Simply Nutritious Banana Spelt Waffles for Babies
The next time you’ve got bandwidth for making a quick breakfast from scratch, try these baby-friendly, dairy-free, Simply Nutritious Banana Spelt Waffles! Truth be told, they work well during baby-led weaning, but they’re a great, nutrient-dense option for kids and adults as well, and serve as a healthy breakfast the entire family can enjoy together.
These waffles are packed with the essential components you are looking for in a breakfast—fiber, healthy fats, and protein. Kid-approved and tested by even the pickiest of eaters, they do not disappoint! Sweetened only with banana, they also keep within AAP guidelines to avoid added sugars in babies under the age of two, so if your baby has started solids and you’re looking for some baby food ideas for baby-led feeding, you won’t have to worry about the added sugars here. They taste great on their own with or without maple syrup.
Consider getting creative with toppings for some added balance, flavor, and a nutrient boost! Maple syrup is of course a favorite with my kids, but to keep added sugars low, we’ve also enjoyed a combination of:
smashed raspberries and creme fraiche
steamed pineapple bits mixed with cream cheese and a dash of cinnamon
mashed avocado sprinkled with hemp hearts (waffles don’t always have to taste sweet!)
sliced bananas with a dusting of cinnamon
The above topping combinations are great for kids as well as babies from about 6 months of age who are showing the developmental signs of readiness for solid foods.
If you are unfamiliar with spelt flour, it’s a great alternative to white flour in that it has a light, airy texture and works well in baked products like waffles, but it’s a whole grain option that is higher in protein and fiber and lends a deeper nutty flavor and sweetness to foods. Spelt flour does contain gluten, so if you have celiac disease, an allergy to wheat, or a gluten intolerance, use a gluten-free alternative like buckwheat, sorghum, or almond flour. If your baby is at risk for celiac disease, check out this blog by guest author and head of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Yale University, Dr. Anthony Porto, entitled, “Should We Feed Gluten to Babies at Risk for Celiac Disease.”
If you make these baby-friendly, dairy-free Simply Nutritious Banana Spelt Waffles, leave a comment and let me know what you think. Or, tag me on Instagram.
Enjoy!
If you enjoy this recipe, I would be so grateful if you would rate it and leave a comment! The star ratings help more people find my recipes and articles. Thank you!
______
Simply Nutritious Banana Spelt Waffles for Babies
Simply Nutritious Banana Spelt Waffles for Babies
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (if frozen, strain liquid)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup (250ml) oat milk
- ¼ cup (25g) rolled oats (ground)
- 1 cup (70g) spelt flour
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds (use a clean coffee grinder if your flax is whole)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- (small pinch of salt, omit if serving to an infant under 12 months)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium-size bowl mix the flour, oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder together.
- In a separate, larger bowl, mash the bananas. Add the egg and stir just until combined. Add the oat milk and stir until mixed. Add vanilla or almond extract (if using).
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet and gently stir until just combined. The batter should be cake-like in texture. It will be thick, not runny, but pourable. If the batter is too runny, add a little more spelt flour.
- Preheat waffle iron. Once iron is ready, spray with cooking spray or paint with butter (not all waffle machines require this).
- Add approximately 1 cup of batter to the waffle iron (adjust based on the size of your waffle iron) and cook according to manufacturer instructions (mine took 4-5 minutes).
- Remove and cool on a cooling rack for a few minutes until waffles are at a safe temperature to serve and eat. Top with desired toppings. Repeat until the batter is completely cooked.
Notes
- Waffles will keep for up to 3 days in in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer when kept in an air-tight container. When ready to eat, gently reheat in a toaster oven for best results.
- If you don’t have a waffle iron, don’t worry! Almost any waffle recipe can be turned into a pancake - simply use a griddle or a pan.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
261Fat
5Sat. Fat
1Carbs
46Fiber
8Net carbs
39Sugar
12Protein
8Sodium
153Cholesterol
41
