Banana Waffles

Banana waffles are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Perfectly fluffy, naturally sweet, and packed with the rich flavor of ripe bananas, these waffles are a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday breakfast or a special weekend treat, this recipe is easy to make and requires simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make the most of overripe bananas! With a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior, these banana waffles are sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Banana Waffles: Health, Flavor, and Versatility

• Healthy and Nutritious: Bananas add natural sweetness and essential nutrients like potassium, fiber, and vitamins.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet banana flavor makes these waffles a hit with children, and they’re perfect for picky eaters.
• Versatile: Customize your waffles with toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and store them for later—perfect for on-the-go breakfasts.

What You’ll Need: Easy Ingredients for Perfect Banana Waffles

Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious banana waffles:

• 2 ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your waffles will be.
• 2 large eggs: Helps bind the batter and adds fluffiness.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the waffles.
• 1 cup milk: Use any type of milk you prefer (dairy or non-dairy).
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil: Adds richness and prevents sticking.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the waffles rise and become fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the banana flavor.
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional): For extra sweetness, though ripe bananas often provide enough.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the flavors.

how to make these banana waffles

Making banana waffles is simple and straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create fluffy, golden waffles with a delicious banana flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Waffle Iron

• Turn on your waffle maker and let it heat up following the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Most waffle irons have an indicator light that turns on when preheating and off when ready.
• Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray, oil, or melted butter to prevent the waffles from sticking.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

• Take the ripe bananas, remove the peels, and place them into a large bowl.
• Use a fork or potato masher to break down the bananas until they’re mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine and can add texture to the waffles.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• Add the eggs, milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas.
• Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is even.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Make the Batter

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the waffles dense instead of fluffy. It’s fine if the batter has a few small lumps—this won’t affect the texture.

Step 6: Cook the Waffles

• Once the waffle iron is fully preheated, pour the batter onto the center of the iron. Use about ½ cup of batter per waffle, but adjust based on the size of your waffle maker.
• Shut the lid and let the waffles cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown and become crispy. Most waffle makers have a light or sound indicator to let you know when they’re done.
• Avoid opening the waffle iron too early, as this can cause the waffles to tear or cook unevenly.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

• Carefully remove the waffles from the iron using a fork or silicone spatula.
• Serve the waffles warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overfill the Waffle Iron: Using too much batter can cause it to spill over the edges. Begin with a smaller portion of batter and tweak the amount as necessary.

• Keep Waffles Warm: If making a large batch, place cooked waffles on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven to keep them warm and crisp until ready to serve.
• Test the First Waffle: The first waffle is often a test to gauge the right amount of batter and cooking time. Adjust as needed for the rest of the batch.

By following these instructions, you’ll have perfectly cooked banana waffles that are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with banana flavor.

Expert Tips and Creative Variations for Banana Waffles

Once you’ve mastered the basic banana waffle recipe, it’s time to get creative! Here are some expert tips and fun variations to elevate your waffle game and tailor the recipe to your preferences.

Pro Tips for best banana waffles

To ensure your banana waffles turn out perfectly crispy and fluffy, avoid common mistakes like undercooking or stacking them while hot. For more expert advice on waffle-making, check out this guide from Taste of Home.

1. Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your waffles will be. Choose bananas that have plenty of brown spots for the best flavor.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense waffles. Stir the batter until just combined, even if there are a few lumps.
3. Preheat the Waffle Iron Properly: A fully preheated waffle iron ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
4. Grease the Waffle Iron Well: Even if your waffle maker is non-stick, a light coating of oil or butter prevents sticking and helps achieve a golden crust.
5. Let the Batter Rest: Allow the batter to sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking. This helps the flour hydrate and results in fluffier waffles.
6. Avoid Stacking Waffles: To keep waffles crisp, place them in a single layer on a wire rack instead of stacking them, which can trap steam and make them soggy.

Delicious Variations to Try

Banana waffles are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ideas to add variety to your waffles:

1. Chocolate Chip Banana Waffles
   • Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet, indulgent treat.
2. Blueberry Banana Waffles
   • Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a burst of fruity flavor.
3. Nutty Banana Waffles
   • Mix in ¼ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and nutrition.
4. Cinnamon Banana Waffles
   • Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
5. Whole Grain Banana Waffles
   • Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour for a healthier twist.
6. Vegan Banana Waffles
   • Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk and oil.
7. Protein-Packed Banana Waffles
   • Add 1-2 scoops of your favorite protein powder to the batter for a boost of protein.
8. Gluten-Free Banana Waffles
   • Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
9. Mini Banana Waffles
   • Use a mini waffle maker to create bite-sized waffles, perfect for kids or snacks.
10. Savory Banana Waffles
    • Skip the sugar and vanilla extract, and add a pinch of black pepper and grated cheese to the batter for a unique savory twist.

Tips for Customizing Toppings

• Classic: Maple syrup, sliced bananas, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Healthy: Fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and a drizzle of honey.
• Decadent: Whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
• Tropical: Coconut flakes, diced pineapple, and a squeeze of lime juice.
• Nut Butter Drizzle: Peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter for added richness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Waffles Sticking to the Iron: Ensure the waffle iron is properly greased and fully preheated before adding the batter.
• Waffles Not Crispy: Cook them a little longer, and avoid stacking them while hot.
• Waffles Too Dense: Check the freshness of your baking powder, and avoid overmixing the batter.

With these pro tips and variations, you can make banana waffles that suit your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic, healthy, or indulgent, there’s a banana waffle variation for everyone!

Serving Suggestions for banana waffles recipes

Banana waffles are incredibly versatile and can be served in countless ways. Here are some ideas:

• Classic: Top with maple syrup, sliced bananas, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
• Healthy: Add fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and a drizzle of honey.
• Decadent: Go all out with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and a handful of chopped nuts.
• Savory Twist: Skip the sweet toppings and serve with fried eggs and crispy bacon for a savory breakfast.

How to Store & Reheat

• Storing: Let the waffles cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the waffles in a toaster or toaster oven until warm and crispy. You can also use an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

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banana waffles

Jessica

Make fluffy, golden Banana Waffles in 25 minutes! Perfectly sweet, easy to customize, and a hit for breakfast or brunch. Try it today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 ripe bananas mashed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon sugar optional
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Waffle Iron: Plug in and preheat your waffle maker. Lightly grease it with oil or non-stick spray.
• Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
• Mix Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the bananas. Whisk until combined.
• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, sugar (if using), and salt.
• Make the Batter: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
• Cook the Waffles: Pour ½ cup of batter onto the preheated waffle iron. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden and crisp.
• Serve: Remove waffles and serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
• Add chocolate chips, nuts, or berries to the batter for extra flavor.
• Keep cooked waffles warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while preparing the rest.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 220mg

Conclusion

Banana waffles are a simple, delicious, and versatile breakfast option that everyone will love. With their natural sweetness and fluffy texture, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a quick weekday breakfast or a leisurely weekend brunch, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings and add-ins. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavor of banana in every bite!

FAQs

This recipe is designed to be easy, approachable, and delicious. Enjoy your homemade waffles!