These orange and dark chocolate waffles are a breakfast treat! Made with white whole wheat flour, coconut oil, orange zest and chopped dark chocolate, they’re perfect for holidays or a special morning. Dairy free and vegetarian options are noted below.
Do you remember those chocolate orange treats that broke into segments when you tapped them? They were chocolate infused with bright orange flavor—a nostalgic favorite for many.
These waffles are inspired by that classic combination, but made into a healthier breakfast option.
I grew up getting one of those candies for special occasions and secretly stashing it so I could nibble on it later. Whether you enjoyed them as a guilty-pleasure snack or a childhood breakfast, the orange-and-chocolate pairing is unmistakable.
Now, let’s focus on the waffles.
How To Make Orange Waffles
This recipe starts with a reliable waffle base that balances white whole wheat flour with a bit of all-purpose flour to keep the waffles light yet hearty. To maximize orange flavor, rub fresh orange zest into granulated sugar—this releases the aromatic oils and infuses the sugar with bright citrus notes.
Whisk the wet ingredients—eggs, milk (or a dairy-free alternative), melted coconut oil, vanilla and a touch of almond extract—together with honey as the primary sweetener. Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined; a few small lumps are fine and help keep the waffles tender.
Finally, gently fold in chopped dark chocolate just before cooking so pockets of chocolate remain in the batter. Cook in a preheated waffle iron until the waffles are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Serve the waffles topped with fresh orange segments, a drizzle of pure maple syrup or honey, and extra chopped dark chocolate if desired. They pair beautifully with coffee or a lightly sweetened tea.
Additional Waffle Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- Chocolate Whole Wheat Waffles
- Healthy Banana Walnut Waffles
- Classic Dairy Free Waffles
- Peanut Butter Banana Bread Waffles
- Eggnog Waffles
Did you make this recipe? Rate and review it below! I’d love to hear how yours turned out.
Orange and Dark Chocolate Waffles
about 8 to 9 (4×4 inch) waffles
20 minutes
10 minutes
30 minutes
These orange and dark chocolate waffles are a breakfast treat! Made with white whole wheat flour, coconut oil, orange zest and chopped dark chocolate, they’re ideal for holidays or any special morning. Dairy free and vegetarian options included.
Ingredients
For the waffles:
- 1 ½ tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups milk* (use dairy-free milk to keep them dairy free)
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil**
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ cup honey
- ⅔ cup chopped dark chocolate***
Topping ideas:
- Pure maple syrup or honey
- Orange slices
- Additional chopped dark chocolate
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the orange zest and granulated sugar. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers until fragrant.
- Add both flours, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla, almond extract, and honey. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined; the batter should remain slightly lumpy.
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- When the iron is hot, fold the chopped dark chocolate into the batter. Portion the batter into the waffle iron, making sure some chocolate is distributed in each waffle (chocolate can sink a bit if the batter sits). Cook until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Top the waffles with orange slices, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, and extra chopped chocolate if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
*To keep these dairy free, use a dairy-free milk such as unsweetened almond or light canned coconut milk.
**Melt the coconut oil before measuring to ensure the correct amount.
***Use dairy-free dark chocolate if you want the waffles to remain dairy free.
These waffles freeze well. Cool completely, wrap each waffle individually, place wrapped waffles in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze. Reheat in a toaster or oven until warmed through and crisp.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 334
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 47mg
Sodium: 294mg
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 21g
Protein: 7g
Nutrition data is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.