Simple Gluten-Free Waffles with Blueberry Cardamom Sauce

By Amanda Paa – Updated May 2, 2023

Tomorrow marks 31 years I’ve been trying to figure out this thing called life. Some stumbles, some falls, a few leaps and even a couple of cartwheels. Regardless, they’ve made me who I am today. We have all times when we wish we could change certain things about our lives, or control the outcome more often, but I feel like the surprises are what make life worth living.

With one year in the 30’s under my belt, I’m finally starting to feel like an adult – most days that is. Let’s just forget about the time this summer when I locked myself out of the house with a pan of cookies in the oven. Can you say crispy critters?

At 30 I became a published author (still crazy to write that), spent a glorious week in Aruba, left a job but found out the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and definitely decided that brunch is the star of all meals.

Simple Gluten-Free Waffles with Blueberry Cardamom Sauce | with Cascadian Farm organic berries

After making slow mornings more of a habit, it was time to buy myself a waffle maker. Hip hip!

I’ve been experimenting, but I have to say, these Simple Gluten-Free Waffles are just the way I like them. Light and crisp, naturally sweet from the whole grains, and the perfect vehicle for this juicy Blueberry Cardamom Sauce. Or anything for that matter.

It’s peak season for citrus right now, but even being an adult isn’t going to make it my favorite choice. If both fragrant grapefruit slices or juicy blueberries were in season, I’d pick the berries every time. But you probably know, the fresh ones in the produce section right now are bland, with no sheen or sparkle, and void of their vibrant flavors.

Simple Gluten-Free Waffles with Blueberry Cardamom Sauce |heartbeet kitchen

Hence the reason I rely on Cascadian Farm organic blueberries, and their whole selection of frozen fruit during the winter. Like the potatoes that I wrote about in this brunch recipe, berries are in the top 15% of conventional produce grown with pesticides. A major reason why buying organic for these priority fruits and vegetables is so important.

Frozen when plump and juicy the fruit is perfect for baking, smoothies, and delicious extras like this bright and flavorful blueberry sauce. And just like the waffles, it’s super simple – cooked on the stovetop for 10 minutes with just a touch of maple syrup, the cardamom and a pinch of cornstarch to slightly thicken it.

Simple Gluten-Free Waffles with Blueberry Cardamom Sauce |heartbeet kitchen

Simple Gluten-Free Waffles with Blueberry Cardamom Sauce | heartbeet kitchen

If you haven’t heard of Einkorn flour, it’s an ancient grain that many who can’t tolerate wheat are able to digest properly. Compared to modern varieties of wheat, Einkorn is lower in gluten, as well as higher in minerals and antioxidants. Although my auto-immune system didn’t tolerate it several years ago, many of my gluten-intolerant friends have found success with it so definitely give it a try!

Simple Gluten-Free Waffles with Blueberry Cardamom Sauce | heartbeet kitchen

Since Einkorn behaves much like gluten-free flour in baking and has the nutty taste of whole grains, it’s quite easy and natural to be able to adapt the recipes from the book. I love these waffles because not only are they delicious, but they’re quick and easy, no overnight proofing. And they’re naturally sweet from the oat and millet flours I used, just a touch of maple syrup just a tablespoon of maple syrup is all the batter needed to make it just right.

Simple Gluten-Free Waffles with Blueberry Cardamom Sauce | heartbeet kitchen

Simple Gluten-Free Waffles

Simple Gluten-Free Waffles | adapted from the Einkorn Cookbook

makes 4 belgian waffles, adapted from The Einkorn Cookbook

85 grams millet flour*
50 grams oat flour*
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
1/4 cup melted, cooled butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon maple syrup

In a bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With your fingers, rub in the lemon zest so that its scent permeates throughout the dry mixtures. In a separate bowl, whisk together the butter, vanilla, egg, milk and maple syrup. Slowly add wet mixture to dry ingredients, whisking as you go to fully incorporate. There should be no flour streaks showing. Let batter sit while you preheat your oven. I turn mine to the #5 heat setting, #7 being the hottest. I like mine crispy :) Pour a scant 1/2 cup batter onto waffle iron and cook until browned and crispy. Serve warm with blueberry sauce.

*You can use 1 cup (125 grams) of Einkorn or regular all-purp0se flour in place of the millet and oat flours.

Blueberry Cardamom Sauce
8 ounces frozen Cascadian Farm organic blueberries
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (freshly ground is preferable)
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

Add blueberries, maple syrup and cardamom to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes, then stir into cornstarch. Turn heat down a bit and cook for another 5 minutes, until sauce is thickened. Can be made three days ahead of time, stores well in refrigerator.

Did you make this?

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January 14, 2015

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31 comments

  1. Jackie @ Kitchen Gadget Reviews

    Yum! I’m always on the lookout for gluten free recipes and this one has certainly caught my eye. I just got a new waffle maker so will try these out. Thank you.

  2. Angie | Big Bear's Wife

    I was just talking to my husband tonight about how we needed a waffle iron that makes waffles like this! I love them so much. They would be perfect for me in the mornings!

    • Amanda Paa

      I highly recommend a waffle maker :) so worth it! from sweet to savory. and i love that you can make a large bunch then freeze them.

  3. GiGi Eats

    I am a re-born WAFFLE LOVING FREAK :) I made some last week, OH YES YES YES! So delicious!

  4. Erika

    Woot woot for beautiful waffles and birthdays!!! Happy belated!! Having a published book under your belt? I hope you feel SO accomplished because that’s so fabulous!!! My roommate also just got a waffle maker for her birthday (twinsies!) and I can’t WAIT to try these. Hope you had an amazing birthday!

