Best Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Waffles: Fluffy, Crispy & Freezer-Friendly
Imagine starting your day with a warm, golden waffle that’s not only delightfully crisp on the edges but also wonderfully light and fluffy inside. These old-fashioned oatmeal waffles are precisely that and more! Crafted with wholesome buttermilk and hearty old-fashioned oats, then perfectly spiced with a comforting blend of cinnamon and vanilla, they offer an incredible multigrain texture and a taste that evokes cherished memories. Beyond their deliciousness, they are a fantastic freezer-friendly breakfast option, allowing you to prepare a batch once and savor them effortlessly for days or even weeks. Say goodbye to rushed mornings and hello to gourmet breakfast convenience!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Oatmeal Waffles
If you or your family find plain oatmeal a bit… well, plain, then prepare to have your minds changed! These homemade oatmeal waffles are a revelation. They take the wholesome goodness of oats and transform it into an exciting, satisfying breakfast experience. The unique combination of buttermilk and old-fashioned oats creates a texture that’s both hearty and surprisingly delicate, with a delightful chewiness from the oats and those irresistible crispy edges that only a waffle iron can deliver.
What makes these waffles truly special is their depth of flavor. The buttermilk adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and provides incredible tenderness, while cinnamon and vanilla infuse every bite with warmth and comfort. They’re not just tasty; they offer a nutritious start to your day, packed with fiber from the oats. Plus, seeing the joy on your kids’ faces as they devour these “fancy” waffles, completely forgetting their usual disdain for oatmeal, is a reward in itself!
More Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Recipes to Make Your Mornings Easier
Embracing the freezer-friendly lifestyle is a game-changer for busy households. By prepping breakfast ahead of time, you can reclaim precious morning minutes without sacrificing a delicious, homemade meal. If you love the idea of making breakfast once and enjoying it throughout the week, here are a few other fantastic recipes to add to your rotation:
- Banana Walnut Pancakes: Fluffy and flavorful, perfect for a quick reheat.
- Lemon Blueberry Bread with Buttermilk Glaze: A zesty and sweet option that slices beautifully from frozen.
- Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits: Warm, spiced, and ideal for a grab-and-go breakfast.
These recipes, like our oatmeal waffles, prove that convenience doesn’t mean compromising on taste or nutrition. Imagine the joy of having a wholesome breakfast ready in minutes, allowing you more time to savor your coffee or get a head start on your day.
The Secret to Effortless Waffles: A Quality Waffle Iron
My waffle iron is one of the most frequently used appliances in my kitchen, and for good reason! It makes preparing large batches of waffles for freezing incredibly easy. What I particularly love about my model is that the plates are removable. This feature is an absolute game-changer for cleaning – no more awkward scrubbing in tight corners! I can simply pop the plates into the dishwasher, making cleanup a breeze. If you’re a fellow waffle enthusiast and enjoy making them at home, I wholeheartedly recommend investing in a waffle iron with removable plates. It transforms a potentially messy task into a quick and simple one, encouraging you to make these delightful breakfast treats more often.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Waffles Step by Step:
Creating these perfect oatmeal waffles is simpler than you might think. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve that ideal balance of crispy and fluffy:
1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, old fashioned oats, baking powder, cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Whisking ensures all ingredients are evenly distributed, which is key for a consistent rise and flavor in your waffles.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. This ensures they are fully incorporated before mixing with the dry ingredients, preventing overmixing later.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the wet ingredients to the oat mixture, making sure to stir it until it’s just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly normal and actually help ensure a tender waffle. Overmixing can lead to tough waffles.
4. Preheat and Portion: Preheat your waffle maker and spray the plates generously with a nonstick oil-based spray. I find that using a measuring cup to portion out the batter helps prevent overfilling and ensures all my waffles are consistently sized and cooked. Remember that the ideal amount of batter will vary based on your specific waffle maker model.
5. Cook and Serve: Cook the waffles according to your waffle maker’s instructions (usually until the steam stops and they are golden brown). Carefully remove them with a fork to avoid damaging the nonstick surface. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, or let them cool for freezing.
Please note: This recipe specifically calls for old-fashioned oats. These oats provide a wonderful, chewy texture and a distinct “multigrain” feel to the finished waffles. While you can substitute quick oats or even oat flour for a finer texture, be aware that you might need to slightly reduce the amount of buttermilk to achieve the correct batter consistency, as finer oats absorb less liquid. However, for the authentic old-fashioned experience, stick with the traditional rolled oats!
Customizing Your Oatmeal Waffles
One of the best things about homemade waffles is the endless possibilities for customization! While these oatmeal waffles are fantastic on their own, don’t hesitate to experiment:
- Add-ins: Stir in a handful of fresh blueberries, diced apples, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) directly into the batter before cooking.
