These carrot cake waffle pops are a playful twist on waffles—blended with wholesome ingredients like oats, Greek yogurt, banana, and grated carrots, then cooked in a mini waffle maker with a popsicle stick right in the center! The result? A soft, hand-held waffle that toddlers can dip, hold, and eat with joy (no forks required!).
These were totally inspired by my toddler—he loves anything he can hold, and anything that looks like a popsicle instantly gets his attention. Turning waffles into pops made breakfast more fun (and less messy!), and the best part is they're packed with good-for-you ingredients. It’s a win for both of us: he sees a treat, and I know he's getting fiber, protein, and veggies in every bite.
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Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make these fun carrot waffle pops!
- rolled oats – a wholesome, fiber-rich base that blends into flour and adds staying power
- egg – helps bind everything together and gives the waffles structure, can sub with flax or chia egg
- ripe banana – adds natural sweetness and moisture, perfect for little taste buds
- plain Greek yogurt – boosts protein, but can totally be replaced with cottage cheese, dairy-free yogurt, or extra banana (may have to add a little milk for consistency)
- vanilla extract
- baking powder
- cinnamon – measure with your heart on this one
- carrots – you can totally play around and sub other veggies in if you want!
- hemp hearts (optional) – add healthy fats, protein, and a subtle nutty boost without any crunch (use code TIFF10 for 10% off at Tiny Sprouts)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Let the waffle maker warm up while you prepare the batter. In a blender, combine oats, egg, banana, yogurt, vanilla, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Step 2: Stir in the grated carrots (if they aren't already blended in) and any other mix-ins (chocolate chips, raisins, chopped nuts, etc.) you're adding!
- Step 3: Spoon batter into the mini waffle maker. Before closing the lid, insert a popsicle stick into the center and press gently. Close lid and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until golden and set.
- Step 4: Let cool slightly before serving. Serve as-is or with a dip like yogurt, nut butter, or maple drizzle!
Hint: Let the waffles cool for 1–2 minutes in the waffle maker (open up to air out, gently remove) before removing to help them firm up and hold the stick. If you want more sweetness, add 1–2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the batter before blending.
Substitutions
These are naturally gluten-free if using gluten-free oats! Here are some easy swaps to adjust as needed:
- Greek yogurt → use dairy-free yogurt or mashed banana
- rolled oats → sub with oat flour or quick oats
- banana → use ½ cup applesauce or mashed sweet potato
- egg → use 1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoon water
Variations
Get creative with these and have your little one help "decorate" them!
- carrot cake waffle or pancake bites – skip the sticks and make mini bite-sized waffles
- frosted waffle pops – top with a swirl of Greek yogurt + cream cheese + maple syrup for a frosting-like topping
- add-ins – stir in raisins, shredded coconut, or chopped walnuts for texture and carrot cake flair
Equipment
You will need a blender, measuring utensils, grater (if grating the carrots), popsicle sticks, and mini waffle maker.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven until warm
To Reheat: Use toaster, oven, or microwave for quick warm-up
Tiff's Tip
Kids love anything on a stick—so turning waffles into pops makes them instantly more fun! Serve with a little dish of yogurt “frosting” for dipping, or cut the sticks off and pack them in lunchboxes for mess-free munching. You can even get them to decorate their own!
FAQ
Yes! Use 1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoon water as an egg replacement.
You can sub with ½ cup applesauce or mashed sweet potato for a similar texture.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Carrot Cake Waffle "Pops"
Equipment
- popsicle sticks
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 egg
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg optional
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt optional
- 2 medium carrots peeled and grated
- 2 tablespoon hemp hearts optional
- milk if needed for consistency
Instructions
- Preheat mini waffle maker – Let it warm up while you prepare the batter.
- Make the batter – In a blender, combine oats, egg, banana, yogurt, vanilla, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), hemp hearts (if using), and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Fold in the carrots – Pour the batter into a bowl and stir in the grated carrots.
- Cook the waffle pops – Spoon batter into the mini waffle maker. Before closing the lid, insert a popsicle stick into the center and press gently. Close lid and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until golden and set.
- Cool & serve – Let cool slightly before serving. Serve as-is or with a dip like yogurt, nut butter, or maple drizzle!
Notes
- Optional for sweetness - add 1-2 tablespoon of maple syrup
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