Looking for gestational diabetes-friendly pancakes or low-carb waffles to satisfy your breakfast cravings? Managing blood sugar doesn’t mean giving up on comforting classics like pancakes and waffles. Gluten-free pancakes are also an option, with almond flour being a great low-carb alternative. Below are 5 low-carb pancake recipes and 5 low-carb waffle recipes to help you navigate your GD breakfasts with ease.
Ingredients:
2 large eggs
2 tbsp natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
Sweetener to taste (optional)
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Pour the batter into a preheated waffle maker and cook until golden brown.
Top with sugar-free syrup or low-carb toppings like whipped cream or berries.
Ingredients:
1 large egg
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp almond flour (optional, for structure)
1/4 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
Pour the batter into a greased waffle maker and cook until crispy.
Serve savory or sweet with sugar-free syrup or cream cheese.
Ingredients:
2 large eggs
2 tbsp coconut flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
1-2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (if needed to thin batter)
Sweetener to taste (optional)
Instructions:
Whisk together eggs and melted butter.
Add coconut flour, baking soda, and sweetener, mixing until smooth.
Allow the batter to rest for 2-3 minutes before cooking. Coconut flour thickens as it absorbs liquid, and this could help stabilize it. If needed, add 1 tbsp almond milk at a time.
Cook in a waffle maker until golden brown.
Ingredients:
1 large egg
2 tbsp almond flour
1 tbsp cream cheese (softened)
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
Sweetener to taste (optional)
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients until smooth.
Pour the batter into a preheated waffle maker and cook until golden brown.
Serve with your favorite toppings like unsweetened Greek yogurt or fresh berries.
Ingredients:
1 cup riced cauliflower (cooked and squeezed dry)
1 large egg
1/4 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1/4 tsp baking soda
Pinch of garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Press the mixture into a waffle maker and cook until crisp.
Pair with sour cream or avocado for a satisfying savory meal.
If you’re looking for a little extra boost of protein in your waffles, here’s a simple and delicious recipe that is made with protein powder.
Ingredients:
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 large egg
1/2 tsp baking soda
3-4 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or any other milk of your choice)
Optional: cinnamon
Instructions:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla protein powder, baking soda, and cinnamon (if using).
Crack in the egg, then add the almond milk. Stir everything together until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
Preheat your waffle maker according to its instructions, ensuring it is fully heated before adding the batter.
Lightly grease the waffle maker if necessary (I like using a small spray of cooking oil or butter). Pour the batter into the waffle maker, spreading it out evenly.
Close the waffle maker and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the waffle is golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Carefully remove the waffle, serve immediately, and top with your favorite additions like fresh berries, sugar-free syrup, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
2 large eggs
2 tbsp natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp cottage cheese
Sweetener to taste (optional)
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Heat a non-stick pan and lightly grease.
Cook small amounts of batter until bubbles form, then flip.
For a delicious and health-conscious topping, consider using sugar-free maple syrup.
Ingredients:
2 large eggs
2 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 tsp cinnamon or vanilla extract (optional)
Sweetener to taste (optional)
Instructions:
Blend eggs and cream cheese until smooth.
Pour batter onto a greased skillet and cook until golden on both sides.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup almond flour
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 tsp baking powder
Sweetener to taste (optional)
Almond flour is a healthier alternative to white flour, which is highly refined and can cause a quicker spike in blood sugar levels.
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients into a smooth batter.
Cook in a greased skillet, flipping when bubbles form.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 large egg
2 tbsp almond flour or coconut flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Whisk yogurt and egg together, then mix in dry ingredients.
Cook on a lightly greased skillet until golden brown.
Ingredients:
1 large egg
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
1 tbsp almond flour (optional, for structure)
Pinch of garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients into a batter.
Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden.
Serve with sour cream, avocado, or even a poached egg!
Looking for a high-protein, low-carb breakfast option? These vanilla protein pancakes are just what you need! Packed with protein powder, they make the perfect start to your day while keeping you full and satisfied.
Ingredients:
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 egg
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Optional: cinnamon
Instructions (for best results):
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the vanilla protein powder, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add the almond milk and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth. If the batter seems too thick, add a little extra almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with cooking spray or a little butter.