  5. kristie {birch and wild}

    I love these photos! Such beautiful light and simplicity. And I am loving the millet flour! Such a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes.

  6. Christiane ~ Taking On Magazines

    Happy birthday (a couple of days late)! You definitely picked an awesome way to start it. The waffles look amazing. I’ve never heard of Einkorn flour, but I have to say that these waffles are the first ‘baked’ goods that I’ve seen that don’t have that gluten-free look to them. They’re awesome.

    • Amanda Paa

      Hi Christiane! We did enjoy the waffles… and my better half didn’t even know they were gluten-free. You can find Einkorn flour at most coops or Whole Foods. A great whole grain if you’re looking to try something new.

  7. Michelle ~ My Gluten-free Kitchen

    Now you’ve got me craving these! I think I need to make these for my birthday – wait, that’s too far away… maybe I need to make them this week!
    Happy happy birthday Amanda!

  8. Cynthia/What A Girl Eats

    Amanda, you have such great recipes and your photos are lovely!

    • Amanda Paa

      Thank you Cynthia! That means a lot.

  9. Kristen

    Those are such beautiful waffles. I love the combination of blueberries and cardamom in that topping. My waffle maker is dedicated to my gluten-eaters, so I may have to make that sauce for some pancakes!

  10. Danae @ Recipe Runner

    Happy Belated Birthday! These waffles look like the perfect breakfast to celebrate with! That blueberry sauce looks to die for!

  11. Thalia @ butter and brioche

    Waffles are a weekend tradition in my household so this is definitely a recipe I will be making. Thanks for sharing it!

  12. Natasha

    These look amazing! What type of waffle maker do you have? I am in the market for one.

    • Amanda Paa

      Hi Natasha! I love my waffle maker… It was a self gift for christmas and i sure haven’t regretted it. I bought this All Clad, stainless version from Williams Sonoma and although it is a little expensive, it heats up quickly, isn’t messy and looks classic.

  13. Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files

    Happy Birthday Amanda! I would say this is one sweet way to celebrate! I have pinned these to try soon as the hubs loves waffles as do I but need a healthy makeover of them. And that blueberry sauce….Where is my spoon? I just want to slurp it up!

    • Amanda Paa

      Hi Meg! Thanks for the birthday wishes. And I think you guys would love these. I like to leave mine in the waffle maker a little longer so they’re nice and crisp, but it’s all up to you. And I’ve been putting the sauce over yogurt too, yum.

  14. renee (will frolic for food)

    these look so incredibly delicious. why don’t i have a waffle maker yet?! well done. & happy birthday!

    • Amanda Paa

      Renee, a waffle maker must be your next purchase! As much as you love breakfast I think you would get so much use out of it. xo

  15. shanna mallon

    Happy birthday and beautiful waffles! You did us proud. : )

  16. Rebecca @ DisplacedHousewife

    Happy Birthday Amanda! These look delish. What percent fat did your milk have? Also, I made oat flour by putting oatmeal in the Cuisinart….is that what you do?

    • Amanda Paa

      Hi Rebecca! I used 1% milk, and have made them with almond milk as well. I think just about any would work well. Yes, grinding oats in a food processor is something that I do ofter, so cheap! I just make sure that I put in at least 1 1/4 cups oats so that it has enough to work with the blade. This gives the finest texture. If I’m baking something that really needs a super-fine texture I use Bob’s Red Mill Oat Flour. Thanks for the birthday wishes!

  17. Brianna Hansen

    Happy Birthday, Amanda! Welcome to 31! I’m on my way to 32 to this Spring and it feels quite alright. :). It’s been really fun to follow your journey, and your recipes the last few years. May your 31st year be filled with joy and deliciousness!

  18. Kathryn

    Happy happy birthday friend! I hope you’re having a wonderful cake-filled day and that this year brings you every happiness. And lots and lots of waffles ;)

  19. Tessa | Salted Plains

    Happy, happy birthday!! As someone who just completed their 31st year, 31 definitely feels more adult – but in the best way. I’ve been curious about trying einkorn to see how my system handles it. These waffles sound excellent – and the blueberry cardamom sauce?! So good. Enjoy your day. :)

  20. gretchen | kumquat

    absolutely, waffles for your birthday!!! happy happy to you… hope tomorrow is a great day! (love the touch of cardamom in the blueberry sauce… yum.)

    • Amanda Paa

      thanks gretchen! i made extra and froze them so i can have them all week long :) xo

  21. Ksenia @ At the Immigrant's Table

    First off – Happy Birthday!!! I hope it’s full of sunshine, rainbows, and delicious gluten-free cake for you, because being an adult is only good insofar as it leads to the birthday celebration, but not actually dictates it ;) Secondly, I am really drawn to the cardamom infusion in the sauce, and the waffles themselves look great. I don’t have the slightest idea of where to get Einkhorn flour, sadly…

  22. Sarah @ SnixyKitchen

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I wish I had a plate of these waffles to eat them in celebration of your birthday – I bet the millet and oat flour combination tastes wholesome and perfect with a sweet cardamom blueberry topping (cardamom and blueberry?! You’re my hero). I’m dying laughing that you locked yourself out with cookies in the oven! I locked myself out in freezing cold weather in a tank top when we first moved in (this was also the first time I met our neighbors! “Umm…it’s really cold. Can I hang out until my husband gets home from work?”) But I can’t even imagine how stressful it’d be if there were COOKIES in the oven. What did you do? How long were you locked out?

    • Amanda Paa

      gah! that story about meeting the neighbors and having to hang out with them because you couldn’t get into your house. I was locked out for about 40 minutes. too long! i do love cardamom… i wish i would have discovered it earlier in my life. such a warming spice. xo