Cinnamon Protein Waffles – Gluten-Free, Low-carb

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Fuel up for your day with Cinnamon Protein Waffles, a quick and easy protein powder breakfast idea that tastes decadent enough to be dessert yet is packed with protein, lower in carbs, and boasts no added sugar. Plus, gluten-free, vegetarian and paleo-friendly.

A single-serving batch of Cinnamon Protein Waffles can be whipped up in minutes to help fuel you’re the day’s adventures (or endless task of errands, by default). Gluten-free, no added sugar, and low in carbs. Simple to scale up for meal prep and store in freezer.

A protein waffle recipe for one, a single batch makes either four waffles in a mini waffle iron, or one large waffle in a traditional (4-square) waffle iron. And, let me mention from experience – eating all four waffles is VERY filling and the macros are amazing. The entire batch is only 222 calories, with 9g carb, 8g fat and 27g protein. Toppings are extra though, please note!

A single-serving batch of Cinnamon Protein Waffles can be whipped up in minutes to help fuel you’re the day’s adventures (or endless task of errands, by default). Gluten-free, no added sugar, and low in carbs. Simple to scale up for meal prep and store in freezer.   For more protein powder recipes and easy breakfast ideas, visit thefitfork.com
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The featured ingredient in this cinnamon protein powder waffle is, you guessed it . . . protein powder! Use the protein powder product of your choice, but I am a fan of the plant-based Clean Lean Protein from Nuzest (I used the Smooth Vanilla flavor for this recipe). Here’s a Nuzest protein powder coupon (also good for their other nutrition products) – THEFITFORK15

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Smooth Vanilla and Rich Chocolate are my favorite Nuzest flavors!
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Other Ingredients in Simple Cinnamon Protein Waffles:

Green Banana Flour:  This alternative “flour” is packed with minerals, loaded with gut-helping prebiotics and can help reduce your glycemic load. It’s also naturally gluten-free. You may swap in an equal amount of another flour, if preferred.  Like a coconut flour, oat flour, a gluten-free blend, or traditional wheat flours.

Egg: The incredible, edible egg adds 6g of protein to this recipe and help keep the waffles ligher and fluffier – not like some sort of protein powder brick.

Almond Milk: or, another unsweetened milk alternative

Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is an amazing superfood spice! I like using Ceylon Cinnamon, referred to by many as the one “true cinnamon.” It offers a great source of cinnamaldehyde, the essential oil that provides the signature cinnamon flavor and smell – along with assisting in certain metabolic, infections, digestive and/or respiratory disorders.  The studies with cinnamon that have grabbed my attention is how the spice can help lower blood sugar, and thusly may have positive implications for those with/or avoiding diabetes and metabolic syndromes.

Making Cinnamon Protein Waffles:

Start by whisking egg in a small bowl and then stir in the remaining ingredients.

The batter should be a medium thickness, meaning “pourable” but not too runny. If your batter seems too gloppy, add more almond milk (a teaspoon at a time). If too thin, add more flour, a half-teaspoon at a time.

Make sure to pre-heat waffle iron. My protein waffles did not stick to the iron at all, but it was a new mini waffle iron, with non-stick coating. If needed, oil or spray the waffle iron plates as needed.

Meal Prepping and Freezing Waffles with Protein Powder:

To freeze cinnamon protein waffles, allow them to cool completely, in a single layer. If you used a large waffle iron, pull them apart along the perforation to make single pieces. Place waffles on pan in the freezer for about an hour to “pre freeze.” This will keep them from ultimately sticking together in the bag.

Transfer partially frozen cinnamon waffles into a zip-top bag or storage container and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

You can reheat frozen waffles in the toaster. Or, also in an oven preheated to 350F for 10 minutes, or air-fryer set at 390 F for 5 minutes or until thoroughly warmed and crispy.

Although this vanilla protein powder waffle recipe is written for a individual portion, you can meal prep it my simply multiplying how many servings you’d like. For example, 1 1/3 cup of protein powder, 4 eggs, 1 cup almond milk, ¼ cup green banana flour and 1 tsp baking soda would allow you to meal prep protein waffles and stock your freezer for busy mornings.

