Chocolate Zucchini Waffles

By: Polly ConnerPosted: 5/3/23Updated: 10/4/23

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Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of these whole wheat Zucchini Waffles that are the perfect combination of healthy and delicious. These waffles are made with wholesome ingredients like fresh zucchini, white whole wheat flour, and coconut oil. They are perfect for a sweet breakfast or brunch treat.

Chocolate zucchini waffles stacked on a plate topped with banana slices.

“I’m adding this delicious recipe to our rotation! Thanks so much!” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Ness

Table of Contents

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s surprisingly healthy! When you hear “Chocolate Waffle” a healthy breakfast isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. With this recipe, though, you’ll be packing in some healthy ingredients!
They make a great make ahead breakfast. Waffles and muffins (like our Blueberry Oatmeal Muffin Recipe) can be frozen and reheated quickly for those busy mornings.
Your kids will eat zucchini and not even know it. When you run the zucchini through the food processor, the texture is practically unnoticeable once mixed into the batter. This is yet another way to sneak healthy ingredients into a kid favorite.

Ingredients

Ingredient Notes:

White whole wheat flour – We love baking with this variety but if you don’t have it, you can substitute 1 cup whole wheat flour + 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour.
Cocoa powder – Try using cacao powder for a little more nutrition.
Brown sugar (optional) – Try using coconut sugar for a little healthier option.
Melted coconut oil – Avocado oil or melted butter can also be a substitution for this.
Milk – Plain dairy-free milk will work fine.
Zucchini – Shred it finely on a box grater or using your food processor.

Substitutions and Variations

- Substitute White Whole Wheat Flour with 1 cup whole wheat flour + 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour.

- Substitute pumpkin puree for the zucchini.

- You could substitute avocado oil or melted butter for the coconut oil.

- If bananas are very ripe and sweet, you could leave out the brown sugar. Or try using coconut sugar for a little healthier option.

- Chocolate chips can be mini, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate.

What Type of Waffle Maker Should I Use?

There are two main types of waffle makers out there:

A Belgian Waffle Maker: This is what I used for the photos in this post. They are thicker in size with extra deep pockets and can be square or circle.
American Waffle Makers: Usually made with a smaller waffle iron that doesn’t make pockets as deep. Because of the waffles’ thinner size, they cook faster. These can be square (I have this one that makes 4 waffles at a time) or round.

Belgian Waffle Maker

This is the Belgian waffle maker that we use and recommend.

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How to Make Zucchini Waffles

Mix Dry Ingredients

Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and cocoa powder to a large mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients together.

Dry ingredients for zucchini waffles mixed together in a green bowl.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar (optional) and melted coconut oil. Whisk in milk, beaten egg, and pureed zucchini.

Tip: An easier way I’ve found to do this is just throw all the wet ingredients and zucchini in my blender.

Wet ingredients for zucchini waffles whisked together in a glass bowl.

Add Wet Ingredients to the Dry

Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not over-mix.

Stir in chocolate chips. It will be pretty thick – especially as the coconut oil hardens up. Don’t worry, it will melt back down when you cook the waffles)

Chocolate zucchini waffle batter getting chocolate chips mixed in.

Make the Waffles

I used a Belgian waffle maker for this recipe. It worked to scoop 1 cup of batter into the waffle maker.

Each waffle took about 3 minutes but because appliances are different, follow the instructions for your model.

Chocolate zucchini waffles stacked on a plate with banana slices, peanut butter and mini chocolate chips on top.

Can You Freeze Waffles?

Yep! In fact, freezing waffles is a great use of your time. They are easy to reheat for busy mornings.

How to Freeze Waffles: Make and cool waffles completely on a cooling rack. Place waffles in single layers in a gallon-size freezer bag with parchment paper between layers. Seal tightly and freeze.

To Prepare Waffles From Frozen: Toast frozen waffles. If still slightly cold inside, microwave in 10-second increments until warmed through.

Chocolate Zucchini Waffles separated by parchment paper in a freezer bag to b frozen.

Recipe FAQs

How do I make my waffles crispy?

Strike while the iron is HOT! If waffles come out a little pale and soft, it could be because the waffle maker you’re using isn’t hot enough. It’s important to preheat the waffle maker for at least 5-10 minutes. Yes, seriously that long! Also, pause for a couple minutes between batches to let the iron heat up again.

Can I freeze waffles?

Yes! Let cooked waffles cool. Place waffles in single layers in a gallon-size freezer bag with parchment paper between layers. Seal tightly and freeze.

Will any waffle maker work for this recipe?

Yes. This zucchini waffle recipe will work for all types of waffle makers.

Polly Conner

As co-founder of Thriving Home, Polly’s passionate about helping busy parents get dinner on the table. With a house full of kids, dogs, and (usually) a DIY project in the works, she knows firsthand how every minute (and every dollar) counts. As a business owner, she enjoys wearing multiple hats and serves best as a project manager for Thriving Home.