Banana Bread Waffles
Golden, crisp, and laced with the unmistakable aroma of warm bananas and spice—banana bread waffles are a breakfast treat that merges nostalgia with practicality. These waffles echo all the cozy notes of classic banana bread but deliver them in a form that’s quick, crisp, and perfect for syrup-drenched mornings. Whether you’re looking to use up overripe bananas or longing for a weekend breakfast upgrade, banana bread waffles are a delicious answer.
What Makes Banana Bread Waffles Special
Banana bread waffles aren’t just a twist on a classic—they’re a smart way to bring together the familiar flavor of banana bread with the convenience of a waffle iron. The outside turns crisp and golden, while the interior stays tender, almost cake-like. You get a sweet, warmly spiced flavor, with the subtle tang of buttermilk and the nutty caramel notes of brown sugar. Each bite is a blend of texture and taste: a little crunch, softness, and the rich undertone only ripe bananas can lend.
These waffles don’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps. The batter comes together with familiar pantry staples, and you can customize each batch to fit your cravings. Add walnuts or pecans for crunch, stir in mini chocolate chips for an extra treat, or play around with toppings like sliced fruit, nut butter, or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Let’s break down what you’ll need and how each component works in the batter:
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the batter, providing structure for light, fluffy waffles.
- Brown Sugar: Lends sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, deepening the classic banana bread profile.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Essential for lift and those airy pockets inside each waffle.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: A duo of warm spices that amplify the comforting flavor and evoke the essence of banana bread.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Ripe Bananas: The heart of the recipe. Bananas should be deeply speckled or mostly brown for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and keeps waffles soft. You can use a buttermilk substitute if needed (see Tips below).
- Melted Butter: For richness and those coveted crisp edges.
- Large Eggs: Bind ingredients, provide lift, and ensure a tender crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: Lends warm, aromatic notes.
- Optional Add-ins: Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), mini chocolate chips, or even a swirl of nut butter.
Basic Quantities Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ripe bananas | 2 large, mashed |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Melted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Optional add-ins | 1/2 cup |
How to Make Banana Bread Waffles
Prepare Your Ingredients
Start with ripe bananas—black spots mean more sugar and more flavor. The rest of the ingredients come together quickly, requiring just two bowls.
Mixing the Batter
-
Combine dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spice. -
Mash the bananas
In another bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture. -
Add wet ingredients
To the mashed bananas, whisk in eggs, then blend in melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully incorporated. -
Blend wet and dry mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula, just until combined. Overmixing leads to dense waffles—streaks of flour are fine. -
Optional add-ins
If using, stir in nuts or chocolate chips.
Cooking the Waffles
-
Heat your waffle iron
Preheat the waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions. A hot iron ensures crisp exteriors. -
Lightly grease
Brush or spray the waffle iron with a light layer of oil or nonstick spray. -
Portion and cook
Spoon or pour batter into the center, using about 1/3 to 1/2 cup per waffle (depending on your iron’s size). Spread gently. Close the lid and cook until golden brown—usually 3-5 minutes. The timing depends on your machine; steam is a good indicator—when it slows, the waffle is likely done. -
Cool slightly
Remove finished waffles and let them rest briefly on a wire rack. This prevents sogginess and keeps edges crisp.
Serve and Enjoy
Banana bread waffles are versatile on the plate. Top with sliced bananas, a drizzle of maple syrup, toasted nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream. For something special, try chocolate hazelnut spread or a scoop of yogurt with berries.
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Waffles
Banana bread waffles already start with a forgiving recipe, but a few simple practices help boost results:
- Choose very ripe bananas: Bananas with plenty of brown spots deliver both sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t skip the rest: Let the batter sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking. It allows the flour to hydrate and leads to better texture.
- Mix by hand: A gentle hand prevents tough waffles. Stop stirring when no dry streaks remain.
- Grease just enough: Too much oil can fry the exterior. A light brushing keeps waffles golden.
- Keep waffles warm: Place cooked waffles on a baking rack in a 200°F oven if making a big batch.
- Customize add-ins: Swap chocolate chips for chopped pecans, or swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter for a flavor twist.
Topping Ideas
Enhance your waffles for any mood or occasion. Try combinations like:
- Sliced bananas with chopped walnuts and a dusting of cinnamon.
- Melted chocolate chips and whipped cream.
- Thick Greek yogurt with mixed berries.
- Honey and a sprinkle of chia seeds for a healthy touch.
- Maple syrup with toasted pecans or coconut flakes.
Storing and Freezing
Banana bread waffles make excellent leftovers and are meal-prep friendly.
Storing
- Refrigerator: Cool waffles completely. Store in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Freeze individually: Lay waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to freezer-safe bags. Waffles stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Toaster method: Pop waffles into the toaster for a crisp, hot result.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes. No need to thaw first.
Skip the microwave, as it makes waffles soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these waffles gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend (one designed for baking) at a 1:1 ratio. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor holds up.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
For a quick substitute, combine 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe scales easily for large families or batch cooking.
Banana bread waffles bridge the gap between cozy comfort and kitchen efficiency. They’re adaptable, freezer-friendly, and crafted for mornings where you crave both satisfaction and simplicity. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up, these waffles are a surefire way to start the day right. Let your leftover bananas shine and treat yourself to a breakfast that feels like a weekend every day.
Banana Bread Waffles
These fluffy banana bread waffles have crispy edges and a light spice. They’re perfect for cozy mornings. Try them with syrup, nuts, and chocolate chips!
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat a waffle iron per the manufacturer's instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well blended. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher. Add the eggs and whisk until well combined. Stir in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir by hand with a spatula just until combined—don’t overmix. The batter should be a little lumpy.
- Lightly grease the waffle iron with non-stick spray or a little butter (if needed). Pour the batter onto the hot iron (about 1/2 cup, depending on the waffle maker's size). Spread it out slightly and cook according to the instructions until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the waffles warm with sliced bananas, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and syrup. Enjoy!