Lemon Greek Yogurt Waffles

Ingredients

The ingredient list for this Greek yogurt waffle recipe is short and sweet. I have also included the list for whipped lemon butter and lemon syrup for ease. Here’s a look at what you need:

Lemon Waffles

• milk – I made these with soy milk, but any milk — either dairy or dairy-free — will work.
• lemons – you will need both the juice and the zest of 2 lemons. Just make sure to zest the lemons before juicing.
• whole wheat pastry flour or all purpose gluten-free flour – I tested two versions, one with regular flour and the other with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Both came out beautifully, so use whichever is a dietary need.
• baking powder – for lift and structure. This creates all those sought-after air bubbles for crispy-yet-fluffy waffles.
• salt – to enhance all the other flavors.
• cardamom (optional but cardamom + citrus = love) – this is not in the ingredient list, but I highly recommend adding 1/4 teaspoon or so of ground cardamom, if you are a fan.
• eggs – for structure and to bind the batter.
• Greek yogurt – this is the star ingredient, so go for a full-fat, plain Greek yogurt for the best flavor and protein content. I love 5% Fage or Stonyfield Grass-Fed Greek yogurt. This makes them extra fluffy, too!
• olive oil – the finishing touch of olive oil adds richness and makes for extra crispy waffles. Use a light olive oil for a neutral flavor. If you only have extra virgin olive oil on hand, the batter will simply taste a little fruitier.

Whipped Lemon Butter

• unsalted butter – you can’t have lemon butter without butter. Bring to room temperature for easier mixing.
• lemon zest – more lemon zest equals more lemony flavor.
• lemon juice – a little bit of lemon juice goes a long way.
• maple syrup – this sweetens the butter slightly. Add to taste and make sure to have extra on hand for drizzling.
• fine sea salt – to enhance all of the flavors.

Creamy Lemon Syrup

• unsalted butter – more butter never hurt.
• granulated sugar – for sweetness and neutral color.
• coconut milk – this adds a luscious, creamy texture.
• lemon zest – make sure to use all parts of the lemon, including the finely grated zest.
• lemon juice – for acidity and to balance the sweetness.
• fine sea salt – just as very small pinch!

TIP: For a less intense lemon syrup use less lemon zest. If you would like it slightly sweeter you can add pure maple syrup after the sauce has simmered or directly on top of the waffles.

How to Make

This healthy waffle recipe is a cinch to make — as long as you have a waffle iron on hand. Every waffle iron is different, so make sure to cook according to your manufacturer’s instructions.

Preheat Waffle Iron

Preheat the waffle maker and generously spray with cooking spray.

Make Homemade Buttermilk

In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, combine the milk with the lemon juice. Allow to sit for 10 minutes.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, salt and lemon zest.

Prepare Waffle Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, Greek yogurt and milk mixture. Then gently add in dry ingredients. Stir with large spatula until just combined, then add the olive oil until smooth and emulsified.

Cook Waffles

With 1/2 cup measuring cup, scoop the batter into the preheated and greased waffle maker. Allow the waffle to fully cook until lightly golden according to your waffle maker’s instructions.

Keep Warm

Gently remove and transfer to a warm oven before serving. Continue with the rest of the batter.

TIP: To keep waffles warm while you finishing with the batter, preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Set a wire rack inside a baking sheet and place it in the oven. Set the cooked waffles on the wire rack while you make the rest of the waffles.

Serving Suggestions

I think I was more excited about serving these yogurt waffles than I was about actually making them. Ways to serve are absolutely endless, but here are my favorites:

• Simple and Classic: Maple syrup and butter are my family go-to toppings for all our waffle adventures.
• Lemon, Lemon and More Lemon: Make a full recipe of the lemon butter and lemon syrup and serve straight away in bowls right next to a pile of waffles. SO GOOD.
• A la Mode: A scoop or too of vanilla ice cream (choose your favorite brand!) or whatever flavor of ice cream you love. Restaurant style served in the comfort of your own home!