This whole wheat Norwegian waffle recipe is a healthier twist on my family’s recipe. Also known as heart-shaped waffles, learn how to make them now. 

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Whole wheat Norwegian waffles are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. 

Also known as heart-shaped waffles, this nordic recipe is one that comes from my Norwegian heritage. 

While we didn’t have them often, I always loved breaking off the individual hearts as a kid, dunking them in jam or syrup. 

Flash forward to a few years ago when we were hiking in Norway and stopped at a waffle hut on the top of the mountain (no joke). 

The cabin was far from fancy, instead it felt like being back in my grandpa’s church in Wisconsin with a simple table that had a coffee percolator and a plate of Norwegian waffles. 

As you traditionally don’t add syrup to the waffles, the idea was you’d simply grab one, add some jam or sour cream, and eat it as you continued on your hike. 

While I don’t take these on hikes, they’re still one of my favorite recipes when I want a simple, sweet breakfast or dessert. 

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Soft and sweet.
• Melt-in-your-mouth texture. 
• Can be made into mini heart-shaped sandwiches.
• Kid-friendly. 
• Perfect for breakfast, snack-time, or dessert. 

Ingredients Used to Make this Norwegian Waffle (Valfer) Recipe

• White whole wheat flour: To make these a bit healthier without affecting the texture, I used white whole wheat flour. My go-to brand is King Arthur. You can also use all-purpose flour or whole wheat. Just note that regular whole wheat flour will result in a heartier texture. 
• Plain Greek yogurt: To help reduce the butter while still keeping these moist, we’re using Plain Greek yogurt. I recommend 2% or whole fat.
• Butter: While I reduced the butter from my family recipe, I still recommend using a few tablespoons for a more authentic flavor. 
• Unsweetened vanilla almond milk: I like the hint of vanilla, but feel free to use regular cow’s milk or unsweetened oat milk. I don’t recommend coconut or soy as they will change the flavor slightly. 
• Sugar: Yup, we’re using regular white sugar. You can also use raw cane sugar. I haven’t tried these with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative. 
• Almond extract: Almond extract is key for replicating the flavor that i grew up with. Whether it was waffles, pancakes, or cookies, my Norwegian grandfather always added almond extract to anything sweet he was making. You can buy it easily online. 
• Baking powder: Just a little is needed to help make these spongy. 
• Salt: You only need a pinch to balance out the sweet flavors. 

What are Norwegian waffles?

Also called valfer, Norwegian waffles are made using a special iron (often sold as a Heart Shape Iron in the US). 

Unlike the big, crispy waffles that we’re used to in America, Nordic waffles are much softer and thinner. They’re also typically served for dessert or as a snack with coffee in the afternoon and not found on most breakfast tables. 

How to Make Whole Wheat Norwegian Waffles 

As mentioned above, you’ll need to buy a special maker for this Norwegian waffle recipe. Once you have that, they’re super simple to whip together! 

1. Whisk eggs and milk until frothy. And then add everything else in. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix once you add the flour!
2. Let the batter sit for 15 minutes. While it sits, start preheating your iron. 
3. Make the waffles! 

Tips for making this recipe

• Make sure your iron is nice and hot before you add the batter. 
• Spray or use butter to grease the maker between every 1 or 2 waffles. This will help keep them from sticking to the iron and give you a light brown color on top. 
• Don’t expect crispy waffles! As mentioned before, these are supposed to be thin and have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. 

What toppings do you add to Nordic waffles? 

As these tend to be sweet on their own, I don’t recommend adding syrup. 

Traditionally, valfer is served with jam (my family always used lingonberry) and sour cream. And my grandpa would actually spread brown cheese (called brunost) on his. 

However, my go-to toppings are strawberry chia seed jam and a dollop of Greek yogurt. I’ve even made peanut butter sandwiches with them before too for a snack. 

More healthy Norwegian-inspired recipes to try 

Looking for more Scandinavian-inspired breakfast recipes? Here are some of my favorites: 

• Norwegian Pancakes with Cardamom Whipped Yogurt Topping 
• Byggrynsgrøt (Barley Porridge) from My Nordic Kitchen
• Gluten-Free Cardamom Pancakes from The Nordic Kitchen 

If you tried this Whole Wheat Norwegian Waffle recipe or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! 

Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for even more deliciousness!

Print Recipe

Whole Wheat Norwegian Waffles

Traditional Norwegian waffles get a healthy twist with white whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt. To keep these semi-traditional, top with homemade chia seed jam rather than syrup (or along with syrup!).

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time30 mins

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Norwegian

Keyword: Chia Seeds, Healthy breakfast, Waffles

Servings: 4

Calories: 332kcal

Author: Kelli

Ingredients

Waffles:

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or any milk of choice
• 2 eggs
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• 3 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt 2% or full-fat recommended
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 1 ½ cups white whole wheat flour
• Optional toppings: jam syrup, butter, additional Greek yogurt

*Strawberry Chia Seed Jam:

• 1 lb frozen strawberries
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

For the waffles:

• Using a stand or hand mixer, whisk eggs, sugar and milk until eggs are frothy. Whisk in butter and Greek yogurt.
• Next, add salt, baking powder, and almond extract. Stir well to combine.
• Slowly mix in flour, about ¼ cup at a time, until batter is free of lumps and is slightly thick. Allow mixture to stand for 15-20 minutes. When there’s about 3-4 minutes left, you can start heating your waffle iron.
• Once mixture has had time to sit and waffle pan is hot, spray pan and pour a heaping ¼ of batter into the pan. Close and cook until slightly browned. Place cooked waffle on a foil-covered plate (or place in an oven set to “keep warm” setting, about 150 degrees F). Repeat with remaining batter (no need to spray the waffle iron after the first waffle). Once all waffles are made, serve with chia seed jam and any additional toppings of choice.

For the jam:

• The night before making the waffles or up to 2 weeks before, Place medium-sized pot on stove over medium heat. Add strawberries and maple syrup. Stir frequently until boiling (depending on your stove may take about 10 minutes).
• Carefully mash strawberries with a fork or masher and continue to cook until it begins to thicken.Taste and adjust sweetness as desired. Stir in chia seeds and allow to boil for 1 minute.
• Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let it sit for 10 minutes so the jam can thicken. Once cooled, pour into a glass container and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Notes

Nutrition for 2 waffles (without toppings): 332 calories, 34 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 8 g sugar, 11 g protein Nutrition per 2 tablespoons of chia seed jam: 24 calories, 0 g fat, 4 g carbohydrate, 3 g sugar, 1 g protein *Make chia seed jam at least the night before. It stays good in the fridge for up to two weeks.