These naturally sweet red lentil waffles are crisp, cozy, filling, and made without flour or protein powder. I know lentils in waffles sounds a little surprising… but trust me, these are so satisfying!
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Here’s the little video for my Naturally Sweet Lentil Waffles, made with red lentils, dates, cinnamon, and all the cozy breakfast stuff. Take a look below, and if you enjoy it, like the video and subscribe for more easy breakfast recipes.
Why you’ll love these lentil waffles
I’m obsessed with this red lentil waffles recipes that take simple ingredients and turn them into something you actually get excited to eat. These sweet lentil waffles do exactly that.
They are made with red lentils, milk, dates, cinnamon, vanilla, and a little baking powder. Nothing fancy. Nothing complicated. Just a blender, a waffle maker, and a little overnight soaking.
The best part? They taste like a cozy breakfast waffle, but they are naturally sweet and packed with protein. How can you not love that?!
Texture and flavor
These lentil waffles come out crisp on the outside, with a soft and hearty middle. They are not light and airy like a regular flour waffle, because red lentils make them more filling and a little chewy.
The flavor is warm and sweet from the dates, cinnamon, and vanilla. You do not really taste “lentils” in a strong way, which is honestly kind of amazing. I love them with strawberries, jam, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Did You Know: Red lentils soften beautifully after soaking, which is why they blend into a thick waffle batter without needing flour.
Sweet lentil waffles ingredients
This recipe makes about 2 small waffles, depending on the size of your waffle maker.
For the lentil waffle batter:
• 1 cup of rinsed red lentils (about 190 g)
• 1 and 1/3 cups of milk (about 320 ml)
• 2 to 4 pitted dates (about 25 to 60 g)
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder (about 8 g)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (about 5 ml)
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (about 2 to 3 g)
• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (about 5 ml)
• 1 pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds (about 20 g)
Note: Use 2 dates if you want the waffles lightly sweet. Use 4 dates if you want them sweeter, especially if you are not adding much syrup or jam on top.
Equipment you’ll need
• Bowl or container with a lid
• Blender or food processor
• Waffle maker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing
How to make lentil waffles
Step 1: Soak the lentils
Take 1 cup of rinsed red lentils and add them to a bowl or container. Pour in 1 and 1/3 cups of milk and give everything a good stir, making sure the lentils are covered.
Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge overnight. The next day, the lentils should look softer and much thicker because they will soak up most of the milk.
Top Tip: Do not rush the soaking time. The overnight soak helps the lentils soften enough to blend into a smoother batter, which gives you a much better waffle texture.
Step 2: Add everything to the blender
Place the soaked lentil mixture in a blender or food processor. Add 2 to 4 pitted dates, depending on how sweet you want the waffles.
Then add 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds.
Step 3: Blend the batter
Blend the lentil mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes, until it looks smooth and thick, with no big pieces of lentils or dates left.
The batter should look like a very thick pancake batter. If anything gets stuck on the sides of the blender, stop, scrape it down, and blend again for a few more seconds.
Step 4: Heat the waffle maker
Preheat your waffle maker until it is hot, and lightly grease it to keep the batter from sticking. This helps the waffle come out crisp and makes it easier to lift out when it is done.
If you are using a cute heart-shaped waffle maker, this is where it gets sooo cute!!
Step 5: Cook the waffles
Scoop the waffle batter into the hot waffle maker and spread it out gently if needed. Close the lid and cook for about 10 minutes, until the waffle looks golden and crisp, lifts out easily, and your kitchen smells absolutely amazing.
Top Tip: Wait until the waffle releases easily before lifting it out. If it sticks or feels too soft, close the lid and give it another minute. Lentil waffles need a little patience, but the crisp finish is worth it.
Related Recipe: If you like making delicious snacks with lentils, then you definitely want to check out these easy homemade lentil crackers next here.
Easy Naturally Sweet Lentil Waffles
These sweet red lentil waffles are packed with protein and naturally sweetened with cinnamon and dates. They make a wholesome breakfast that is both filling and delicious.
2
servings5
minutes10
minutes440
kcal1
hour10
minutesIngredients
1 cup 1 (200 g) red lentils
1 1/3 cups 1 1/3 (320 ml) milk or other plant milk
2 to 4 dates 2 to 4 (40 g) pitted dates
2 teaspoons 2 (8 g) baking powder
1 teaspoon 1 (5 ml) vanilla extract
1 teaspoon 1 (3 g) cinnamon
1 teaspoon 1 (10 ml) apple cider vinegar
big pinch g big pinch (1 g) salt
2 tablespoons 2 (20 g) hemp hearts/hemp seeds
spray as needed spray cooking oil spray
Directions
- Rinse lentils and place them in a bowl.
- Add milk and stir to cover the lentils.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Blend the soaked lentil mixture until smooth.
- Add dates, baking powder, vanilla, cinnamon, vinegar, salt, and hemp seeds.
- Blend until smooth and thick.
- Let batter sit while preheating the waffle iron.
- Preheat the waffle iron and grease it lightly.
- Pour batter into waffle iron, close lid, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove waffles when golden and crisp.
Equipment
Waffle Maker Check it out on Amazon here
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use Red Lentils: Red lentils soften and blend smoothly into a waffle batter. Brown or green lentils can leave a stronger lentil taste and a rougher texture.
- Choose Your Milk: You can use regular milk or your favorite plant milk. Soy milk is a good choice when you want to keep the waffles dairy-free and add a little more protein.
- Plan The Soak Ahead: Soak the lentils in the milk overnight for the smoothest batter. If you are short on time, soak them for at least 6 hours before blending.
- Keep Batter Amount Controlled: Small waffle makers fill up quickly, so start with less batter than you think you need. Spread it gently toward the edges, then close the lid, so the batter does not spill out as it cooks.
- Know When They Are Done: Do not rely only on the waffle maker light, because this batter often needs longer than regular waffle batter. The waffle is ready when it looks golden, the steam has slowed down, and the lid opens without pulling at the waffle.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 2
- Calories: 440kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Protein: 32g
Serving ideas
These sweet lentil waffles are so good with fresh strawberries and a little jam. I also love them with maple syrup, sliced banana, or a spoonful of yogurt.
For a cozy breakfast plate, add fruit on the side and a hot coffee. Simple, filling, and super delicious.
Storage and reheating
Let the waffles cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, pop them back into the waffle maker or toaster until warm and crisp again. The microwave works if you are in a hurry, but the outside will be softer.
Easy swaps
You can use dairy milk or your favorite plant milk. Soy milk is a great choice if you want a little extra protein, but any milk you like should work.
You can also adjust the dates based on your taste. I like 3 or 4 when I want a sweeter breakfast waffle, especially if I am eating it plain.
More breakfast recipes
If you love these naturally sweet lentil waffles, check out more easy breakfast recipes below.
- Best Fluffy Almond Flour Pancakes – These almond flour pancakes are light, fluffy, and naturally gluten-free, making them a delicious breakfast for any day of the week.
- Oat Cake for Breakfast – A simple and wholesome oat cake that is filling, naturally sweet, and perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack.
- Easiest Breakfast Oat Bars – These easy oat bars are great for busy mornings, with a soft, chewy texture and plenty of wholesome ingredients to keep you satisfied.
And please leave a comment or question about these lentil waffles in the comment section below or in the YouTube video comments. I try to respond to all comments and questions!