Cozy, festive whole-wheat waffles are topped with creamy eggnog sauce to make every bite a perfect holiday indulgence!
In the winter months, when I wake up to a gray sky (or worse, a sun that is yet to rise) and a bitterly cold wind, I always find myself craving a warming and filling breakfast to start my day on a high note. While I’m obsessed with warm oatmeal and stacks of pancakes, these whole-wheat waffles are the perfect balance of satisfying and nutritious. Plus, they’ll give you plenty of energy to get through the rest of the day!
The waffles are soft and fluffy on the inside, with a crisp, golden exterior, while the rich, velvety cream sauce adds a luxurious touch of holiday cheer. Infused with nutmeg and hints of cinnamon, this dish is a comforting treat that works beautifully for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, or any time you want to impress your family and friends.
Thanks to its whole-wheat base and reduced-fat ingredients, this recipe will fit seamlessly into your nutrition goals. While it leans indulgent with the eggnog sauce, the waffles themselves are versatile enough to complement healthier toppings like fresh fruit or yogurt, and there are so many other uses for any leftover sauce.
Are These Whole-Wheat Waffles With Eggnog Cream Sauce Healthy?
These waffles are a balanced option with a touch of indulgence. The use of whole-wheat pastry flour boosts the fiber content, while reduced-fat buttermilk and two-percent milk keep the fat levels low without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whole-wheat flour also provides more nutrients than all-purpose flour, like B vitamins and minerals, so you’re getting extra goodness in every bite.
To make your waffles even healthier, you could swap out the canola oil for unsweetened applesauce or reduce the sugar in the cream sauce. Adding chopped nuts, like pecans, as a topping not only enhances the flavor but also introduces healthy fats and some protein. Whether you stick to the original recipe or tweak it to suit your goals, this dish is a balanced way to indulge in quintessential holiday flavors.
More Uses For Your Eggnog Cream Sauce
Got some leftover eggnog cream sauce? Or thinking of making a double batch to use with other recipes? This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be added to countless other dishes. Drizzle it over pancakes, French toast, or crêpes for a decadent breakfast. You can also pour it over a bowl of oatmeal for a holiday-inspired twist that will transform your mornings.
Feeling adventurous? Use the sauce as a dip for sliced apples, a topping for vanilla ice cream, or even as a filling for cupcakes or layer cakes. To do this, let the sauce cool and thicken completely, then use it in place of pastry cream or custard. You could also stir it into hot coffee or tea as a sweet, seasonal creamer. The possibilities are endless, and this sauce will quickly become your go-to holiday condiment!
How To Make Ahead And Store
Store the waffles and sauce separately in airtight containers. The waffles will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat waffles from frozen in a toaster or oven for a crisp texture. The cream sauce should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and can be gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid freezing the sauce, as it may separate.
Serving Suggestions
While these waffles are perfect by themselves, I also like to serve them at brunches with plenty of Fruit Salad on the side for a nutritious and delicious addition. When I’ve got the time, I also like to stir broken up pieces of this Vegan Peppermint Bark through the waffle batter to make little pockets of melted chocolate in the waffles!
And if you’re obsessed with eggnog just like me, try making your own Eggnog from scratch, or try out these recipes for Eggnog French Toast and Coconut Milk Ice Cream With Rum And “Eggnog”.
Ingredients
For The Waffles:
- 2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cups reduced-fat buttermilk
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup canola oil
For The Cream Sauce:
- 2 1/2 cups light eggnog
- 1 cup 2% milk divided
- 1/2 cup waffle batter
- 1 tablespoon whole-wheat pastry flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For Garnish:
- Pecans chopped
Instructions
For The Waffles:
- Add all waffle ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and well combined. Reserve a 1/2 cup of the batter for the cream sauce.
- Heat your waffle iron to medium-high, and pour about 1/2 cup of waffle batter into the iron, adjusting as needed based on its size. Cook until crisp and golden brown.
- If desired, keep cooked waffles warm in a 200°F oven until all are ready.
For The Cream Sauce:
- In a large, microwave-safe glass bowl, heat the eggnog and 1/2 cup of the milk on high for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it just begins to boil. A large glass bowl is essential, as the sauce will rise and double in size during cooking.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the reserved 1/2 cup waffle batter, the whole-wheat pastry flour, granulated sugar, nutmeg, and the remaining 1/2 cup milk. Gradually whisk in the flour to avoid lumps.
- Once the eggnog mixture is about to boil, quickly whisk in the batter mixture. Continue microwaving in increments, stirring every few minutes, until the sauce just begins to boil. This will take approximately 15 to 25 minutes, depending on your microwave. Stop cooking as soon as it starts to boil to prevent curdling. Cooking times for the cream sauce may vary based on your microwave. Be patient and stir frequently.
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding warm milk if it becomes too thick or microwaving longer if it is too thin. Remove the sauce from the microwave and let it stand to thicken, stirring every few minutes to prevent a skin from forming.
- Alternative Method: You can prepare the sauce on the stovetop using a double boiler. Stir constantly and avoid overcooking, as burnt sauce will ruin the flavor.
To Serve:
- Serve the waffles warm, topped with eggnog cream sauce and optional pecans.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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