Banana Waffles You’ll Crave Every Weekend

Some mornings just call for something cozy, easy, and a little special. That’s exactly where banana waffles come in. Whether you’ve got a couple of bananas getting too spotty on the counter or you’re just in the mood for a homemade breakfast that feels like a treat, this recipe hits the spot. The batter comes together in minutes, the smell while they cook is amazing, and they always bring everyone to the table with a smile.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make the perfect batch, from picking the right bananas to getting those golden, crisp edges just right. You’ll also find simple tips, fun mix-in ideas, and serving suggestions to make your weekend waffle game even better. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love These Banana Waffles

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had mornings where you just want something warm and comforting that feels a little extra, without turning the kitchen upside down. That’s where these banana waffles shine. They come together quickly for busy mornings but still feel special enough to enjoy on a slow, cozy weekend. The kind of breakfast that brings everyone into the kitchen asking, “What smells so good?”

Here’s why this banana waffle recipe deserves a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation:

Family-friendly and fuss-free
You don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. All it takes is a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a couple of ripe bananas to get started.

Naturally flavorful
Ripe bananas give these waffles a rich, banana bread-like taste that fills your kitchen with the coziest aroma as they cook.

Customizable for any craving
Want a little crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts. Craving chocolate? Stir in a handful of chips. From banana nut waffles to banana chocolate chip waffles, it’s easy to make them your own.

Just the right texture
Crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside—these waffles strike that perfect balance every time.

Great for meal prep
Make a batch ahead, freeze them, and pop a few in the toaster on busy mornings. They hold up beautifully, keeping their texture and flavor.

Perfect for any occasion
Whether it’s a lazy Sunday, a birthday breakfast, or brunch with friends, these banana bread waffles bring a little joy to the table.

They’re the kind of waffles that feel homemade in the best way—warm, inviting, and made with love.

Now that you know why these waffles are a hit, let’s gather the ingredients and get your kitchen smelling amazing.

Banana Waffles Ingredients & Optional Add-Ins

Before we jump into mixing and pouring, let’s take a moment to gather everything you’ll need for these banana waffles. This recipe keeps it simple and cozy—no complicated ingredients, just pantry basics and a few fun extras if you want to play around.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Basic Ingredients

• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
  These are the stars—adding moisture, flavor, and a hint of natural sweetness. The more spots on the peel, the better.
• 2 large eggs
  They hold everything together and bring a soft, smooth texture to the mix.
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  This gives your waffles structure without making them heavy.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder + ½ teaspoon baking soda
  The combo gives these waffles a fluffy lift and that soft, tender texture we all love.
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  Just enough to bring out the banana flavor and balance the sweetness.
• 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
  This adds a gentle tang and makes the batter smooth and easy to work with.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  For golden edges and a hint of buttery flavor in every bite.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  Adds warm, comforting notes that pair beautifully with banana.
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (optional)
  If your bananas are super ripe, you can skip this, but it deepens that cozy caramel flavor.

Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
  For a banana chocolate chip waffles version, kids go crazy for.
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  Perfect for a classic banana nut waffles twist.
• 3 tablespoons rolled oats
  Add heartiness and texture—great for a banana oat waffles variation.
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter, swirled in
  A fun add-on for peanut butter banana waffles lovers.

Pro Tip: Want to add a touch of international flair? Try a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy twist, a pinch of cardamom for a Middle Eastern vibe, or a few chocolate chunks with coconut flakes for a tropical brunch moment.

With everything set, let’s turn those ripe bananas into warm, golden waffles you’ll be proud to serve.

How to Make Banana Waffles Step-by-Step

Let’s get to the fun part—cooking! Making banana waffles is all about a simple rhythm: mix, pour, and let the iron do its thing. The batter comes together in minutes, and that smell as they cook? Pure comfort.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1- Preheat your waffle iron
Set your waffle maker to medium-high and let it heat while you make the batter. A hot iron gives you that beautiful golden finish.

2- Mash the bananas
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture if you like.

3- Add wet ingredients
Whisk in the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla, and brown sugar (if using). Mix until everything is well combined and slightly creamy.

