Everyone likes to feel special every once in a while, and what best time to do it for those we love than in the morning to start the day off on the right foot?
I like to make this fancy gluten-free breakfast for kids because it’s nutritious, easy to make, and makes them feel loved. It’s great for parents, too! Because you can quickly multiply this recipe to feed a crowd, it is great to make after a sleepover. You could gather all the kids at the breakfast table, and while you have their attention, take advantage of it to read them Diamond Butterfly by Miranda Mathis, a magical and amazing story about acceptance, friendship and respect,
What Goes in this Fancy Gluten-Free Breakfast for Kids?
This gluten-free breakfast for kids has nourishing ingredients that keep them full and energized. You can make it quite low in sugar by using the substitutes listed below.
First, you’ll make chocolate chip waffles that call for almond and coconut flour instead of regular flour, eggs for protein and substance, and maple syrup as the only sweetener.
Then, I like to make hot chocolate on the side. I usually use Lakanto, an erythritol-based sweetener that doesn’t spike blood sugar, good-quality cocoa powder, and whole milk.
And finally, a bowl of cinnamon apples rounds it all up. For added protein, you can add an egg on the side to make a truly nutritious breakfast.
Almond Flour: A Great Flour Substitute
Almond flour is a nutritious ingredient high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber and is low in carbohydrates with a low glycemic index. It is also a good source of vitamin E and magnesium and is gluten-free, making it a suitable alternative for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Its distinct nutty flavor enhances the taste of baked goods, and its fat content gives them a longer shelf-life and lowers the need for added fat.
Yes, Chocolate Can be Good for Kids!
If your kids love chocolate, you might feel guilty about feeding it to them. But at the end of the day, it is best to let them have what they enjoy while ensuring they eat it in moderation and healthier ways than in a candy bar.
Cocoa is a rich source of antioxidants and flavonoids, and it may help to improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and improve cognitive function. It also contains magnesium which is essential for children’s growth and development.
In this gluten-free breakfast for kids, we have chocolate in two ways. The first is in the waffles in the form of chocolate chips. While chocolate chips definitely shouldn’t be eaten by the handful, a few tablespoons in the nutritious waffles is not too bad. The second is in the hot cocoa – many kids enjoy a warm cup of cocoa with whipped cream, but the ready-made mixes are often loaded with sugar and additives. This recipe is easy-peasy and only requires three ingredients. And you can make it sugar-free!
Fancy Gluten-Free Breakfast for Kids
Ingredients (for 6 waffles)
For the waffles:
1 ½ cups almond flour
1 tablespoon coconut flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
Pinch salt
3 eggs
2-4 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
½ cup buttermilk or regular milk/dairy-free alternative
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips
For the hot chocolate (per serving):
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 tablespoon sugar or Lakanto
1 cup milk or dairy-free milk
Whipped cream
For the cinnamon apples (per serving):
1 small apple, diced
⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
Optional:
1 egg per child, cooked to their preference
Directions:
For the waffles:
Preheat a waffle iron, oiling it if needed.
In a food processor, pulse the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until smooth.
In a large bowl, whisk the rest of the ingredients. Mix dry and wet ingredients until smooth.
Make the waffles according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For the hot chocolate:
Combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and milk in a saucepan. Heat, stirring occasionally, until warm or hot. Pour into cups and top with whipped cream.
For the cinnamon apples:
Toss the diced apples and cinnamon together.
Serve your gluten-free breakfast for kids by arranging everything on a plate. Good additions include a scrambled or sunny-side-up egg, more fruit, and sausage or bacon.
