These Mini Peanut Butter & Jelly Waffle Sandwiches are a fun and delicious gluten-free treat! Made with simple ingredients like almond milk, coconut sugar, and peanut butter, these waffles are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Filled with creamy peanut butter and fruit jam, they make a perfect breakfast, snack, or lunchbox treat for both kids and adults.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1 tablespoon coconut sugar
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 cup peanut butter
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1/4 cup fruit jam or jelly of your choice (e.g., strawberry, grape)
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1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
Directions
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Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, coconut sugar, and salt.
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Add the almond milk and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, and stir until a smooth batter forms.
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Lightly grease the waffle iron with coconut oil and pour about 1/4 cup of batter per mini waffle.
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Close the waffle maker and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
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Once cooked, remove the waffles from the iron and let them cool for a minute or two.
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Spread a layer of peanut butter on one mini waffle and fruit jam on another. Press them together to form a sandwich.
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Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Nutrients
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Calories: 120 kcal per sandwich
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
The Allure of Mini Waffle Sandwiches
The appeal of Mini Peanut Butter & Jelly Waffle Sandwiches lies in their ability to take two familiar comfort foods—waffles and peanut butter & jelly—and combine them in a whole new way. Waffles are known for their crispy exterior and soft interior, creating a perfect contrast in texture. When made into mini versions, they become even more fun to eat and easier to portion, making them the perfect size for little hands or as a snack.
The combination of peanut butter and jelly is a classic for a reason—it’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet. By adding this iconic pairing to waffles, the dish takes on a new level of excitement. The waffles offer more structure than bread, and the crispy outside gives an extra layer of satisfaction with each bite.
Gluten-Free Delight
For those who are gluten-sensitive or follow a gluten-free lifestyle, these Mini Peanut Butter & Jelly Waffle Sandwiches are a perfect option. Made with gluten-free all-purpose flour, they offer the same delicious taste and texture of traditional waffles without the gluten. Gluten-free baking can sometimes result in a dense or crumbly texture, but these waffles hold up beautifully, providing the ideal crispy exterior and soft interior.
The use of almond milk in the batter not only keeps the recipe dairy-free but also adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the peanut butter and jelly filling. Almond milk is also a healthier alternative to regular milk, providing a lighter, dairy-free option without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Coconut Sugar for a Natural Sweetness
Instead of refined sugar, these waffles are sweetened with coconut sugar, which offers a lower glycemic index and a more natural sweetness. Coconut sugar is made from the sap of coconut trees and retains many of the nutrients found in the coconut, including small amounts of iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium. It also has a rich, caramel-like flavor that adds depth to the waffles without overpowering the other ingredients.
Coconut sugar is a great alternative for those who want to reduce their sugar intake or seek a more natural sweetener. It pairs beautifully with the peanut butter and jelly filling, enhancing the overall flavor without making the waffles overly sweet.
A Satisfying Combination of Flavors and Textures
What sets Mini Peanut Butter & Jelly Waffle Sandwiches apart from other snacks is the delightful combination of flavors and textures. The waffles themselves provide a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, creating a satisfying bite. The nutty, creamy peanut butter adds richness and flavor, while the fruit jam brings a sweet, tangy contrast that balances the savory peanut butter perfectly.
The addition of the coconut oil helps the waffles achieve that crispy exterior, ensuring they have a satisfying crunch when you bite into them. The nutty flavor of the coconut oil also complements the peanut butter and enhances the overall flavor profile of the waffles. Together, these elements create a balanced and delicious sandwich that’s both satisfying and fun to eat.
A Fun, Customizable Snack
One of the best parts of making Mini Peanut Butter & Jelly Waffle Sandwiches is how easy it is to customize them to suit individual tastes. While peanut butter and fruit jam are a classic combination, you can easily switch up the filling based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.
For example, you could substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for peanut butter, making the recipe suitable for those with nut allergies. You could also experiment with different types of fruit jams or preserves, such as strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, or even mixed berry, to create your own unique flavor combinations. If you’re looking to make them extra indulgent, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar could add an extra layer of sweetness.
These mini waffle sandwiches are also incredibly versatile in terms of serving options. While they are perfect on their own, you can serve them alongside a side of fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a light salad to create a more complete meal. They make a great addition to a brunch spread, and their small size makes them perfect for portion control and easy sharing.
Perfect for Lunchboxes or Busy Days
Mini Peanut Butter & Jelly Waffle Sandwiches are a fantastic option for meal prepping, especially for kids’ lunchboxes or as a quick snack on busy days. They are easy to prepare in advance, and the waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a few days. Since the waffles are naturally gluten-free, they can also be a great option for those following gluten-free diets or looking for an allergy-friendly snack.
These mini sandwiches are portable and easy to pack, making them a perfect addition to a lunchbox or picnic basket. Their size makes them ideal for portion control, and they are simple enough to eat on the go, whether at work, school, or during a day out. They can be made ahead of time, reducing the amount of time needed for preparation on busy mornings, and they travel well without falling apart or getting soggy.
A Great Snack for All Ages
Mini Peanut Butter & Jelly Waffle Sandwiches are not just for kids; they are a snack that can be enjoyed by adults too. The combination of flavors and textures makes these sandwiches suitable for all ages, whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a light dessert. The balance of protein from the peanut butter and fiber from the gluten-free flour makes them a satisfying option that can keep you full between meals.
For adults, these mini sandwiches also provide a nostalgic twist on a childhood favorite, evoking memories of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from the past. The waffle element adds a fun, indulgent twist, turning a simple snack into a treat that’s just as enjoyable for adults as it is for children.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
In addition to being delicious and fun, these Mini Peanut Butter & Jelly Waffle Sandwiches offer several health benefits thanks to their wholesome ingredients. Peanut butter is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. It provides a satisfying filling that helps keep hunger at bay and supports muscle health.
Coconut sugar, as a more natural sweetener, offers a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, which means it has a smaller impact on blood sugar levels. It also contains trace minerals that can contribute to overall health. The use of almond milk in place of dairy provides a dairy-free, low-calorie option, making this recipe suitable for those with lactose intolerance or those who prefer plant-based alternatives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mini Peanut Butter & Jelly Waffle Sandwiches are a fun, delicious, and healthy twist on a classic snack. Made with simple, nutritious ingredients like gluten-free flour, almond milk, coconut sugar, and peanut butter, these mini sandwiches offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that appeal to both kids and adults. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a snack for the lunchbox, or a treat to share with friends, these waffle sandwiches are an excellent choice. Their versatility, customizable nature, and easy preparation make them a go-to option for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty, satisfying, and wholesome snack. With their crispy waffles, creamy peanut butter, and fruity jam, these mini sandwiches are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.