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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Healthier Waffles With Warm Spiced Apples

    First Published: October 14, 2021 . Last Modified: February 23, 2023 lisa33 Comments This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe

    Healthier waffles with apples are the perfect holiday breakfast. Learn how to lighten up the apple topping for waffles and make it in advance so you can spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen. You'll savor this healthy buttermilk waffle recipe on Christmas morning.

    Healthier Waffles with apple topping

    The holidays are the perfect time for a big breakfast. Christmas morning is spent with family in new pajamas, opening some gifts and enjoying a nice lazy breakfast together. 

    I typically make one savory egg dish and one sweet dish. My family loves waffles and my son cannot get enough of them.  But with all the cookies and holiday sweets, I wanted to serve something a bit healthier so I lightened up our favorite buttermilk waffle recipe.

    These buttermilk waffles with apples are still a treat but not as high calorie as some waffles can be. We indulge often during the holidays so it is nice to know we can enjoy a breakfast that has some nutritional value too.

    Ingredients

    •  all-purpose flour
    • white whole wheat flour
    • baking powder
    • baking soda
    • salt
    • low fat buttermilk
    • canola oil
    •  large eggs beaten
    • unsweetened applesauce
    • cooking spray
    • butter
    • sliced apples
    • pumpkin pie spice
    • Maple syrup 
    • whipped cream, for garnish

    Steps to Making Buttermilk Waffles

    1. Mix the dry ingredients in a medium size bowl.
    2. Combine buttermilk, oil, eggs and applesauce, stirring with a whisk.
    3. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture, stirring until blended.
    4. Preheat a waffle iron. Coat iron with cooking spray. Spoon about ⅓ cup batter per waffle onto hot waffle iron (or appropriate amount depending on your waffle maker) , spreading batter to edges. Cook for a few minutes or until steaming stops; repeat procedure with remaining batter.
    5. To make warm apples, melt butter on medium heat in a large non stick skillet. Add apples to the pan and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice. Cook on low for about 8 minutes or until apples are soft but still hold their shape. Add syrup and mix well. Heat for another minute or two or until mixture is bubbling.
    6. Serve the waffles with the warm apples and topped with more syrup and whipped cream if desired.

    Tips to keeping this Apple Waffle Recipe Healthy

    1. This buttermilk waffles recipe contains maple syrup in both the waffles and apple topping. If you want to cut out some more sugar, you can substitute sugar free syrup.
    2. If you prefer a natural sugar, use real maple syrup.
    3. Low fat buttermilk adds great flavor and lift to these waffles with less calories that whole buttermilk. Nonfat buttermilk would also be an acceptable substitute.
    4. The maple syrup adds plenty of sweetness so I opted for unsweetened apple sauce to make the waffles light without the extra fat.
    5. I like to get in some whole grains when I can so I added some white whole wheat flour to the batter.
    6. You can also increase the nutritional value when you leave the skin on the apples. It adds color and they say the skin is the most healthy part of the fruit. And it saves some time not having to peel the apples.
    Healthier apple topping for waffles cooking in a skillet.

    Easy Recipe Prep

    Holiday mornings are usually busy and I like to take shortcuts wherever I can. These healthier waffles are an easy meal to make because both the batter and warm apples can be made the night before.

    Prepare the batter and store it in a jar or covered bowl overnight. Cook the apple topping for waffles in advance and it can be quickly reheated in the microwave just before serving.

    warm spiced apples in a pan for topping a buttermilk waffle recipe

    Apple Topping for Waffles

    The apple topping is what really makes this waffle recipe special. Pumpkin pie spice and a splash of syrup is added after they are sautéed giving them a touch of sweetness and that warm spice flavor that goes hand in hand with the holidays.

    While my family loves these apples on waffles, they are also good on French toast and pancakes. I usually make a double batch and eat the extras with a spoon. To me, it is the perfect afternoon snack.

    How to Assemble Waffles with Apple Topping

    These waffles are moist, light and have the perfect touch of sweetness!  To assemble them, place a waffle on a plate and add a generous spoonful of warm apples. If you have a sweet tooth, you can add some extra syrup but they really don't need it. Of course at Christmas breakfast, it's mandatory to add a touch of whipped cream.

    Healthier waffles with apples on a plate.

    Am I making you hungry?  I bet you'd like to make your own healthier holiday recipe, right?

    More Holiday Breakfast Recipes

    • Eggnog Donuts With White Chocolate Glaze
    • Whole Wheat Banana Nut Pancakes
    • Spinach Mushroom Frittata with Goat Cheese
    • Overnight Berry French Toast Bake from Sidewalk Shoes
    pin for Buttermilk apple recipe with apples

    If you like this Buttermilk Waffle Recipe with Apples, please leave a 5-star rating.

    RECIPE

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    5 from 5 votes

    Buttermilk Waffles With Warm Spiced Apples

    Your family will love his healthier holiday breakfast!
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time45 minutes mins
    Course: Breakfast, Brunch
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 356kcal
    Author: Lisa Grant

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup white whole wheat flour
    • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 ½ cups low fat buttermilk
    • 3 tablespoons canola oil
    • 2 large eggs beaten
    • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
    • cooking spray
    • 1 Tablespoon butter
    • 4 cups of thinly sliced apples
    • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
    • ¼ cup Maple syrup plus extra for serving
    • whipped cream for garnish

    Instructions

    • Lightly mix the two flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium size bowl.
    • Combine buttermilk, oil, eggs and applesauce, stirring with a whisk.
    • Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture, stirring until blended.
    • Preheat a waffle iron. Coat iron with cooking spray. Spoon about ⅓ cup batter per waffle onto hot waffle iron (or appropriate amount depending on your waffle maker) , spreading batter to edges. Cook 3 to 4 minutes or until steaming stops; repeat procedure with remaining batter.
    • To make warm apples, melt butter on medium heat in a large non stick skillet. Add apples to the pan and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice. Cook on low for about 8 minutes or until apples are soft but still hold their shape. Add ⅓ cup syrup and mix well. Heat for another minute or two or until mixture is bubbling.
    • Serve the waffles with the warm apples and topped with more syrup and whipped cream if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 293mg | Potassium: 393mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 217IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 161mg | Iron: 2mg

    First Published December 2014 ; Updated October 2021

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rosa

      December 16, 2014 at 3:42 pm

      They looks wonderful and must taste heavenly!

