Carly’s Chocolate Oatmeal Waffles: A Decadent and Healthy Breakfast Treat

Are you ready to revolutionize your breakfast routine? Say goodbye to bland, boring mornings and hello to Carly’s Chocolate Oatmeal Waffles – a delightful fusion of rich chocolate flavor, wholesome oatmeal goodness, and irresistible waffle texture. These aren’t your average waffles; they’re a decadent yet surprisingly healthy treat that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized for the day ahead.

This recipe is inspired by my dear friend Carly, who is a nutritional coach and she’s always experimenting with healthier ways to enjoy our favorite comfort foods. She’s a true wizard in the kitchen, and these waffles are a testament to her culinary creativity.

## Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Oatmeal Waffles

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why these waffles are destined to become a breakfast staple in your household:

* **Deliciously Chocolatey:** The combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips delivers a rich, satisfying chocolate flavor that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
* **Wholesome and Healthy:** These waffles are packed with the goodness of oatmeal, providing fiber, complex carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. They’re also lower in sugar and fat than traditional waffles.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is incredibly simple and straightforward, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. You can whip up a batch in just minutes!
* **Customizable:** Feel free to experiment with different toppings, add-ins, and variations to create your own unique waffle masterpiece.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** These waffles freeze beautifully, making them ideal for meal prepping and busy weekday mornings. Simply pop them in the toaster or oven to reheat.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even the pickiest eaters will adore these chocolatey waffles. They’re a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients without sacrificing flavor.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to create these delectable chocolate oatmeal waffles:

* 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
* 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* 1 large egg
* 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
* 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or other oil)
* 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
* Cooking spray or oil for the waffle iron

**Ingredient Notes:**

* **Rolled Oats:** Rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, provide the best texture for these waffles. Avoid using instant oats, as they will result in a mushier consistency.
* **Milk:** You can use any type of milk you prefer, including dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Choose unsweetened varieties to control the sweetness of the waffles.
* **Cocoa Powder:** Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will provide a darker, more intense flavor.
* **Coconut Oil:** Melted coconut oil adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the waffles. You can substitute with any other oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted butter.
* **Maple Syrup:** Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the waffles. You can substitute with honey, agave nectar, or another sweetener of your choice.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended for that extra touch of chocolatey goodness. Use your favorite type of chocolate chips, such as semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate.

## Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the equipment you’ll need to make these chocolate oatmeal waffles:

* Waffle Iron
* Mixing Bowl
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Whisk or Fork
* Liquid Measuring Cup (optional)
* Ladle or Measuring Cup for Pouring Batter

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the waffles! Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create a batch of Carly’s Chocolate Oatmeal Waffles:

**Step 1: Prepare the Oatmeal Batter**

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and milk. Stir well and let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the oats to soften and absorb the milk. This will result in a softer, more tender waffle.

**Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients**

* After the oats have soaked, add the egg, cocoa powder, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the mixing bowl. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined. The batter should be relatively smooth, but it’s okay if there are still some small lumps of oats.

**Step 3: Fold in the Chocolate Chips (Optional)**

* If you’re using chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter until evenly distributed.

**Step 4: Preheat the Waffle Iron**

* Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most waffle irons have a light or indicator that signals when they are ready.

**Step 5: Grease the Waffle Iron**

* Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or oil to prevent the waffles from sticking. Be sure to coat both the top and bottom plates.

**Step 6: Pour the Batter onto the Waffle Iron**

* Pour the batter onto the preheated waffle iron, using a ladle or measuring cup. The amount of batter you need will depend on the size and shape of your waffle iron. Refer to your waffle iron’s instructions for guidance. Generally, you’ll want to fill the iron about 2/3 to 3/4 full, leaving some room for the batter to expand as it cooks.

**Step 7: Cook the Waffles**

* Close the waffle iron and cook the waffles according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most waffle irons take about 3-5 minutes to cook a waffle, but the exact time will vary depending on the model and your desired level of crispness.

**Step 8: Remove the Waffles and Serve**

* Once the waffles are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the waffle iron using a fork or spatula. Be careful not to scratch the non-stick surface of the waffle iron.
* Serve the waffles immediately with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or more maple syrup.

**Step 9: Repeat**

* Repeat steps 5-8 with the remaining batter, greasing the waffle iron before each batch.

## Tips for Perfect Chocolate Oatmeal Waffles

Here are a few tips to help you achieve waffle perfection every time:

* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the oats, resulting in tough waffles. Mix the ingredients just until combined.
* **Let the Batter Rest:** Letting the batter rest for 10-30 minutes allows the oats to soften and absorb the milk, resulting in a softer, more tender waffle.
* **Preheat the Waffle Iron Properly:** Make sure the waffle iron is fully preheated before adding the batter. This will ensure that the waffles cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
* **Don’t Open the Waffle Iron Too Soon:** Resist the urge to open the waffle iron before the waffles are fully cooked. Opening the iron too soon can cause the waffles to stick and tear.
* **Grease the Waffle Iron Generously:** Generously greasing the waffle iron will prevent the waffles from sticking and make them easier to remove.
* **Adjust Cooking Time as Needed:** The cooking time will vary depending on your waffle iron. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispness.
* **Keep Waffles Warm:** If you’re making a large batch of waffles, keep them warm in a preheated oven (200°F) while you cook the remaining batter.

## Serving Suggestions

These chocolate oatmeal waffles are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with your favorite toppings. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Fresh Fruit:** Top the waffles with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or peaches.
* **Whipped Cream:** Add a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of decadence.
* **Chocolate Sauce:** Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.
* **Maple Syrup:** Classic and always delicious.
* **Peanut Butter:** A surprisingly delicious pairing with chocolate.
* **Nuts:** Sprinkle with chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
* **Coconut Flakes:** Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
* **Ice Cream:** For a truly decadent treat, top the waffles with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

## Variations

Get creative and experiment with different variations of these chocolate oatmeal waffles:

* **Banana Chocolate Oatmeal Waffles:** Add a mashed banana to the batter for extra sweetness and moisture.
* **Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Waffles:** Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the batter for a delicious peanut butter flavor.
* **Cinnamon Chocolate Oatmeal Waffles:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor.
* **Espresso Chocolate Oatmeal Waffles:** Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a coffee-infused flavor.
* **Vegan Chocolate Oatmeal Waffles:** Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use non-dairy milk.

## Storage Instructions

**Refrigerating:**

* Allow the waffles to cool completely.
* Store the waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

**Freezing:**

* Allow the waffles to cool completely.
* Place the waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
* Freeze for 1-2 hours, or until the waffles are frozen solid.
* Transfer the frozen waffles to a freezer-safe bag or container.
* Store the waffles in the freezer for up to 2 months.

**Reheating:**

* **Toaster:** Toast the waffles in a toaster until heated through and crispy.
* **Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the waffles on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Microwave the waffles for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Be aware that microwaving can make the waffles slightly soggy.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

* Calories: 250-300 per waffle
* Protein: 8-10 grams
* Fat: 10-12 grams
* Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams
* Sugar: 10-15 grams

## Carly’s Secret Ingredient

Carly’s secret to making these waffles extra special is a dash of vanilla extract. It enhances the other flavors and adds a touch of warmth and sophistication. Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for an extra boost of flavor.

## Conclusion

Carly’s Chocolate Oatmeal Waffles are a delicious and healthy way to start your day. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prepping. So, ditch the boring breakfast and embrace the chocolatey goodness of these waffles. Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!

Enjoy!