Waffles are more than just breakfast in my house, they're a family tradition. Growing up, waffles were something my family enjoyed together, and now I've carried that tradition into my own home with "Waffle Sundays" with my husband, kids, and even the in-laws look forward to them! Not to mention, I'm sharing this recipe and more on Fox 13 The Place to celebrate National Waffle Day, August 24th, which is to honor the issuing of the first U.S. patent for a waffle iron in 1869. Thank you, Cornelius Swartwout!
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These Carrot Cake Waffle Dippers take my classic Belgian waffle recipe base and give it a fun, nutritious twist. I add finely grated carrots, ground flaxseed, and warm carrot-cake spices, then cut the waffles into sticks and toast them until they're crisp enough for dipping. Pair them with a creamy Greek yogurt cream cheese dip for a breakfast that feels like a treat while still bringing protein, fiber, and veggies to the table.
They're also perfect for little hands, making them a fun option for family breakfasts, brunches, or a make-ahead breakfast you can pull straight from the freezer.
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Tasty Highlights: Why You'll Love These
Key considerations for keeping healthy but maintaining integrity of the traditional form.
- Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside: These start with my Belgian waffle base, so you get those golden, crisp edges without a dense waffle.
- Classic carrot cake flavor: Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg give these waffles that cozy carrot cake taste.
- Naturally sweet: A small amount of maple syrup, plus the natural sweetness from the carrots, gives you plenty of flavor without making the waffles overly sweet.
- Perfect for dipping: Cutting the waffles into sticks and giving them a quick toast makes them extra crisp and fun to dunk.
- Kid-friendly: Waffle sticks are easy for little hands to grab, dip, and enjoy. Ok, maybe for adults too!
- That carrot-cake + cream-cheese combination: The Greek yogurt cream cheese dip gives you all the flavor you expect from carrot cake without needing a thick frosting. And each serving continues only 3 grams of sugar.
Nutritional Highlights
These aren't about making a "perfect" waffle. They're about adding a little more nutrition to a food you already love.
- Carrots: Finely grated carrots add beta-carotene, fiber, and natural sweetness.
- Ground flaxseed: Adds fiber and plant-based omega-3 ALA while keeping the classic waffle structure.
- Greek yogurt: Adds protein, with each waffle here having 7 grams each! The yogurt also helps create a tender, fluffy texture.
- Optional nuts: Walnuts or pecans add healthy unsaturated fats and a little crunch.
- Greek yogurt cream cheese dip: Using Greek yogurt as part of the dip adds protein while keeping the creamy, tangy flavor that pairs so well with carrot cake.
Topping Tips
My delicious, cinnamon, Greek yogurt, cream cheese dip (recipe below!) is my favorite way to serve these, but you can have fun with these fun toppings, too!
Try serving your waffle dippers with:
- Fresh berries
- Sliced banana
- Apple slices
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger
- Extra Greek yogurt
- A drizzle of maple syrup or honey
- 1-2 teaspoon of Drizzle Cinnamon Spiced Honey (or add this to Greek yogurt for an alternate dipper sauce option)
- Nut or seed butter
For a kid-friendly breakfast, put the waffle sticks and a few different dipping options on the table and let everyone choose their own combination.
For a family brunch, you can make a simple waffle dipping bar with the waffles, yogurt dip, fresh fruit, and seeds or nuts toppings.
Equipment
- Waffle iron, I use the 4 square Breville Smart Waffle™ Pro Waffle Maker this one for my family or larger groups. A splurge item and was fortunate to receive off of my wedding registry ("add to registry list") or you can use this mini waffle maker for individuals or simpler storage that is also budget friendly.
- Mini food processor, I have used the Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor for years! A tried and true that's smaller and easier to use, clean and store. It's perfect for recipes like this where you only need to make a smaller food mixture.
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 7 inch "mini" tongs, these are my favorites from Sur La Table, silicon-tipped, mini tongs
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer, another tried-and-true . I have an older version of this is my Kitchenaid, 7 speed, hand mixer which has lasted me for over 10 years and still going strong. My only regret was getting red!
- Optional (for dipping sauce container for kids) silicon baking cups
Ingredients
Method
- Carrot mixture instructions.
- Add and whisk dry ingredients: flour, ground flaxseed meal, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: melted butter, Greek yogurt, nonfat milk, maple syrup and vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until combined.
- Pour batter into waffle iron and cook until golden brown.
- I use mini tongs to help more carefully remove the waffles from the hot waffle iron.
- Dip into Carrot Cake Dipper Sauce or top with raisins and chopped walnuts or seeds.
Notes
Carrot Carrot Dipper Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Combine all ingredients.
- Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend at a medium speed until there is a smooth, even texture.
- Serve in a small dish to use as a cup for your carrot cake waffle dippers. For kid-friendly dipping, try using a silicon baking cups.
Notes
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the dipping sauce refrigerated separately.
Freezer: These waffles are perfect for freezing! Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. For easy grab-and-go breakfasts, freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer them to a bag once frozen.
To reheat: Pop frozen waffle sticks directly into the toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and crisp. You can also use an air fryer.
The dipping sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.
Watch Me Share These on FOX 13 The Place!
I'm sharing these Carrot Cake Waffle Dippers and more easy ways to add nutrition to waffles on my segment with FOX 13 The Place for National Waffle Day!
You'll see how I take my classic Belgian waffle recipe, give it a carrot-cake twist, and turn it into a fun, dippable breakfast the whole family can enjoy. I also share a waffle cube yogurt parfait and savory "open-faced" waffle egg sandwich option. I love using my pottery from Susan Gordon Pottery including the wavy bowls and blue blossom Chinoiserie bud vase to showcase these dishes.
Top Tips
Cooking for one? Use a mini waffle maker to save on kitchen storage space or when cooking for 1-2 people.
These are also great for busy moms when they may only have one hand available while helping the kids or baby.
FAQ
Absolutely! These are a great make-ahead breakfast. Cook the waffles, let them cool completely, cut them into sticks, and refrigerate or freeze them. Toast them when you're ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Serving Size 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories
- 197kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g
- 13%
- Saturated Fat 4.5g
- 23%
- Cholesterol 23mg
- 8%
- Sodium 380mg
- 16%
- Potassium 163mg
- 5%
- Total Carbohydrate 23g
- 8%
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- 8%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 7g
- 15%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these: Authentic Belgian Waffles
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