These chocolate oat flour waffles are light and fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside and guaranteed to be a hit at the breakfast table! They're also gluten-free, and dairy-free. All you need is 10 ingredients and 1 bowl to prepare this easy waffle batter. Serve with my Canadian Bacon Egg Muffins or Denver Tot Savory Breakfast Bowl for a hearty, healthy breakfast!

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Why This Recipe Works
- Oat flour is one of the easiest, best gluten-free flours to use in gluten-free baking because you can make it yourself in a matter of seconds. No complicated blends or expensive flours necessary. If you are out of oat flour or can't make your own at home, try my Vegan Banana Oatmeal Pancakes made with rolled oats!
- Healthy, wholesome ingredients yet still tasty enough for the kids to ask for seconds.
- Quick and easy - have this waffle batter in the waffle iron in less than 10 minutes!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- oat flour - Not all oats are certified gluten-free so if you are celiac or avoiding gluten, be sure to check that the oat flour you are buying is gluten-free certified. I recommend making your own gluten-free oat flour at home by blending old fashioned rolled oats into a powder in a high powdered blender or food processor. I recommend the brand Bob's Red Mill.
- .cocoa powder - Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder to achieve the perfect, rich chocolate taste. Sweetened cocoa powders will make these waffles overly sweet and is not recommended.
- milk - If dairy free, I recommend using almond milk or coconut milk, but you can use any milk you have on hand.
- baking powder/baking soda - Necessary to making a light and fluffy waffle batter! For the lightest tasting waffles, it is imperative that you use both baking powder and baking soda in the waffle batter.
- eggs - Whisked eggs help make gluten-free waffles crispy on the outside and provides structure to keep the waffles light and fluffy. I have not tested these waffles with a vegan egg substitute so I cannot recommend one.
- oil - I like to use a light tasting olive oil in my waffle batter, but you can also use any neutral tasting oil like avocado. I don't recommend using melted coconut oil in this waffle batter because it will harden once mixed with the cold ingredients in the batter and will make your waffles oily.
Step by Step Instructions for Oat Flour Waffles
- Preheat your waffle iron for at least 5-10 minutes prior to using. It is important to note that not all waffle makers are made the same. Some may run hotter than others, or may need to be sprayed liberally to prevent the batter from sticking. I own a waffle iron that has heat settings 1 through 5, with 5 being the hottest option.
I recommend preheating your waffle iron to the midrange of about 3, but again if you know your waffle iron runs on the very hot side, you may want to use a slightly lower setting to prevent cooking the outside of your waffles too quickly. - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Add the whisked eggs, vanilla, milk of choice and oil to the dry ingredients and gently stir until a smooth waffle batter forms.
- Add about a ½ cup of batter to the waffle iron, and cook the oatmeal waffles according to your waffle iron instructions. These chocolate oat waffles should be crispy and golden and completely cooked through.
- Serve immediately while hot with desired toppings.
Topping Ideas
Making homemade waffles has many benefits. You control what ingredients go in to your waffle batter, they're simple to make, lighter and crispier than any store-bought waffle, and you can alter them to your liking.
Switch up the flavor every time by changing the toppings. Here are a few ideas, but the options are endless!
- fresh fruit like sliced bananas, sliced strawberries, or blueberries
- classic butter and maple syrup
- warm cinnamon apples
- whipped cream and chocolate chips
- peanut butter and sliced bananas
- toasted pecans and maple syrup
FAQ
Why are my waffles soggy?
Your waffle iron was not hot enough. It needs to hot enough to create a crispy exterior.
Why are my waffles not cooked in the middle?
This is generally caused by your waffle iron being too hot. If your waffle iron is too hot, it is going to cook the outside of the waffle very quickly while not cooking through in the middle.
Are waffles healthy?
Not all waffles are made equal, but these waffles are healthy! They're low in sugar, and are gluten-free.
Can you freeze oat flour waffles?
Yes, homemade gluten-free waffles freeze very well, including this chocolate version! Allow the waffles to cool completely on a wire rack, then transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container, separating each waffle with a piece of parchment paper. Then, reheat until warmed through in a toaster or toaster oven.
Expert tips
- Make sure to preheat your waffle iron. You want it nice and hot before adding any batter or your waffles will steam, as opposed to get crispy on the exterior.
- Use light olive oil. Virgin olive oil is going to have a strong taste that is not recommended in this recipe!
- If your cocoa powder is clumpy, I recommend sifting it in the batter. This will make it easier to mix in and prevent over mixing.
More chocolate breakfast recipes
PrintRecipe
Easy Chocolate Oat Flour Waffles
- Total Time: 9 minutes
- Yield: 3 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy chocolate oat flour waffles that can be made in one bowl! These gluten-free and dairy-free waffles are quick to make and hit the spot!
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cup of gluten-free oat flour (spoon and level method)
- ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons of coconut or cane sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- ¾ cup of milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla
- 2 tablespoons of light tasting olive oil
- ½ cup of chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat waffle iron on medium heat. My waffle iron is numbered 1-5 and I used level 3.
- In a large bowl add your dry ingredients- oat flour, cocoa, salt, baking soda, baking powder, sugar. Whisk until well combined. Add the wet ingredients- whisked eggs, vanilla, milk, oil. Stir until smooth and mixed well.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- To preheated waffle iron, add ½ cup of waffle batter and cook according to your waffle maker instructions until golden and cooked through.
- Serve topped with your favorite toppings- whipped cream, chocolate chips, syrup, peanut butter are a few suggestions
Notes
- Be sure to use light-tasting olive oil or your preferred cooking oil. Extra virgin olive oil will have a funny taste.
- I like Bob's Red Mill Oat Flour
- I typically make these dairy-free for our family using coconut or almond milk and allergy friendly chocolate chips.
- Cook time will vary for each waffle maker.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 4
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Maker
Katie
This is such a yummy treat to make on the weekends for breakfast!
★★★★★
Tracey
DEEEE-licious!! I made these with 1TBSP less sugar, 1/2 the amount of chocolate chips, and I actually used olive oil (that’s what I use in almost everything!) and they were a total hit. I even snuck in a little (maybe a tablespoon or 2) of ground flax. Made 2 extra batches to have some to keep in the freezer for quick snacks - much healthier than Oreos!
★★★★★
Loren
So glad to hear this Tracey! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!