      Happy Holidays dear!

      Cheers,

      Rosa

      Reply
    2. Dandi D

      December 16, 2014 at 4:47 pm

      I would love to try the Pure raw honey!

      Reply
    3. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

      December 16, 2014 at 4:56 pm

      Our Christmas mornings are spent the same way!!! In our pj's, opening gifts and having a nice lazy breakfast together. I'd love to try the Madhava Maple Cinnamon Agave Pancake Syrup!! Happy Holidays!!

      Reply
    4. Jackie

      December 16, 2014 at 9:47 pm

      I'd like to try the Organic Maple Pancake Syrup. Thank you!

      Reply
    5. Dawn Lovell

      December 16, 2014 at 10:01 pm

      I would like to try the Maple Agave Syrup!

      Reply
    6. Marsha A.

      December 17, 2014 at 10:50 am

      the organic maple cinnamon pancake syrup

      Reply
    7. itzia

      December 17, 2014 at 2:42 pm

      organic, pure, raw honey

      Reply
    8. Angela

      December 17, 2014 at 6:22 pm

      I am a big fan of their coconut sugar--would love to try their other products. They are a local product for us!

      Reply
    9. Susana Lewis

      December 19, 2014 at 3:52 pm

      I'd love to try the blueberry agave pancake syrup

      Reply
    10. Susana Lewis

      December 19, 2014 at 3:52 pm

      I'd love to try the Maple Cinnamon Agave Pancake Syrup

      Reply
    11. KATIE KLEIN

      December 19, 2014 at 4:57 pm

      I would love to try the honey.

      Reply
    12. Karen D

      December 19, 2014 at 5:23 pm

      I'd like to try the Maple Agave Syrup

      Reply
    13. Jessie Shiflett

      December 19, 2014 at 8:34 pm

      5 stars
      I would like to try the Chocolate Cake Mix.

      Reply
    14. Ann Fantom

      December 19, 2014 at 10:05 pm

      I would like to try Madhava's Organic blueberry agave Pancake Syrup

      Reply
    15. Carrie m

      December 19, 2014 at 11:36 pm

      Looks awesome!

      Reply
    16. Glendy Cortez

      December 20, 2014 at 2:27 am

      5 stars
      I would love to try the blueberry agave pancake syrup

      Reply
    17. Amy Pratt

      December 20, 2014 at 8:09 am

      I would like to try the organic coconut sugar

      Reply
    18. Cynthia C

      December 20, 2014 at 9:33 am

      I would like to try the Madhava Maple Cinnamon Agave Pancake Syrup.

      Reply
    19. Don D

      December 20, 2014 at 9:53 am

      I would like to try the ORGANIC MAPLE CINNAMON PANCAKE SYRUP

      Reply
    20. Tricia G

      December 20, 2014 at 10:37 am

      I bet their chocolate chip cookie mix is good!

      Reply
    21. trisha kilpatrick

      December 20, 2014 at 12:05 pm

      5 stars
      I would like to try all of them, but especially the blueberry agave pancake syrup. Yum!

      Reply
    22. Danielle

      December 20, 2014 at 12:11 pm

      I would like to try the Blueberry Agave Pancake Syrup

      Reply
    23. Sarah

      December 20, 2014 at 6:53 pm

      I'd like to try one of the baking mixes! Maybe the brownies. Yum (:

      Reply
    24. Muhajirah

      December 20, 2014 at 8:55 pm

      5 stars
      Maple cinnamon! Sounds delish!

      Reply
    25. Holly E

      December 20, 2014 at 10:08 pm

      I would love to try the blueberry syrup.

      Reply
    26. Cori Westphal

      December 20, 2014 at 10:54 pm

      I love the sound of the Peachy Green Tea Mix! yum!

      coriwestphal at msn dot com

      Reply
    27. coha

      December 20, 2014 at 11:18 pm

      Awesome

      Reply
    28. Shannon

      December 21, 2014 at 4:20 am

      I'd like to try the organic coconut sugar.

      Reply
    29. Renee

      December 21, 2014 at 3:42 pm

      The SALTED CARAMEL ORGANIC COFFEE SYRUP definitely is something I'd like to try.

      Reply
    30. Lorena Keech

      December 21, 2014 at 8:46 pm

      The Organic Whipped Honey sounds amazing. We'd love to try that on warm biscuits.

      Reply
    31. Annette

      December 21, 2014 at 9:02 pm

      I'd like to try the Organic Whipped Honey.

      Reply
    32. Lisa Garner

      December 21, 2014 at 9:32 pm

      I really want to try the ORGANIC BLUEBERRY AGAVE PANCAKE SYRUP.

      Reply
    33. Julie G.

      December 22, 2014 at 9:49 am

      5 stars
      Breakfast during the holidays is my favorite too! Especially when it's cold and snowy outside, the windows are foggy and you're staying nice and warm inside. I love pancakes and apply spice.... making this tomorrow!!

      Reply

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