Optional Apple Maple Topping for Cinnamon Protein Waffles :

A single-serving batch of Cinnamon Protein Waffles can be whipped up in minutes to help fuel you’re the day’s adventures (or endless task of errands, by default). Gluten-free, no added sugar, and low in carbs. Simple to scale up for meal prep and store in freezer.

Need protein waffle topping ideas?! On of my favorites is the sugar-free maple apple topping you see in the photo below. Simply dice up 1/4 of an apple and microwave with a pat of butter until softened. Then, stir in 1/4 cup sugar-free maple flavored syrup before drizzling all over your cinnamon waffles with protein powder.

Double Chocolate Protein Waffles

AND, if you’re a chocolate fan, you’ll not want to miss my Double Chocolate Protein Waffles – another delicious way to incorporate more plant-based protein into your morning. A very similar recipe to the Cinnamon Protein Waffles – only with flavor changes!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for sales generated through links, however the price to you remains the same. Proceeds are used to offset operating expenses at The Fit Fork.

Simple Cinnamon Protein Waffles – Low Carb and Gluten Free

A single-serving batch of Cinnamon Protein Waffles can bewhipped up in minutes to help fuel you’re the day’s adventures (or endless taskof errands, by default). Gluten-free, no added sugar, and low in carbs. Simple to scale up for meal prep and store in freezer.

Course: Breakfast, brunch, Snack
Keyword: cinnamon, low carb, protein powder, waffles
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 220 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk plus a little more if batter super thick
  • 2/3 cup plant-based protein powder I used Nuzest Smooth Vanilla
  • 1 tbsp green banana flour or another type flour
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Wisk egg, stir in almond milk. Mix in protein powder, flour and cinnamon until combined.

  2. Heat mini waffle iron (or large iron). Pour ¼ batter into mini iron (or all batter into large 4-section iron), close lid and cook until indicator light goes off.

Repeat with remaining batter.  Top as desired.
Recipe Notes

Macros (for 4 mini waffles or 1 large waffle with 4 squares. Toppings not included

220 calories, 8g fat, 9g carbs, 27g protein

Lemon, Blueberry & Almond Granola (Lower Carb + Protein Packed)

Lemon, Blueberry & Almond Granola is perfect for breakfast with milk or on yogurt — or for eating straight by the handful as a snack. I’ve used my kitchen hacks (like using alternative sweeteners and adding collagen powder) to moderate carbohydrates, boost protein and create a nutritious food to fuel my goals.

Crunch, lightly sweet and wholesomely satisfying for breakfast or a snack, this easy homemade granola recipe features oats, dried blueberries and almonds -- and also sugar swaps and collagen powder to keep the carbs lowered and protein up!

Preparing homemade granola is surprisingly easy . . . and super economical. Oats are inexpensive and can really stretch your food budget a long way — the biggest expense in homemade granola is the array of mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, seeds and such. But you still get more goodies in your batch than you’d find in a more expensive bag of packaged granola.

Check out this video tutorial on how to make Lemon Blueberry Almond Granola!

As hinted, this lower-carb, higher protein Lemon, Blueberry & Almond Granola uses a few favorite products — a honey alternative (or any zero-carb syrup will do) and unflavored collagen. And, so many wholesome, good-for-you ingredients in this low carb blueberry granola.

Crunch, lightly sweet and wholesomely satisfying for breakfast or a snack, this easy homemade granola recipe features oats, dried blueberries and almonds -- and also sugar swaps and collagen powder to keep the carbs lowered and protein up!

I’m a long-time user of collagen hydrolysate from Great Lakes Wellness. They have quite a few flavors, but the unflavored (green can) is very versatile for everything from mixing into coffee to using as a protein multiplier in recipes like this homemade granola with collagen.