- Spices: For a different flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a touch of pumpkin pie spice blend.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond the classic maple syrup, try topping your waffles with fresh fruit, homemade berry compote, a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even some whipped cream for a special treat. For a savory twist, a fried egg and a slice of bacon can transform them into a hearty brunch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While buttermilk is highly recommended for these waffles due to its unique ability to react with the baking powder, tenderize the batter, and add a subtle tangy flavor, you do have alternatives. For the best results in terms of both texture and taste, genuine buttermilk is ideal. However, if you don’t have any on hand, you can create a simple substitute: add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest with regular milk (dairy or non-dairy) until it reaches 1 ¾ cups. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles. While this will provide the necessary acidity, the flavor may be slightly different from true buttermilk.
Absolutely! While waffles are undeniably at their peak right off the waffle iron, these oatmeal waffles reheat beautifully, making them an excellent choice for meal prep. You can cook a large batch, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you have a few options: for a large batch, spread them on a sheet pan and warm them in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) until heated through and crisp again. For a quick single serving, a toaster or toaster oven works wonders, bringing back that desirable crispness.
This oatmeal waffle recipe is truly spectacular for making ahead of time and freezing, saving you countless minutes on busy mornings. To freeze them, first ensure the freshly cooked waffles have cooled completely on a wire rack – this is crucial to prevent ice crystals and sogginess. Once fully cool, place the waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe Ziploc bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking. They can be stored in the freezer for several weeks. When you’re ready to enjoy them, I like to place mine in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to thaw them slightly, before popping them into the toaster. This two-step reheating often results in a perfectly warmed interior and a wonderfully crisp exterior, sometimes even crisper than fresh!
No, steel-cut oats will not work in this recipe. Steel-cut oats are much less processed and require a significantly longer cooking time and more liquid to soften properly, which is incompatible with the quick cooking nature of waffles. Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture and results.
This particular recipe is not inherently gluten-free, as it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can easily adapt it! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum for structure) and use certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Tips for Making Perfect Waffles Every Time!
Achieving consistently perfect waffles isn’t just about the recipe; it’s also about technique. Here are my top tips to ensure your oatmeal waffles turn out golden, crisp, and delicious with every batch:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is perhaps the most critical rule for tender waffles. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix them until they are just barely combined. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and even desirable; overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, chewy waffles instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Check Your Baking Powder’s Freshness: Baking powder is the leavening agent responsible for the beautiful rise and lightness of your waffles. If your baking powder is expired or stale, your waffles will turn out flat and dense. To test its freshness, simply add a teaspoon to a small bowl of hot water; if it fizzes vigorously, it’s good to go!
- Properly Prepare Your Waffle Iron: Always preheat your waffle iron thoroughly before adding any batter. Most irons have an indicator light to signal when they’re ready. More importantly, spray the plates liberally with a nonstick oil-based spray (like avocado or canola oil spray) before each waffle, especially if you don’t have removable nonstick plates. This prevents sticking and ensures those coveted crispy edges.
- Learn Your Waffle Maker: Every waffle maker is slightly different. The first time you use a new machine or a new recipe, you might need to go through a few test waffles to find the perfect level of doneness for your preference. Some like them lightly golden, while I prefer mine extra crisp and deeply golden brown. Pay attention to the steam release – often, when the steam significantly subsides, your waffle is nearly done.
- Cool Waffles Properly Before Freezing: If you’re making a batch for the freezer, allow the waffles to cool completely on a wire rack before packaging them. Stacking warm waffles will trap steam, making them soggy when thawed. Once cool, flash-freeze them on a baking sheet for about an hour before transferring them to a freezer bag to prevent them from sticking together.
Old Fashioned Oatmeal Waffles (Freezer Friendly)
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 4 Tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
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Add the wet ingredients to the oat mixture, stirring gently until just combined. The batter will be thick, and some lumps are perfectly normal. Avoid overmixing.
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Preheat your waffle maker. Once hot, spray the plates with a nonstick oil-based spray. Using a measuring cup, pour the appropriate amount of batter (which varies by machine) onto the center of the waffle maker plates, ensuring not to overfill.
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Cook according to your waffle maker’s guidelines (typically until golden brown and steam subsides), then carefully remove the waffle with a fork and transfer to a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Notes
Steel Cut Oats will not work in this recipe. They require a much longer cooking time and more liquid than can be accommodated in a waffle batter.
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Nutrition
Calories: 367kcal |
Carbohydrates: 50g |
Protein: 11g |
Fat: 13g |
Saturated Fat: 7g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g |
Cholesterol: 102mg |
Sodium: 665mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 10g
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