After an initial burst of enthusiasm, our waffle iron has been languishing in a cupboard for a while. A disappointing batch of overnight waffles caused some damage to our relationship and my affections were won by some slightly less indulgent breakfast options.
But the last couple of weekends have seen us hopping back on the waffle train and, after a bit of time and space, I’m very pleased to be on-board again.
Some people may consider these rich and dark chocolate waffles a bit too much first thing in the morning (indeed, I think my boyfriend would be one of those people). These tend to be more of a brunch/lunch type affair for us and, if there are leftovers, I’ll often keep them and re-purpose them as a dessert in the evening, warmed through in the oven and served with a scoop of ice cream.
They’re not too terrible for you though, especially if you go light on the maple syrup/whatever else you like to throw on top of waffles. Sometimes gluten free flours can be a bit of a nutritional wasteland so I always feel a bit happier about using buckwheat flour which does at least contain some vitamins and minerals. They’re dairy free too if that’s you’re kind of thing (more from a desire for maximum coconuttiness than anything else if I’m being honest) and only contain a couple of tablespoons of sugar. I even, shock horror, omitted the chocolate chips that the original recipe called for because they seemed a bit excessive and they make such a mess of my waffle iron.
All of which is basically just me trying to justify the fact that I would happily eat these for breakfast however early in the day it is and I’ve done so on more than one occasion.
This yields the perfect amount of batter for two largeish waffles in my machine - the original recipe serves six and I've also made an in-between amount to serve four. The coconut isn't particularly strong here; a background note more than anything else. I've tried it with chocolate chips, as per Bon Appetit, and I prefer without, not least because I often find that the little bits of chocolate end up getting burnt and bitter.
Ingredients
- 85g (2/3 cup) buckwheat flour
- 20g (2 2/3 tablespoons) cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 160ml (2/3 cup) coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle maker as per the manufacturer's guidelines and turn the oven on low.
- In a large bowl, lightly whisk together your buckwheat flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, coffee (if using) and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, coconut oil, egg and vanilla. Gently whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients carefully until the streaks of flour have just disappeared - you should have a fairly thick and gloopy batter.
- Ladle the waffle batter into your waffle iron and cook through (in my waffle maker, they take a couple of minutes each side). Transfer to the oven to keep warm until you're ready to serve.
Notes
Adapted from these Bon Appetit dark chocolate waffles.
These look lovely Kathryn. I don’t own a waffle maker but I got sent a strange looking silicone waffle tray thing (I think that’s the technical term) and have been meaning to try it out!
Ah, yes, I’ve heard about those trays! I do love the convenience of a waffle iron so I’d be interested to see how the silicone stacks up against it.
I don’t have a waffle maker either (though I’d totally buy one just to make these waffles)! Do you think I can use this batter to make pancakes instead?
I don’t see why not – they might be a bit heavier than the waffles but I think they should still be okay! Let me know how they turn it if you try them : )
these are PERFECT kathryn! i love your reasoning for leaving the chocolate chips out, i would have totally done the same! and chocolate and buckwheat work so nicely together, plus the coconutiness of the oil! sounds so so good!
Thanks Lindsey – I love the flavour of buckwheat in these, it really makes the chocolate so much rich and earthier.
These look fabulous! I personally don’t understand it when people say ‘isn’t that a bit too rich for breakfast?’ – if you ask me few things are too indulgent for breakfast! I’ve been looking for buckwheat flour in supermarkets and whole food shops as I’ve seen it in a lot of lovely looking recipes (including lot of yours!) but i just can’t seem to find it anywhere. Do you buy yours online?
I usually buy Dove’s Farm buckwheat flour from Waitrose (or Ocado) although the current crop isn’t technically gluten free due to cross contamination during the harvest. For gluten free buckwheat flour, I use the Infinity Foods brand which I can sometimes find in my local organic grocery store but is also available online via amazon as well as a couple of other sites. I hope that helps!
Yes, it does, thank you very much!
These are my idea breakfast, lunch or maybe even dinner if it’s been a day. I love these flavor combos and especially anything coconut and chocolate!
Thanks Tieghan! Coconut + chocolate is the best isn’t it?
I will gladly began my morning with chocolate whenever I can.
These look major. Seriously, I need a moment. *Pinning!*
Thanks Graham – you are a man after my own heart!
Oh these are beautiful! I love the idea of chocolate and buckwheat — a little bit of decadence balanced out by a little bit of extra heartiness. Perfect.
Thank you lovely Cynthia!
Oh these look so good! I’ve actually never made homemade waffles, but I think I have a waffle iron somewhere that my parents were trying to get rid of once…
I love the idea of having buckwheat flour in here (which, by the way, you’ve really gotten me into now…I’ve started making some of my favorite cookies with buckwheat flour, or a combo of buckwheat and regular flour, and I love it!)
