Banana Waffles

Introducing my perfected banana waffles recipe, a labor of love that’s seen over a dozen trials and taste tests to reach waffle perfection! Perfect for lazy Sundays or decadent breakfasts-in-bed, these easy waffles are not just a dish; they’re a journey of dedication and deliciousness.

Try serving these with my Butter Pecan or Caramel Syrup for an over the top brunch recipe!

close up image of a white plate with two waffles stacked on top of each other with banana slices on top. A teal napkin off in the back


 

Why You’ll Love These Banana Waffles

  • Perfected Recipe: Knowing this recipe has been tested and refined over a dozen times can be a big draw. It promises a tried-and-true result, reducing the uncertainty that sometimes comes with trying a new recipe.
  • Texture Perfection: The balance of crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside is a texture dream for waffle lovers. It’s the ideal combo that many strive to achieve in waffle-making.
  • Comfort Food: There’s something inherently comforting about warm, freshly-made waffles. They can be a delightful pick-me-up or a special treat to start the day.

I love to buy bananas- and that’s about it. It seems like I buy them, forget them, and then they end up in the garbage. I always think we will eat them before they go bad, but never manage to make it through the batch.

The good news is these banana waffles are an excellent use for those overripe bananas on my counter. Crisp outside, soft center… Top with fresh slices of banana and warm maple syrup and you have an INSANELY delicious breakfast recipe.

Top down image showing a wooden table with a glass dish filled with flour, a measuring cup filled with milk, four small containers filled with baking powder, sugar, salt and cinnamon, and butter, a large egg, and two bananas

Ingredients You’ll Need

There are so many reasons to love this recipe. One of the top has to be that it calls for little added sugar. All of the sweetness will come from your bananas. Make sure to use overly ripe ones to ensure a flavor packed winning recipe!

Most of the base ingredients in this recipe are ones you can find right in your pantry! This is the perfect brunch recipe!

  • All-Purpose Flour: Here’s the secret, you can definitely substitute half whole wheat in this waffle recipe- and it is delicious!
  • Baking powder: Always double check the expiration date of your leavening agents. These go bad quicker than you might thing. Once you open baking powder. it should be replaced after 6 months.
  • Salt: Just a pinch of salt goes a long way in helping to enhance flavor.
  • Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic spices for banana bread. You don’t need much and it really elevates the flavor.
  • Sugar: This helps crisp the waffle and gives it that classic golden color while adding a nice sweetness.
  • Milk: Whole milk is best, but you can use as low as 2% with great results. We also enjoy using buttermilk in these waffles.
  • Eggs: Large eggs. Not only do they bind together the ingredients, but it provides a soft and crunchy texture.
  • Bananas: Overripe bananas are key! You want them to be brown. Like, so brown you think you shouldn’t use them. The more a banana ripens the sweeter it becomes.
  • Vanilla Extract: Optional, but it adds a depth and warmth that enhances all of the flavors.
top down image showing a glass mixing bowl with smashed bananas
top down image showing a glass mixing bowl with smashed bananas and a pile of dry ingredients on top
top down image showing a glass mixing bowl with waffle batter inside

Banana Waffle Recipe

  1. Prepare: Start by heating the waffle iron according to its instructions. A properly heated waffle iron is key to getting that perfect crispness.
  2. Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and a dash of nutmeg. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed. This ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  3. Mash the Bananas: In a separate bowl, take the ripe bananas and mash them until they’re smooth. Ripe bananas are easier to mash and sweeter, which is perfect for waffles.
  4. Wet Ingredients Mix: Add the melted butter (cool it a bit after melting so it doesn’t cook the egg), milk, a beaten egg, and a splash of vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix these until they’re well combined. The egg is crucial as it binds everything together and adds to the fluffiness.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps – overmixing can make the waffles tough.
  6. Cooking the Waffles: Scoop about 3/4 cup of batter for your waffle iron (but check your iron’s instructions) onto the center of the iron. Close the lid and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions, usually until the waffle is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Serve Immediately: Waffles are best served fresh. You can top them with syrup, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
  8. Keep Them Warm: If you’re making multiple waffles, preheat your oven to a low temperature and place the finished waffles on an oven-safe plate or a baking sheet to keep them warm while you make the rest.
Top down image showing an open waffle iron with batter filled on the bottom layer

How To Know When Banana Are Ready For Baking

Knowing when bananas are ripe enough for baking is a bit like spotting a treasure – the riper, the better! Look for these signs:

  1. Color: Ripe bananas for baking are usually yellow with lots of brown specks. The more brown spots, the sweeter and softer the banana – perfect for mashing and baking.
  2. Feel: They should feel soft but not mushy. A gentle squeeze should give a little without feeling like they’re collapsing.
  3. Aroma: Ripe bananas have a sweet, strong banana aroma. If you can smell that sweet fragrance without even peeling them, they’re ready for your baking adventures.

These ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to your recipes, making them ideal for baked goods like banana bread, muffins, and of course, banana waffles.

Helpful Tools

Having the right tools can make all the difference. Here are some helpful tools to consider:

  • Waffle Iron: The star of the show. Choose one that fits your needs, whether it’s a classic style or a Belgian waffle maker. Look for non-stick surfaces for easy removal and cleanup.
  • Mixing Bowls: Have a couple of different sizes on hand – one for dry ingredients and one for wet. This helps in keeping the mixing process organized and efficient.
  • Whisk: A good whisk is crucial for properly mixing your batter without overworking it. It helps combine the ingredients evenly, especially the dry ones.
  • Spatula: A rubber or silicone spatula is handy for scraping down the sides of your bowls to ensure all ingredients are well-incorporated.
top down image showing a cooked waffle inside of a waffle iron

Expert Recipe Tips:

  • Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the better. Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash more easily, enhancing the natural sweetness and flavor of your waffles.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to tougher waffles.
  • Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for a few minutes before cooking. This allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to start working, creating fluffier waffles.
  • Preheat the Waffle Iron: Make sure your waffle iron is fully heated before adding the batter. A properly preheated iron ensures crispy edges and even cooking.
close up image of a white plate with two waffles stacked on top of each other with banana slices on top. A teal napkin off in the back

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. Frozen bananas tend to be a bit more watery, so squeezing out the extra moisture will ensure your batter isn’t too runny.

Can I make these waffles ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the waffles, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven for best results.

Why are my waffles sticking to the iron?

This could be due to a not-so-great non-stick surface or not preheating the iron enough. Brush a little butter or oil on the iron before adding the batter. Also, let the waffles cook fully before trying to open the iron.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Fold in your favorite add-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips after the batter is mixed for a tasty twist.

Can you freeze banana waffles?

Yes! To freeze your banana waffles, let them cool completely after cooking. Then, layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Wrap the stack securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out excess air to ward off freezer burn. Label the package with the date; they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the waffles straight from the freezer in a toaster or oven until they’re warm and crispy.

close up image of a waffle covered in bananas and syrup with a bite on a fork

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5 from 5 votes

Banana Waffle Recipe

Author Jesseca
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Serves: 4 waffles
Banana Bread Waffles. Overripe bananas provide all of the sweetness in this delicious breakfast recipe! A sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg compliment this simple flavor and make it a family favorite! 

Ingredients
 
 

  • cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 overripe bananas (about 1 1/3 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Start by heating the waffle iron according to its instructions. 
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and a dash of nutmeg. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed. 
  • In a separate bowl, take the ripe bananas and mash them until they’re smooth.
  • Add the melted butter (cool it a bit after melting so it doesn’t cook the egg), milk, a beaten egg, and a splash of vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix these until they’re well combined. 
  • Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps – overmixing can make the waffles tough.
  • Scoop about 3/4 cup of batter for your waffle iron (but check your iron’s instructions) onto the center of the iron. Close the lid and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions, usually until the waffle is golden brown and crispy.
  • Waffles are best served fresh. You can top them with syrup, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Notes

  • Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the better. Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash more easily, enhancing the natural sweetness and flavor of your waffles.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to tougher waffles.
  • Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for a few minutes before cooking. This allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to start working, creating fluffier waffles.
  • Preheat the Waffle Iron: Make sure your waffle iron is fully heated before adding the batter. A properly preheated iron ensures crispy edges and even cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 8wafflesCalories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 9gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 342mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
close up image of a white plate with two waffles stacked on top of each other with banana slices on top. A teal napkin off in the back. Text overlay reads "our favorite banana waffles"

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5 from 5 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




6 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I’ve tried a couple banana waffle recipes but I keep coming back to this one and wanted to take the time to endorse and thank you for it. My family (myself, especially) looks forward to it every Sunday!

    For those reading reviews, I’m GF and I use GF flour (King Arthur Cup 4 Cup) for everyone at the table – no one’s the wiser! Fluffy, light, and golden; every time.

    1. Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that this recipe has become a Sunday favorite for your family. I love that you’re able to make it work with GF flour too—such a great tip for others! It really makes my day to know you’re enjoying it. 😊

  2. These turned out delicious, even my picky kids liked them.

    1. So glad they turned out! we love them.

  3. Yvonne [Tried and Tasty] says:

    Banana bread waffles? Genius! I never would have thought of that – I love that you said you don’t even need to add anything to them.. if that’s the case, you KNOW they are good! Thanks for the yummy recipe!

  4. These look delicious…I have some very ripe bananas on my counter so I think I know what I’m making for breakfast tomorrow! 🙂

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