Save 10% on anything at Great Lakes Wellness with my discount code: THEFITFORK10OFF

Great Lakes Wellness discount code THEFITFORK10OFF
Crunch, lightly sweet and wholesomely satisfying for breakfast or a snack, this easy homemade granola recipe features oats, dried blueberries and almonds -- and also sugar swaps and collagen powder to keep the carbs lowered and protein up!
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5 from 1 vote
Lemon Blueberry and Almond Granola - Crunch, lightly sweet and wholesomely satisfying for breakfast or a snack, this easy homemade granola recipe features oats, dried blueberries and almonds -- and also sugar swaps and collagen powder to keep the carbs lowered and protein up!
LEMON BLUEBERRY & ALMOND GRANOLA – Lower Carb and Packed with Protein!

Crunch, lightly sweet and wholesomely satisfying for breakfast or a snack, this easy homemade granola recipe features oats, dried blueberries and almonds — and also sugar swaps and collagen powder to keep the carbs lowered and protein up!

Course: Breakfast, Snack
Keyword: almond, blueberry, collagen, granola, lemon, lower carb
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 301 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • ¼ cup unflavored collagen powder
  • 1/3 cup sugar-free “honey” or can sub real honey but will increase carbs
  • 4 cups rolled oats gluten-free, if needed
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 1-2 pinches salt
  • 1/3 cup dried blueberries no-sugar added
Instructions
  1. Juice and zest one lemon in large bowl.
  2. Mix in honey substitute, collagen, and coconut oil.
  3. Add oats, chia seeds, almonds, salt and blueberries.
  4. Mix until coated.
  5. Dump out on parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet. Lightly pat down.
  6. Bake at 300F for 35 to 40 minutes, using spatula to turn over clusters at halfway point.
  7. Let cool.
  8. Store in air-tight containers.
Recipe Notes

301 Calories

20g net carb

16g fat

11 g protein

Toasted Quinoa-Oat-Pecan Apricot Bites (with Collagen)

Time to get toasty in the middle of summer! My Toasted Quinoa-Oat-Pecan Apricot Bites (with Collagen) are a versatile, balanced energy balls that are easy to make and keep on-hand for healthy snacking.

Nourishing and delicious, these little wholesome balls of goodness feature toasted quinoa, oats and pecans -- along with apricots, maple syrup and collagen for a protein boost! A great breakfast on the go, anytime snack or for after workouts instead of a protein bar!

I like to pop one, two or three (depending on my hunger and energy needs) of these apricot pecan balls in my mouth on the way to my pre-dawn boot camp, or later in the day for a satisfying between-meal snack.  Whole grains, nuts and dried fruit for the win. . .  plus a little collagen powder for my joint support, general wellness and a protein boost!

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Nourishing and delicious, these little wholesome balls of goodness feature toasted quinoa, oats and pecans -- along with apricots, maple syrup and collagen for a protein boost! A great breakfast on the go, anytime snack or for after workouts instead of a protein bar!
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Not added sugar in this apricot protein bites recipe! Dried apricots (look for the unsweetened and unsulfured variety) add sweetness, along with a sugar-free maple syrup alternative. If you’d rather use real maple syrup, honey, agave syrup or another “sticky sweetener”, that’s fine too! Just swap in using the same measurements – do note that it will change the macro, adding more carbohydrates.

Toasting quinoa, oats and pecans

Toasting the quinoa, oats and pecans before chopping up in the food process gives them an amazingly satisfying texture and aroma. You can skip this step if absolutely pressed for time, but it’s well worth the extra 5 minutes each of cooking/cooking time for the elevated flavor. Toasting quinoa is also kinda fun! The dry quinoa also starts to “pop” in the pan, which is an indication only a minute or more needed before you can pulse the remaining ingredients in the food processor. And, the scent of toasting oats, quinoa, pecans and the cinnamon is AMAZING!

If the majority of the mixture isn’t pulling off the sides of the food processor, you can add in a tablespoon or two more of uncooked oats and pulse to make less sticky. You’ll still want it moist and sticky enough to keep the balls holding shape as you roll between your palms.

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As I mentioned, unflavored collagen in this oat quinoa energy balls recipe for my joint/bone and general wellness support – plus a protein boost! For these no-bake collagen bites, I like the Great Lakes Wellness brand and you can save with code THEFITFORK10OFF

5 from 2 votes
Nourishing and delicious, these little wholesome balls of goodness feature toasted quinoa, oats and pecans -- along with apricots, maple syrup and collagen for a protein boost! A great breakfast on the go, anytime snack or for after workouts instead of a protein bar!
Toasted Quinoa-Oat-Pecan Apricot Bites (with collagen)
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
cool
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 

Toasted Quinoa-Oat-Pecan Apricot Bites (with collagen) make a nourishing anytime snack — even a breakfast on the go or post-workout refuel. Gluten free.