I’m so glad I was able to introduce you to the wonders of buckwheat! It’s such a useful + versatile ingredient : )
Oh my goodness. This is great. I recently purchased some buckwheat flour and have been wanting to use it for waffles, and I have also been wanting to make chocolate waffles, so now I can kill two birds with one stone!!! Perfection.
Ha, that was excellent timing then! I hope you like them if you get a chance to make them : )
This look so delicious! I can just imagine them for dessert with a big ole scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fantastic pictures too!
Thank you so much Leah!
Had a little chuckle over your relationship with your waffle maker. These do look wonderful, I actually like a big jolt of sugar or caffeine in the morning.
I tend to steer clear of caffeine but I’m with you on the sugar – I’ve never ever seen the appeal of a savoury breakfast. I need the thought of something sweet to get me out of bed!
Oh goodness. I would happily eat these for breakfast every day.
Am beginning to think that I really should invest in a waffle iron…
Yes, you definitely, definitely should!
Happy Waffle Day!! I’m always late to get the memo, but I think you did waffles justice for all of us.
These look amazing by the way! I am constantly reminded that I need to buy a waffle iron, but the chocolate ones just kill me, even if there are no chocolate chips. :)
Thanks Linda – I’m pretty sure that every day should be international waffle day ; )
Waffles can sometimes be a little tricky to work out. It took me more times than I can count to finally get some lemon and coconut ones to be just right. These are marvelous though– I really dig how dark and mysterious these look. All the ingredients in there sound perfect too: coffee, check! coconut, check! brown sugar, check check!! I want to make mini versions of these and sandwich them with coffee ice cream. Good lord.
Ooh is that recipe on your blog? I love lemon + coconut together! Also, your waffle ice cream sandwich idea? Total genius.
Chocolate waffles?! I love you. Plain and simple.
Ha! Thanks Katrina.
I’mma make these and put the chocolate chips back in because there’s no such thing as too much chocolate in my book. ;) These look delicious, lady. Also: Next time I’m in London, I’m inviting myself over for breakfast.
I know, I can’t believe the thought that something didn’t need chocolate chips ever crossed my mind. I don’t know what’s happening to me! And yes, we’re so on for breakfast.
Im glad you got the iron back out. These looks so fab. x
Thank you Trisha!
We are waffles-every-Sunday kind of people. It’s one of the things I most look forward to every week! Will have to try these next time–they sound delicious.
That’s a lovely tradition to get into – now that I’ve fallen back in love with waffles, I definitely hope to make them a regular thing round here.
I say this every time I see another great waffle recipe (adding this one to the list) – I really need to buy a waffle maker!
It’s seriously been one of the best kitchen purchases I’ve made. I’ve already got my money’s worth + more.
I was brought up believing that buckwheat is even superior to wheat healthwise, and it’s my favorite flour to cook with. I really need to buy a waffle iron, these waffles look delicious!
Thank you Anya! Buckwheat is one of my favourite flours too – it’s so versatile and I love how interesting it makes everything taste.
All my favorite ingredients aaaand all wrapped up in a waffle?? Ahhhh
Ha, thanks Ashley!
well now these are just plain gorgeous. and getting my chocolate fix early in the morning = not having to stress out that i’ll go the whole day without eating any :) hehe
I like your thinking ; )
I like to look for opportunities to sneak chocolate into breakfast … or into any meal really. So these are a hit with me!
Oh, I so get you. I find it ridiculously hard to not throw chocolate into everything I make!
You seriously have the best, most delicious-looking GF recipes. This waffles are seriously mouth-watering – wish I could have one right now!
Gosh Amy, what a lovely thing to say! Thank you so much!
Oh my goodness.. these are just lovely!
Thank you Erika!
Waffle love meets dark chocolate heaven. Yes, this is why I read your blog, Kathryn! If they’re as good as your buckwheat waffles, I’m doing a happy dance.
I certainly hope they are! Maybe not to be enjoyed as often as the plain buckwheat waffles but they’re a seriously good way to start the day. Thank you for your sweet comment Sini!
These look delicious, I am all aboard for chocolate in the morning.
Thank you Jenny!
Such an awesome idea, especially given that it’s waffle day!
Laura x
vintagecookbooksandstories@gmail.com
I had totally missed that it was international waffle day when I posted these but I’m glad I was able to mark the occasion in a suitable way!
I adopted my mothers old waffle iron and sadly,my history with waffles has been quite disappointing. These pictures are encouraging me to give it another try because these waffles look so good!
I’ve definitely had a bit of a hit and miss history with my waffle maker but once you find a recipe that works for you, it’s such an easy and delicious way to start the day!
I went on a chocolate waffle spree a few weekends ago and they were great, but totally indulgent. I feel like the buckwheat flour in these would give me far less guilt about consuming them for a meal!
