I’m definitely a fan of dessert for breakfast.

Ever heard of banana ice cream? (Or “nice cream”, as it’s referred to in this recipe.) It’s my favorite way into tricking myself into thinking I’m having dessert for breakfast. That is, when we don’t have any slices of carrot cake in the kitchen I can nibble on.

… Or gobble down.

I’m also definitely a fan of waffles. My favorite thing about breakfast is that it’s seriously perfect if you have a sweet tooth, because almost any breakfast/brunch food you can think of is basically a baked good acceptable to eat before 10 AM. Waffles, pancakes, muffins, croissants, you name it. Because if you really think about it, I’m betting a muffin topped with a coffee cake crumble has about as much sugar as a cupcake.

But let’s just not think about it, okay? 😉

As I mentioned before, I love tricking myself into thinking I’m indulging during breakfast, when I’m still eating a relatively healthy meal. One wonderful, delicious example of this self-deception is a Carrot Cake Waffle.

Reasons why these carrot cake waffles are the best thing you’ll ever eat:

1. They taste like carrot cake
2. They also taste like waffles
3. You can acceptably enjoy them for breakfast
4. Do you need another reason?

These waffles are made with whole grains, such as oat flour and wheat flour, as well as healthy fats from flax seeds- meaning they’ll keep you feeling full all morning. Additionally, each waffle has 10 grams of protein, and doesn’t contain any added sugar.

And topped with a Greek Yogurt/Cream Cheese Icing?

Well, it’ll make you want to eat these waffles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Carrot Cake Waffles

• 1 3/4 c old fashioned oats
• 1 tsp flax seed meal
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 c whole wheat flour
• 1/2 c applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp all spice
• 1/4 c egg whites
• 3/4 c milk of choice
• 1 c shredded carrots
• stevia to taste

Process oats in the food processor until it reaches the consistency of oat flour. Add to a large bowl, then add flax seed meal, baking powder, and whole wheat flour. Mix together. Add applesauce, vanilla, cinnamon, all spice, egg whites, milk, shredded carrots, and stevia and stir until combined. Bake in a preheated waffle iron for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (from myfitnesspal.com)

Calories: 271

Fat: 5g

Carbs: 48g

Protein: 10g

(Yields 3 servings)