Course: Snack, workout
Keyword: apricot, energy bar, pecan, protein bar, quinoa
Servings: 24 balls
Ingredients
  • ½ cup uncooked quinoa rinsed
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • 2/3 cup unflavored collagen powder
  • 8 oz dried apricots set 2 aside for garnish
  • ½ cup sugar-free maple syrup substitute or “sticky” sweetener of choice like honey, agave, etc.*
Instructions
  1. In skillet, over medium-high heat, toast pecans, oats, quinoa and cinnamon for about minutes, stirring frequently, until turning lightly brown. You will hear the quinoa “popping. Remove from heat and let cool down a few minutes.
  2. Place toasted mixture in food processor along with collagen and couple pinches of salt. Pulse a few times to combine.
  3. Add dried apricots and syrup in to food processor and process for a minute or so until a sticky mixture forms and is pulling away from sides. If seems to sticky, add a up to two tablespoons of oats (they don’t need to me toasted).
  4. Form a heaping tablespoon into a ball by rolling between your hands. Repeat with remaining mixture to make 24 total.
  5. Cut the two reserved apricots up into small pieces for garnish on top.
  6. Store bites in refrigerator for 4–5 days. * changing sweetener may affect the macros.
Recipe Notes

No-Bake Chocolate Cashew Oat Bars (Gluten-free, Lower-carb)

Nom, nom, No-bake Chocolate Cashew Oat Bars! In the summer, I’m always looking for a chocolate treat that doesn’t require me to turn on the oven and won’t melt in my hot hands. Chocolate lovers and cashew lovers alike will love to chill out with these easy-make homemade granola bars that are a simple as mixing, mashing into a loaf pan and the sticking in the fridge for a few minutes before cutting.

Many similar cashew chocolate oat bar recipes use ingredients such as honey, maple syrup or pureed dates to sweeten and bind them – absolutely nothing wrong with that, those are smart options to sugar. However, in an effort to moderate the carbohydrates (but still keep a few from the oats for energy), I use various substitutes like a sugar-free honey alternative and monk fruit – this help me keep the carbs to just 14g per bar. Low carb treats not your thing? Then feel free to swap back in the traditional sugar ingredients – the recipe will turn out just as well, just the macros will be different.

I also add unflavored collagen powder to my bowl, to add a boost of protein and to provide extra nourishment for overall wellness (and my arthritic joints). I’ve used the Great Lakes Wellness brand for several years and have been really happy with the results – you should check them out and use THEFITFORK10OFF if you need a discount

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 Each batch of these No-bake Chocolate Cashew Oat Bars makes 12 bars and for 162 calories each, offers about 7.5g protein per bar with 10g fat and only 14g carbs.  These are also gluten-free chocolate cashew oat bars, if that is a concern.

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission from sales, however price to you remains the same.

save 10% Great Lakes Wellness collagen and products with code THEFITFORK10off
save 10% Great Lakes Wellness collagen and products with code THEFITFORK10off

5 from 3 votes
No-bake Chocolate Cashew Oat Bars
Prep Time
5 mins
freezer to chill
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 

A delicious, nourishing snack! These NO-BAKE bars come together quickly to satisfy hunger pains! Made with sugar alternatives to moderate carbs. Gluten free.

Course: cookie, Dessert, Snack
Keyword: cashew, chocolate, collagen, low carb, lower carb, snack
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 162 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup sugar-free honey substitute may use regular honey
  • 1 cup oat flour
  • 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 4 tbsp unflavored collagen may use another protein powder
  • ½ cup chopped cashews
  • 3 tbsp granulated monk fruit sweetener may use a different sugar substitute
  • ½ tsp salt
Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, melted coconut oil and honey alternative. In another bowl, toss together oat flour, rolled oats, cocoa powder, collagen powder, sugar alternative, chopped cashews and salt. Pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stir together with spatula. Mixture should look like cookie dough. Press mixture into 9×5”-ish loaf pan and use clean hands to smash down and flatten smooth on top. Place pan in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up before slicing into 12 bars. Store in fridge.
Recipe Notes

Blueberry Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Balls (Low-carb)

Low-carb Blueberry Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Balls are the perfect little, no-cook solution for summer snacking. They store in the fridge or freezer, making them cool and at-the-ready when hunger strikes.   

