries. What’s more, people have been cooking batter between hot iron plates since Ancient Greece. Who knew the humble waffle was an antique?

Our waffles are different again! They’re thin, crispy, and shaped like hearts. In this way, they’re closer to Norwegian waffles!

Are Waffles Healthy?

Let’s face it, you don’t usually sit down to a plate of waffles thinking about nutrition. Indeed, most waffle recipes contain refined flour and sugar. You’ll also find them piled with all sorts of decadent “bling,” like powdered sugar, cream, ice cream – even gravy!

You can definitely get indulgent with our recipes, too (just look at the pictures). However, they clearly pack a more wholesome punch than a regular recipe. After all, the waffle batter is based on a gluten-free blend of whole oats and hazelnut meal. That means you get fiber and protein from the oats. Also, hazelnuts bring plenty of healthy fats.

What’s more, our waffles are entirely vegan. So, enjoy them in moderation, but feel good about the low saturated fats and zero cholesterol.

How to get your Waffles Just Right

Are you having trouble making the perfect waffle? Here is what to do if …

• Your waffles are sticking to the Waffle Iron:
  • Make sure you grease the Iron with cooking oil spray.
  • If that isn’t working, add some more vegan buttery spread to the batter.

• The waffles aren’t crispy enough:
  • Make sure you add the batter to a hot Waffle Iron (it should sizzle!)
  • Don’t remove the waffles until steam stops escaping from the sides of the Iron.
  • Put them in the oven at 200-250F for 5-10 minutes after they’re done. This way, more moisture will evaporate. Make sure they’re in a single layer on top of a rack.

Topping Ideas

When it comes to toppings, it all depends on how you’re feeling. For a simple snack, just smear on some vegan buttery spread or dust with powdered sugar. If you want to go classic, try strawberries and dairy-free cream. However, if you want the ultimate waffle experience, load up on the chocolate sauce and extra hazelnuts – just like us! We promise you won’t be disappointed.

Preparing Waffles Ahead of Time

It’s quite easy to make waffles ahead of time and freeze them. Once they are cooked, just lay them out on parchment paper in a sheet pan. After that, put them in the freezer for six hours. You can then stack the waffles up and put them in a sealed container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat them, you can:

• Warm them in the oven.
• Heat them in the toaster (use the bagel setting and watch them to make sure they don’t burn).
• Use your microwave, heating on high for 1-1.5 minutes.

Have fun cooking these Zesty Hazelnut and Oatmeal waffles! Their buttery texture, nutty taste, and orangey finish are just perfect! If you try them, let us know what you think with a comment and rating. Every bit of feedback helps make the blog even better!

And if you’re looking for more classic breakfast recipes, check out our super-easy recipes for Fluffy Pancakes and Creamy Oatmeal!

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