Banana Waffles

Keep the sugar in the pantry; the only sweetener you need for the best banana waffles ever is one super-ripe banana. Mashed and mixed with a few other staple ingredients, a banana makes these waffles crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with lots of caramelized banana flavor in every bite. A little cinnamon gives them a sort of banana bread flavor, and a good amount of buttermilk makes the waffles tender and a little tangy (just like buttermilk pancakes!). Load up the waffle divots with extra bananas, good maple syrup and pats of butter as desired.

Ingredients for Banana Waffles

• All-purpose flour: This type of flour makes the waffles tender and chewy with a crisp exterior.
• Cinnamon: Warm, cozy cinnamon pairs perfectly with the flavor of ripe bananas. The flavor duo reminds me so much of banana bread!
• Eggs: Bring the eggs to room temperature to create a nice emulsion for the batter.
• Buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk adds a bit of tang to the waffles, giving them a nice flavor complexity. It also reacts with the baking soda, making the waffle texture fluffy and tender.
• Banana: Most ripe banana recipes call for lots of bananas, but this one uses just one ripe banana. Mash it up before adding it to the batter.
• Canola oil: Canola oil is used instead of butter because it remains liquid at room temperature, keeping the pancakes moister. Because you’ll be using buttermilk, you won’t miss out on the buttery flavor, either!

Directions

Step 1: Make the batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.

In another bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the eggs until they’re completely homogenous. Add the buttermilk, mashed banana and canola oil, and mix until the batter is well combined.

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until they’re combined.

Editor’s Tip: It’s OK if there are a few lumps in the batter. That will make the pancakes fluffier!

Step 2: Cook the waffles

Bake the batter in a preheated waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s directions until they’re golden brown.

Step 3: Garnish the waffles

If desired, serve the banana waffles with sliced fresh bananas, maple syrup and whipped cream.

Recipe Variations

• Include nuts: Prefer really crispy-crunchy waffles? Scatter a handful of nuts into the batter, like almonds, pecans or walnuts.
• Add chocolate chips: Banana-chocolate chip is an unbeatable combo. Add a handful (or two) of chocolate chips into the banana waffle batter before griddling.
• Make them tropical: Mix crushed macadamia nuts into the batter, and after griddling, finish the banana waffles with toasted coconut and a pineapple sauce.

How to Store Banana Waffles

Store leftover banana waffles in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They will last in the fridge for up to four days.

Can you freeze banana waffles?

Yes, you can freeze banana waffles. Allow them to cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag with pieces of parchment or waxed paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. Freeze them for up to three months, then reheat them from frozen.

How do you reheat banana waffles?

To get banana waffles crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside again, reheat them in a 350° oven until they’re warmed through, 10 to 15 minutes. You could also use a toaster or a microwave, but note that the microwave will make the waffles squishy all the way through. Frozen waffles may require a few more minutes than those stored in the refrigerator.

Banana Waffles Tips

What toppings should you serve with banana waffles?

There are many fun toppings that would pair well with banana waffles. We suggest homemade whipped cream, maple syrup and sliced bananas, but feel free to think outside the box. Nutella, chocolate syrup, fruit sauce, dulce de leche or salted caramel sauce all make great toppings.

How do you keep banana waffles warm so they can be served all at once?

If you’re serving a crowd all at once and want to keep the banana waffles warm before serving them, hot-hold them in your oven. Set the oven to 200° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet inside the oven. Every time you finish cooking a waffle, place it on the sheet tray in the oven. The oven will keep the waffles nice and warm, so everyone can get a fresh, hot waffle at the same time.

Can you use this batter to make banana pancakes?

No, I don’t suggest you use this banana waffle batter to make banana pancakes. There is less flour and more liquid in most waffle recipes than in pancake recipes, which is what makes the waffles much crispier than pancakes. If you prefer pancakes, try our stellar banana pancakes recipe instead.