It’s National Waffle Day! This spread is fresh, colorful, healthy, and comes together in a flash, so you can spend less time working and more time enjoying.

I had a major panic over the weekend. A new family had moved into our neighborhood and I invited them over for a casual brunch. I was so thrilled to wow them with a loaded waffle bar spread featuring my favorite thick and fluffy buttermilk waffles, but (enter suspenseful music here), when I went to preheat my trusty waffle iron, it wouldn’t turn on. The waffle maker had bit the dust. I had already purchased all the ingredients, started prepping, and they were set to arrive in 30 minutes. What was I going to do? As a food blogger, this was not the first impression I wanted to make.

I had no choice but to rush my husband to the grocery store for another option. “Maybe French Toast? Just get something quick!” I said. I knew I was taking a serious risk in sending my husband, he’s not exactly a recipe creating master. When he came back with boxes of Kodiak Cakes frozen toaster waffles, my heart sank. Frozen toaster waffles?!? I gave him my fiercest you are dead to me look and he said, “What? The toaster works…they’re fast…they look pretty good…and you do love Kodiak Cakes.”

Turns out, I’m no longer allowed to criticize my shortcut taking husband. He was right, these were lightning fast, and they weren’t just pretty good, they were great. Really great. Everyone agreed. Who would have thought? No mixing, no pouring, no mess. So easy!

With Kodiak Cakes Toaster Waffles, I created a rustic, gorgeous, gourmet waffle bar spread in no time at all. It received rave reviews all around. So much so, I’m not buying a new waffle maker. These toaster waffles are my new-go to.

Using Kodiak Cakes Toaster Waffles, you can load up a waffle bar with any of your crave-worthy pairings. Plus, you’ll get a healthy dose of protein and whole grains to start out your day. If you want something rich and decadent, I recommend their dark chocolate waffles with bananas, Nutella, and dark chocolate chips. If you want something sweet and savory, try their cinnamon waffles with roasted pancetta, sliced melons, and maple syrup. Really, the sky is the limit. Getting hungry yet?

I wanted a rustic, wholesome, farm to table inspired spread that focused on fresh seasonal fruits, like berries and figs, that I found at our farmer’s market.

I loaded up my platter with Kodiak Cakes Buttermilk and Blueberry Toaster Waffles. I added my local-found favorites:

• Fresh blueberries, raspberries, tiger figs, and mission figs

• Local-made raspberry jam

• Toasted walnuts

• Crisp, thick cut, roasted maple bacon

• Homemade vanilla whipped cream (recipe below, but feel free to use store-bought)

• Generous doses of powdered sugar

• Bright, happy pops of color with wildflowers from my yard and fresh thyme.

Homemade Vanilla Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tarter (optional, but helps keep whipped cream stable)

1. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cream of tarter on medium-high speed until medium peaks form. This will take about 3-4 minutes. Watch closely so you don’t over whip. Use immediately.

Guest will be in awe of this spread. Let them create the ultimate waffle tower layered with whipped cream and raspberry jam, topped with fresh berries and figs, add a sweet dose of powered sugar, then some toasted walnuts, and don’t forget, roasted maple bacon on the side. Yes, please! There’s something on this platter for everyone. But most importantly, there’s more time for you to enjoy your company and your day.

ENJOY!