Chocolate Protein Waffles With No Protein Powder (16g Protein!)

January 4, 2024

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Get a recipe for Chocolate Protein Waffles made with simple ingredients (and no protein powder). They’re packed with 16 grams of protein per serving.

Want the protein of a plate of eggs–with the fun of a plate of waffles?

A serving of these Chocolate Protein Waffles packs 16 grams of protein (more than two eggs) and less sugar than most waffles.

They’re my current breakfast staple–and they’re kid-friendly too. Let’s make a batch!

Ingredients for Chocolate Protein Waffles on a counter: maple syrup, chocolate chips, cottage cheese, cocoa, vanilla, oats, and eggs

Waffle ingredients

Oats: You can use quick oats or old-fashioned. If you’re gluten-free, be sure you buy oats labeled “gluten-free”
Eggs: Use large eggs for this recipe. Use the whole egg, not just the egg whites.
Cottage cheese: You can use any kind. I used low-fat cottage cheese.
Cocoa powder: Baking cocoa, not the prepared kind you drink!
Maple syrup: I prefer “pure” or “real” maple syrup with just one ingredient (maple syrup)
Vanilla extract: Use real or imitation.
Salt: You’ll need just a pinch.
Mini chocolate chips: You can use regular-sized chocolate chips too

Tip: These waffles are great for meal prep: Make a batch (or double batch) on the weekend and have waffles all week.

Equipment you need to make Chocolate Protein Waffles

Two pictures side by side showing a blender with ingredients for chocolate waffles, then a photo of the ingredients blended into a batter.

How to make this Chocolate Protein Waffle recipe

Place eggs, cottage cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla in a blender (in that order–starting with liquid ingredients and ending with oats) and blend until smooth.

Add mini chocolate chips and pulse for a couple more seconds.

While the batter rests, spray waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray and preheat it.

Portion the batter into the hot waffle iron (in my iron, I used a bit less than 1/2 cup per waffle) and cook until waffles are ready.

Serve warm with maple syrup, yogurt, peanut butter, or your favorite toppings. I also like eating them cold right from the fridge!

A plate of Chocolate Waffles on a counter with a glass of milk and a bottle of syrup

Questions about Chocolate Protein Waffles

How many waffles are in a serving?

No matter what you’re eating, you should always eat the portion that feels best for you. But I calculated the nutrition information based on a serving of two waffles.

How much protein do these waffles contain?

Using my waffle maker, I got 8 waffles per batch. The protein content of a two-waffle serving is 16 grams of protein.

What makes these chocolate waffles rich in protein?

Eggs and cottage cheese are both high in protein, and oats are a source of plant-based protein.

Do these waffles taste like cottage cheese?

No. If you’re not usually a fan of cottage cheese, please note that these waffles do NOT have a strong cottage cheese flavor. And because you mix the batter in a blender, the waffles don’t have the texture of cottage cheese either.

What can I serve with these protein waffles?

Serve these waffles with toppings like Greek yogurt, nut butter, or syrup. They’re also nice with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas.

How should I store leftover waffles?

Place waffles in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm them in a toaster oven or microwave.

Are these high protein waffles gluten-free?

Yes, if you make them with oats labeled “gluten-free”. Oats don’t naturally contain gluten, but can get cross-contaminated in a facility if they also produce gluten-containing foods.

Are these keto waffles?

No. These waffles contain oats, maple syrup, and chocolate chips–all of which are frowned upon for the keto diet.

Is this a low carb waffle?

No. Each waffle contains 14 grams of carbohydrates.

What’s so bad about protein powder?

A lot of protein waffle recipes call for protein powder. There’s nothing wrong with protein powder, but it tends to be pricey and can contain a lot of additional ingredients like artificial sweeteners.

How are these different from traditional waffles?

Most waffle recipes have dry ingredients like flour and baking powder. This recipe uses oats in place of flour and does not call for any leavening. If you’re looking for other homemade waffles, here’s my Healthy Waffle recipe that uses whole wheat flour and ground flaxseed.

What’s the right amount of protein intake?

Most people do not have protein deficiency. But protein is important. It makes meals and snacks filling, it helps our bodies build and keep muscle, and is key for making hormones, enzymes, and energy.

The best way to consume protein is to spread it out throughout the day. The RDA, which is just the minimum needed for health, is 46g per day for women, 56 for men (here’s how much protein kids need). Pregnancy and being active both boost your protein needs. We also need extra protein as we age to prevent muscle loss.

A good rule of thumb is to aim for 20 grams of protein per meal (and get protein at snacks too). Two Protein Waffles plus a cup of milk or 1/2 cup yogurt would give you nearly 25 grams. Get more ideas here: Easy & Health Protein-Rich Snacks

A college of protein snacks like eggs, cereal, soy nuts, pistachios, hummus, and trail mix

Recipe card for Chocolate Waffles