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve the pancakes with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, or nut butter. Enjoy these fluffy protein-packed pancakes!
For low-carb pancakes and waffles, what you top them with is just as important as the recipe itself! Here are some delicious and GD-friendly options:
Sugar-free syrups: Maple-flavored or flavored alternatives
Fresh low-glycemic fruit: Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries
Nut butters: Almond butter or natural peanut butter
Unsweetened whipped cream: Perfect for a treat!
Shredded unsweetened coconut: Adds texture and sweetness
Dark chocolate chips: Opt for sugar-free or low-carb options
Avocado slices: Great for savory waffles like cauliflower waffles
Eggs: Poached, scrambled, or fried eggs for protein
Cheese: Cream cheese or shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella
Sour cream: Pairs well with savory pancakes or waffles
Vegetables: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted tomatoes
Homemade is great — but let’s be real, there are mornings (or evenings) when you just want something quick and easy. And that’s where the right pancake or waffle mix can save the day. These store-bought options are lower in carbs or higher in protein — and when paired well, they can absolutely work within a GD-friendly approach:
Pearl Milling Company Protein Pancake Mix – Buttermilk
Tastes close to the “real thing,” but with 15g protein per serving — a win. Just skip the syrup overload and pair with plain Greek yogurt and berries instead.
King Arthur Keto Wheat Pancake Mix
One of the more trusted names when it comes to baking — this mix is keto-friendly, high protein, and has a fluffy texture. A favorite for waffles too.
Birch Benders Keto Pancake & Waffle Mix
Made with almond and coconut flour, this one is grain-free and sugar-free. The taste is a little “earthier,” but it holds up well with toppings like whipped cottage cheese and cinnamon.
Carbquik Baking Mix
This one’s more than just pancakes — you can use it for biscuits, muffins, or even quiche crusts. It’s higher in fiber (which helps with blood sugar response), and super versatile.
Don’t go solo. Pancakes or waffles alone = likely spike. Pair with protein like eggs, turkey bacon, or a spoonful of nut butter on top.
Watch portions. Stick to 2–3 small pancakes or 1–2 waffles, depending on the carb count listed.
Upgrade your toppings. Skip the syrup (or use a sugar-free one) and go for Greek yogurt, nuts, berries, or even cottage cheese instead.
Read the label. Look for <20g net carbs per serving, at least 8–10g protein, and no added sugar when possible.
You don’t have to give up the cozy pancake vibes — you just need a little label-reading and smart pairing to make it blood sugar friendly.
Q1: Can I eat waffles and pancakes if I have gestational diabetes?
Absolutely! Waffles and pancakes can fit into a GD diet when made with low-carb, high-protein ingredients. Using almond flour, coconut flour, or even cheese-based batters can significantly reduce the carb count while providing fiber and protein.
Q2: How do I avoid blood sugar spikes after eating pancakes or waffles?
Pair your meal with a source of protein or healthy fats like eggs, cheese, or avocado. Also, monitor portion sizes and test your levels after meals to see how your body responds.
Q3: Are sugar-free syrups safe to use?
Yes, sugar-free syrups made with sweeteners like erythritol or stevia can be a good alternative. Always check the ingredients to avoid hidden carbs.
Q4: Can I prep these recipes in advance?
Yes! Most low-carb pancakes and waffles freeze well. Cook a batch, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the toaster or oven for a quick breakfast.
Q5: What’s the best flour substitute for pancakes and waffles?
Almond flour and coconut flour are the most popular low-carb options. Almond flour adds a nutty flavor, while coconut flour is slightly sweeter and absorbs more liquid, requiring fewer amounts.
Looking for even more breakfast ideas? Check out our 10 GD Breakfast Ideas for Healthy Blood Sugar Control or explore 23 No-Egg Breakfast Ideas for Gestational Diabetes for plenty of variety. Plus, don’t forget to download the HIgedi app to connect with fellow mamas, share your favorite meals, and discover new breakfast inspiration from others on the same journey. Managing GD is easier when we do it together! 😊
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