These blueberry chocolate chip cheesecake inspired "bites" satisfy your sweet-tooth with no added sugar. Plus, added collagen gives a protein boost to provide a sustaining snack and post-workout refuel. Super easy, no bake! Low carb and keto friendly.

Blueberries add so much flavor and natural sweetness, plus all those amazing blue and purple food nutrients that you don’t find many other places. I used a (no-sugar-added) berry-flavored collagen (THEFITFORK10OFF) will save you at GreatLakesWellness.com) which amplifies the berry flavor even more, but I’ve made the recipe also with unflavored cohttps://bit.ly/GreatLakesWellnessllagen (and even vanilla whey) and the snack is still just as special. The choice is yours!

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I used collagen powder from Great Lakes Gelatin — Save with code THEFITFORK10Off

Cream cheese makes the base of this recipe, along with a little coconut flour (and the previously mentioned collagen powder) to firm it up. Then it’s just stirring in chopped blueberries (fresh or frozen), some chopped sugar-free chocolate chips (or mini chips, if you can find them), setting in the freezer for 10 minutes to set up, then forming into eight little balls.

These blueberry chocolate chip cheesecake inspired "bites" satisfy your sweet-tooth with no added sugar. Plus, added collagen gives a protein boost to provide a sustaining snack and post-workout refuel. Super easy, no bake! Low carb and keto friendly. For more clean eating recipe inspo, visit thefitfork.com

So EASY, so YUMMY, so BLUE – blueberry and chocolate loaded collagen cheesecake balls are perfect finger food treats for Red, White and Blue celebrations. I’m making a batch for a post-workout snack for an upcoming 4th of July workout with my fitness boot camp. I like how they are pre-portioned and snack-sized, I can just pop one of the blueberry cheesecake bites my mouth rather than eating an entire chocolate chip blueberry cheesecake!

These blueberry chocolate chip cheesecake inspired "bites" satisfy your sweet-tooth with no added sugar. Plus, added collagen gives a protein boost to provide a sustaining snack and post-workout refuel. Super easy, no bake! Low carb and keto friendly.

Each piece has about 100 calories, 4.6g net carb and 4.5g protein. If you want a keto cheesecake balls, make sure you are using full-fat cream cheese (which is what I have in the recipe and nutrition facts)

save 10% Great Lakes Wellness collagen and products with code THEFITFORK10off
save 10% Great Lakes Wellness collagen and products with code THEFITFORK10off

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission from products purchased through links here — however, price to you remains the same. Proceeds are used to offset operating expenses at The Fit Fork, thank you for your support!

Blueberry Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Collagen Bites
Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 
Course: Snack, workout
Keyword: blueberry, cheesecake, collagen, low carb
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
  • 4 oz. cream cheese softened
  • 4 Tbsp. collagen powder* berry flavored or unflavored
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar-free choclate chips chopped
  • 1/3 cup blueberries fresh or still frozen
  • 1/3 cup coconut flour
Instructions
  1. Coarsely chop chocolate chips and blueberries, add to bowl.
  2. Stir in softened cream cheese, collagen powder* , and coconut flour until combined.
  3. Put in freezer for 10 minutes to firm up. Use hands to roll into one big ball.
  4. Cut this ball in half, and each half into 4 pieces – to make 8 total pieces.
  5. Roll each piece between hand to make into tidier ball.
  6. Keep leftovers in the fridge.
Recipe Notes

I used Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Powder in Berry flavor (discount code THEFITFORK10OFF at bit.ly/ShopGreatLakesGelatin ) but an unflavored collagen or berry or vanilla whey or plant protein powder may be substituted in the same quantity.