If you’re as obsessed with matcha tea and drinks like this Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte, then it’s officially time to transfer that matcha obsession over to your food too, with these matcha high-protein waffles.With just a few ingredients and a simple process, you can whip up a batch of these matcha waffles in no time. If the beautiful green flavor isn’t enough to catch your eye, then you’ll love the earthy, slightly sweet flavor of the matcha powder combined with high-protein quinoa flour and unrefined coconut sugar. Serve with your choice of topping depending on what you’re in the mood food: fresh berries and syrup for a breakfast treat or a big scoop of ice-cream as a dessert treat. These gluten-free waffles are also super simple to achieve the right consistency – you won’t be disappointed. And the process couldn’t be much simpler – believe me, it’s literally just a few steps! As usual, there are several ways you can customize this recipe to your liking and dietary requirements, too. Plus, these waffles are freezer-friendly, perfect as a healthy meal-prep breakfast to pop into a toaster each morning for a super quick breakfast.
The ingredients
Matcha green tea powder
Matcha green tea powder is earthy and rich in flavor and nutrients. Just one cup of matcha tea contains 10x the amount of antioxidants than a cup of brewed green tea (with a teabag). Plus, although it does contain caffeine, the lower amounts are perfect for a wake-up boost without any caffeine ‘crash’. Plus, matcha also contains several wonderful health benefits. These include boosting the metabolism, acting as a natural detoxer, and enhancing concentration. On top of that, it is also packed with Vitamin C and several other vitamins and minerals.
Which Matcha Powder To Choose
Unfortunately, not all matcha powder is made equally – but luckily, there are tons of options out there, so there should be a good option no matter where you live. As a general rule: The lighter and brighter the green color, the better flavor, and quality matcha. Avoid any that is dark, murky green, and brownish. I’ve found that spending more DOES equal a better product. I tend to go for brands around $30 per tin.
Quinoa flour
Not only is quinoa flour naturally gluten-free, but it also has a low GI content and is high in protein, fiber, and contains several healthful plant compounds. On top of that, it’s also technically not a grain – meaning it’s a wonderful option for those on a grain-free diet. Quinoa also has a wonderfully nutty, slightly earthy flavor that works well with the matcha for delicious matcha quinoa waffles.
The Other Ingredients
Baking powder Salt Vanilla extract Coconut sugar – for a sugar-free version, you can use a sweetener of your choice. You can also use liquid sweeteners but may need a little extra flour. Coconut milk Coconut oil Eggs – I used Clarence Court Burford Browns
The step by step instructions
In a large bowl, combine all the waffle batter ingredients and mix well (alternatively, mix it together in a blender/food processor) until the batter is smooth. The consistency should be smooth and slightly runny (if it’s too thick, add more milk). Allow the batter to rest for 10-15 minutes. The batter will thicken during this time so that you may need an extra splash of milk, but I usually don’t. Pour the batter into the waffle iron, make sure the iron is already hot and greased in advance (I used coconut oil). Cook the waffles for about 3-5 minutes depending on your waffle maker, but keep an eye on them, they burn quickly, and you don’t want to lose too much of the gorgeous green color. Once ready, top your perfectly crispy waffles with your favorite toppings, and enjoy. Yes, it’s really just that simple!
How to serve
There are tons of ways to serve up these protein waffles, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Here are a few of my top picks.
With yogurt (you can use Natural or Greek Yogurt or a dairy-free option like this Coconut yogurt) and maple syrup For a tropical twist, serve with mango, shredded coconut, and some coconut whipped cream. With a chocolate dip and fresh fruits. Matcha pairs well with white and dark chocolate, so feel free to make a dip of your choice. For a decadent matcha dessert, serve alongside a big scoop of ice-cream and Easy Homemade Chocolate Syrup. Melted butter – I mean, if it’s good enough for pancakes, then its good enough for waffles!
How to store
Cooked waffles will store in the fridge for up to two days of the freezer for up to three months. To freeze the waffles, allow them to cool completely, then lay on a tray and freeze before tightly wrapping individually or storing in an airtight freezer bag. To reheat: allow the waffles to thaw completely, then microwave in increments of 45-60 seconds. Alternatively, pop a waffle in the toaster from frozen for a super quick and tasty treat.
Recipe notes
Make sure not to fill the waffle maker too much – or else you’ll end up with waffle mix all over the table-top. You could make two-tone waffles by keeping half of the batch plain with just vanilla flavoring and a half with matcha – then spooning both into the waffle machine for a swirled effect or use half and half. If you’re not wanting/needing a high-protein or gluten-free waffle recipe option, then you can use whole-wheat flour instead. You could also experiment with alternative gluten-free flour blends, though I can’t guarantee results as they will all soak up different amounts of liquid, etc. Feel free to adjust the amount of matcha to your liking. It has a strong flavor, so if it’s not something you use a lot, then start with a lower amount. I cooked my waffles on high because I’m impatient. Though, if you want really green waffles, then cook them slowly on a low temperature – that way, they won’t brown as much (if at all). Do a test waffle to figure out what time works best when cooking on low. The combination of quinoa flour and matcha powder is very earthy – almost with a savory flavor. So you may want to increase the amount of sugar in the recipe or reduce the amount of matcha.
Related recipes
Though I don’t have any other waffle recipe on the blog (yet), I do love a good pancake – so below are some pancake recipes you may like. Although I’m obsessed with matcha, I’ve surprisingly not let that love follow me into recipes – so let me know in the comments if you’d like to see more matcha recipes!
Protein Pancake Fluffy Japanese Style Pancakes Christmas Fluffy Gingerbread Pancakes
If you give this matcha protein waffles recipe a try, then let me know your thoughts and any questions in the comments. Also, feel free to tag me in your recreations @AlphaFoodie.
