This Banana Waffle Recipe is a delicious way to use overripe bananas! Sweet, cinnamon-spiced, with crispy edges and tender, cake-like centers.

Try Banana Pancakes or Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes next!

Banana Waffles on a platter with syrup drizzled over them.
chelsea

author’s note

Banana Waffles You’ll Want Every Morning!

Remember those chocolate chip waffles I shared? My kids beg for them on repeat. They’re just as into my pumpkin waffles too! Lately, I’ve been making big batches of waffles, freezing extras, and popping them in the toaster for busy mornings.

One day, I spotted a bunch of very brown bananas on the counter and thought, why not add one to the batter? That one banana led me on a mission to make the best banana waffle recipe ever.

After plenty of test runs (and very happy kids), this recipe became a staple. The waffles are sweet, soft inside, crispy outside, and the banana flavor shines without being overpowering.

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All the ingredients in this recipe prepped out for easy assembly.

Ingredients

IngredientSwaps or Tips
BananasNo ripe bananas? Quickly ripen by baking at 350°F for 7–8 mins until black.
FlourUse half whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, or a 1:1 GF blend.
Baking PowderTest freshness by mixing in hot water. If it doesn’t bubble, replace it.
MilkWhole milk gives the best richness. Oat milk works for a dairy-free option. Use leftovers in crepes.
ButterCoconut oil or neutral oil works too in this banana waffle recipe.
CinnamonTry nutmeg or pumpkin spice for variation.
    Mashing the bananas and adding them in with all the other ingredients for this banana waffle recipe.

    How to Make Banana Waffle Recipe

    1. Use ripe bananas: Go for brown, spotty bananas for the sweetest waffles.
    2. Make batter: Mix dry ingredients, add wet, and stir together.
    3. Cook batter: Pour batter into a measuring cup, then onto a hot waffle iron.
    4. Keep crisp: Place cooked waffles on a wire rack to stay crisp and avoid sogginess.

    Quick Tip

    To quickly ripen bananas, bake them on a parchment-lined tray at 350 degrees F for 7-8 mins, flipping halfway until black. Cool, discard any liquid, and mash for your waffles.

    The butter being whisked into the batter and it being cooked.

    Storage

    • Fridge: Store cooled waffles in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven at 300°F until warm.
    • Freezer: Cool banana waffle recipe fully, freeze flat on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months.

    What Goes With Banana Waffles?

    Banana Waffles with syrup and fresh bananas and whipped cream.
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    5 from 1 vote

    Banana Waffle Recipe

    By Chelsea Lords
    Banana Waffle Recipe is the perfect way to use up overripe bananas! These waffles are sweet, lightly spiced with cinnamon, and perfectly golden and crispy.
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 12 waffles

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 2-1/4 cups flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 4 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
    • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar lightly packed, or granulated sugar
    • 2/3 cup banana 2 overripe bananas, see note 1
    • 1 cup whole milk room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 4 large eggs room temperature
    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled
    For Serving
    • Syrup see note 2
    • Sliced banana optional
    • Whipped cream optional

    Instructions 

    • Thoroughly mash 2 overripe bananas and measure 2/3 cup. Set aside. Melt the butter and set aside to cool to room temperature. Warm the milk slightly in the microwave or let it reach room temperature naturally. Run un-cracked eggs under warm water to bring them to room temperature. Make sure all wet ingredients are the same temperature, or batter will get clumpy.
    • In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
    • Add brown sugar, mashed bananas, milk, vanilla, and eggs to the dry mixture. Whisk until combined. Continue whisking while slowly drizzling in the melted butter. Whisk until smooth. Don’t overmix. Let the batter sit for 10 minutes.
    • Preheat your nonstick waffle maker according to the model’s instructions. Once heated, grease the iron, and add 1/3 cup of batter per cavity. Cook until each waffle is nicely crisped on both sides and cooked through in the center.
    • Keep cooked waffles warm in the oven while finishing the batch (see note 3) or serve immediately with your choice of toppings.

    Recipe Notes

    Note 1: The riper the banana, the sweeter and bolder the flavor, so wait until the bananas are well-browned. Mash the bananas in a bowl with a fork until they have the consistency of applesauce. 
    Note 2: To make my favorite syrup, combine 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and a pinch of salt in a medium-sized pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until butter melts and syrup slightly thickens, about 5–8 mins. Remove from heat; stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
    Note 3: To keep waffles crisp, place them on a cooling rack set over a large pan. Put the pan in a 200°F oven to keep waffles warm as you continue cooking.
    Storage: You can meal prep these waffles two ways. For make-ahead batter, cover and refrigerate overnight, then stir and cook in a preheated waffle maker the next morning—this enhances flavor and convenience. Or to make freezer waffles, cool any extras completely, freeze on a parchment-lined tray for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, toast the frozen waffles for a quick and easy meal.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 24.1g | Protein: 5.4g | Fat: 7.7g | Cholesterol: 77.7mg | Sodium: 132mg | Fiber: 1.1g | Sugar: 4.2g

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Like this? Leave a comment below!

    Banana Waffle Recipe Tips

    • Mash Bananas Fast: Use an electric mixer for quick, smooth results.
    • Heat the Iron First: Ensures even cooking and a golden crust.
    • Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined to keep waffles tender.
    • No Cooking Spray: Avoid spray on nonstick irons to prevent buildup.
    • Waffle Maker: A quality waffle iron is worth it for better results.
    • Rest the Batter: For fluffier waffles, chill the batter overnight or let it sit at room temp for 10 mins before cooking. Stir gently before using.

    Meet Chelsea

    Hello, and welcome to Chelsea’s Messy Apron! I’m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. I’m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

    Thanks for stopping by—I hope you find something delicious to make!

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    2 Comments

    1. Navy says:

      5 stars
      So delicious and great texture! This recipe is a keeper!!

      Reply
      1. Chelsea says:

        Thrilled to hear this! Thanks Navy!

        Reply