Yeah, I thought these were going to be totally over the top and ridiculous but actually, they’re a nice balance of indulgent + wholesome so I definitely don’t feel too much guilt about them!
Ohhh these immediately caught my eye because I’ve been on such a waffle kick lately! Have you seen/tried Molly Yeh’s challah waffles? OMG. No. Words. Although the pearl sugar WILL make your waffle maker extremely messy…but they’re worth it!! So worth it. These look gorgeous, though, and maybe a tad more nutritionally friendly :) Love love <3
I have seen them but I haven’t got round to trying them yet. I’m going to have to change that ASAP!
This waffles looks amazing. I went to Belgium this year for the first time and after seeing the kind of waffle iron they use (just like yours), it´s on my wishlist. I have a boring thin and heart shaped one :/ Now your post brings me again to the idea of buying a new one ;)
I do love my waffle iron – it’s a bit deeper so you get a more substantial waffle from it which can only be a good thing in my book! If you’re in the market for a new one, this is by Nordicware and I bought it online at divertimenti.com!
I have never made chocolate waffles, although I love, love, love buckwheat in pancakes and waffles, so I think these are right up my alley!
Thank you Autumn! I love the combination of buckwheat + dark chocolate – it’s a total match made in heaven.
Loving how deep dark and chocolately these are. Wishing my day started with a few of them!
Thanks Rachel!
Omg… these waffles! So much amazing in one little square :)
Thanks friend!
So much awesome in these waffles!! The dark chocolate color and flavor is to die for! It’s like dessert for breakfast but seemingly healthy with that buckwheat – my kinda breakfast :)
Thanks Julie; these are a perfect balance between indulgent + hearty so you don’t feel too bad about starting the day with them!
These look delicious! I love chocolate waffles- so good!
Thank you!
Dark chocolate and coconut are always great together! I love these waffles…. :)
Thanks Zainab, it’s a great combo!
Kathryn, SO brilliant. Chocolate, coconut, coffee and buckwheat… what a killer combination. I could eat those beauties any time of day.
xoxox
E
Thanks lovely Erin; we can + do eat them at all times of day. I’ve started cooking a few more and stashing them in the freezer for when the waffle-craving strikes!
Saw a waffle iron on sale at Aldi and now I really want one…
And by the way, the granola was fine!
Good news re the granola! I think I might set up a side business selling waffle irons ; )
Love that intense, deep dark chocolate color. I could totally go for a tall stack of these for breakfast #2!
Thanks Georgia!
I just stood at Lidl for at least 10 minutes holding a waffle maker in my hands deciding wether to buy it or not. They had the normal kind and a silicone tray. I walked out empty handed but after reading this post I am going BACK and getting one! Thanks for the inspiration.
Haha, I’ve become such a waffle maker enabler! I hope you can now look forward to a future filled with waffles!
I LOVE BUCKWHEAT. And waffles. And this. Love.
Me too! And buckwheat goes so, so well with chocolate. Thanks for your comment Shikha!
I spotted a recipe for chocolate waffles in Bon Appetit (from the Mast Brothers cookbook) and been dying to make them ever since. This sounds like a PHENOMENAL way to start the day. x
I think these might be a variation of those very same waffles! (Although I’m sure the Mast Brothers would not approve of the fact that I removed the chocolate chips ;)) You should definitely make them asap Kasey; they’re utterly rich + decadent!
Oh, this is pure indulgence of the best kind. You’re very right that these would be suited to a brunch… or I’m thinking maybe our upcoming anniversary breakfast.
Thanks Yasmeen! Happy anniversary in advance : )
I have just discovered your blog and absolutely love it! http://finestprocrastination.blogspot.co.uk/
Thank you so much Emmi! I look forward to checking your blog out : )
These look delicious!! Love how they are gluten free and chocolatey too!! YUM! Beautiful blog btw :)
Thank you so much Cailee!
I’d probably think chocolate waffles were a bit too much for me in the morning, but I do love breakfast for dinner. And chocolate, coconut, and buckwheat – awesome combination of flavors. Looks delicious!
I think the world is divided into people who eat chocolate for breakfast and those that think it’s all a bit too much ; )
Um, yes. I am all over this. Chocolate and buckwheat are such a great combo. And yeah, maybe dessert over breakfast, but that’s immaterial. :)
Omg, this looks so goood. water runs in my mouth…
I would so love to share this if is that oke with you<3
xo
http://www.kelpasdiary.com
Of course, that’s fine Kelpa!
Hello! These look wonderful, and I’m planning to make them soon! Can I make this with coconut milk from a carton? Or does it need to be from a can?
Hi Chelsey. I’ve never tried using coocnut milk from a carton – I always use a can but if it’s the same product and thickness, I can’t see why it would be a problem! Let me know how you get on : )