Pumpkin Protein Waffles

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Where the heck did Summer go? I feel like I blinked and all of a sudden, it's October. Rather than dwell on the fact that this year is racing by, lets celebrate with all things pumpkin! 

Since moving to California, I really miss seeing the seasons change. We have no turning leaves or crisp Fall air (unless you can count fog?). We do, however, have plenty of pumpkins! It may be sunny and 70 outside, and I may still be spending my weekends out at the beach, but in my kitchen - it's full on FALL!

I love using pumpkins in baked goods. Not only does it add flavor, it can also be a substitute for oil or butter in a recipe. Delicious fall flavors AND low fat? Yes, please!

Waffles are one of those decadent, once in a blue moon special indulgent breakfast or brunch items. Normally, these are loaded with sugar and high in fat. If you are like me, you love waffles and want to be able to eat them whenever you damn well please. Enter: Protein Waffles. 

We have two secret substitutions in these waffles: protein powder (instead of flour) and pumpkin purée (instead of butter). These waffles SCREAM fall and are so easy to make its stupid. They are still crispy on the outside and soft and chewy in the inside. These are a perfect post-morning-workout treat. Each waffle packs 11 GRAMS of protein and less than 3 grams of fat!

Do yourself a favor and make a double batch of these waffles and freeze whatever you don't eat so that you can have these any day of the week!

Pumpkin Protein Waffles

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5-10 minutes

Servings: 6 waffles

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops (1/2 cup) whey protein powder, vanilla 
• 1/2 cup brown rice flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional topping: pure maple syrup

Directions:

1. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions.
2. Combine all ingredients in a blender (except the syrup), incorporating into a batter.
3. Ladle recommended amount of batter onto waffle iron. Close top and cook until waffle is golden brown and removes easily from waffle iron, about 2-4 minutes. Continue making waffles with remaining batter. Serve immediately. 

Nutritional Information (2 waffles):

250 calories - 22 g Protein, 30 g Carbohydrates, 4.7 g Fat

Plantain Protein Waffles with Mixed Berry Compote

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Waffles were made for lazy weekend mornings. Just because it's the weekend, however, doesn't mean your nutrition can go out the window! Traditional waffles are high in fat, heavy on the carbs and very low in protein. While my waffles aren't the real deal, they are a great alternative for a weekend treat! These waffles are dairy-free, grain-free and gluten-free as they contain NO flour! 

Not to be confused with a banana, plantains are a much starchier relative. While they may look sweet,they are nearly inedible unless cooked. Health benefits of plantains include:

• High in fiber! 
• More vitamin-A and vitamin-C than bananas
• More potassium than bananas (37% more)

Plantains range from unripe (green) to ripe (yellow) to very ripe (black). At their ripest they are very sweet and at their unripest, very starchy. In this recipe, I chose to use a yellow plantain that is starting to spot but not yet entirely black. It is important to use the correct type of plantain for this recipe! 

In addition to the plantains, the other main ingredient of the waffles is protein powder. You can use any protein you want - I chose to use a plant-based vanilla vegan protein, but whey protein could work as well. 

You will need both a waffle maker and a blender for this recipe. 

Ninja Professional Blender (BL660)

I highly recommend everyone own a good, sturdy blender. After going through many cheap blenders, I finally made the investment in this and love it! 

Hamilton Beach 26009 Belgian Style Waffle Baker

I also love my waffle maker and believe this is a worthy investment. I recommend something similar to this model.

These waffles are not overly sweet, but the mixed berry compote provides all the sweetness you need. 

Whether you are fueling up for a workout or eating these in your pajamas, it's never a bad day when it starts off with light, healthy, protein-packed waffles! 

Plantain Protein Waffles with Mixed Berry Compote

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes (varies - cooked as directed by waffle maker instructions!)

Makes 6 waffles and approx. 1 cup mixed berry compote (2 servings)

Ingredients

For the compote

• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup halved blackberries
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp water
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar

For the waffles

• 2 scoops protein powder (60 g) - I used vanilla plant-based protein, any type will work
• 1 yellow, brown spotted plantain (130 g) - about 3/4 cup sliced
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1-2 tbsp cashew milk (or any non-dairy type) - should be added according to consistency of batter

Directions

Mixed Berry Compote

1. Combine all compote ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 10 min, stirring occasionally. 
2. Take off the stove and set aside once the fruit has cooked down and the liquid has reduced.

Plantain Protein Waffles

1. Turn on waffle iron to begin heating up. Note: If you don't have a waffle iron this could also be made as pancakes!
2. In a blender (a single serve cup attachment works really well for this) combine the protein powder, sliced plantains, applesauce, coconut oil, and egg whites. Blend to combine.
3. Next, add vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Depending on the consistency of the batter you may or may not need the cashew milk. The batter should be fairly thick, but not so thick it won't blend. Add milk accordingly.
4. Blend until all ingredients are well combined. 
5. Grease waffle iron and spoon about 1/4 cup of batter for each waffle onto hot iron. Cooking time per batch will vary based on your iron, but I cooked mine for roughly 5 min per batch. Continue until all batter is used, which should yield 6 waffles.
6. Stack up desired number of waffles, top with compote and dust with powdered sugar (not required, but what are waffles without it?)

Grab your coffee and dig in!

Waffle Nutritional info (Based on 3 waffles, will vary based on protein powder used)

306 Calories - 27 g Protein, 31.5 g Carbs, 9 g Fat

Mixed Berry Compote Nutritional info (Based on half of compote)

44 Calories - 1 g Protein, 17 g Carbs, 0 g Fat