4- Mix in dry ingredients
Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt right over the wet mixture. Grab a spatula or wooden spoon and gently mix until the dry spots disappear. A few small lumps are totally fine—don’t overmix!

5- Stir in your add-ins
This is your moment to get creative. Gently fold in any chocolate chips, oats, or chopped nuts you like. You’ll end up with a thick batter that holds its shape when scooped.

6- Grease and pour
Lightly brush your waffle iron with oil or nonstick spray. Scoop about ½ to ⅔ cup of batter (depending on your iron’s size) into the center and close the lid.

7- Cook until golden and crisp
Let the waffle cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the steam slows down and the waffle lifts easily with a golden, crispy exterior.

8- Keep warm while you finish
Place finished waffles on a wire rack in a 200°F oven to keep them warm and crisp while you cook the rest of the batch.

Troubleshooting tip: If your waffles are sticking, your iron might not be hot enough or may need a bit more oil. Make sure to preheat fully before each pour.

There’s something really satisfying about pulling that first waffle out and seeing it golden and puffed just right. Whether you go classic or add your own twist, you’re in for a treat.

Now that your waffles are hot and ready, let’s talk about how to make them shine on the plate.

Chef Tips and Easy Variations for Banana Waffles

Once you’ve made these banana waffles a time or two, you’ll probably start to find your own little rhythm and favorite tweaks. That’s the fun of it! Below are a few handy tips and creative spins to help you get the most out of every batch.

Helpful Tips to Make Your Waffles Even Better

• Use very ripe bananas
  The more brown spots, the better. That deep flavor makes all the difference in the final waffle.
• Don’t overmix the batter
  Gently fold until the flour is just combined—this keeps the waffles light and fluffy inside with a tender bite.
• Preheat your waffle iron fully
  A hot iron gives you those crisp, golden edges and helps prevent sticking.
• Grease between batches
  Even if your iron is non-stick, brushing or spraying a light coat of oil between waffles helps each one release cleanly.
• Rest the batter (optional)
  Letting the batter sit for 5–10 minutes before cooking can help improve the texture, especially if you’ve added oats.

Easy & Fun Variations to Try

• Banana Nut Waffles – Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and warmth.
• Banana Chocolate Chip Waffles – Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter. A drizzle of maple syrup over melty chocolate? Yes, please.
• Banana Oat Waffles – Stir in a spoonful of rolled oats for extra texture and heartiness.
• Peanut Butter Banana Waffles – Swirl a bit of creamy peanut butter into the batter or serve it on top with banana slices.
• Banana Foster Waffles – Top with caramelized bananas, a touch of cinnamon, and a warm buttery sauce for a brunch-worthy twist.

Whether you’re keeping it classic or dressing it up with fun flavors, these banana waffles leave plenty of room to play.

Now that you’ve mastered the mix, let’s talk about serving these beauties in a way that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Serving Ideas for Homemade Banana Waffles

There’s something extra special about sitting down to a stack of homemade banana waffles—especially when they’re served with love and a few thoughtful touches.

Ways to Serve That Make Breakfast Feel Like a Treat

• Classic Combo – A pat of butter and a pour of maple syrup is always a winner.
• Fresh Fruit Topping – Add sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries on top for bright color and sweetness.
• Whipped Cream and a Dusting of Cinnamon – Light and cozy with just enough flair for a weekend brunch.
• Nut Butter Drizzle – Spoon warm peanut butter or almond butter over the waffles for a nutty finish that pairs perfectly with the banana base.
• Chocolate Chips and Coconut Flakes – For a fun, tropical-inspired topping combo that feels like a little getaway on a plate.
• Yogurt and Honey – Great for a lighter breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. A dollop of plain or vanilla yogurt balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Stack ‘n’ Slice – Stack waffles into mini towers for little ones or slice them into sticks for dunking—fun for kids and easier for dipping into syrup.

Waffles this tasty don’t need much, but it sure is fun to get creative with the extras!

Of course, if you have leftovers (or make extras on purpose!), you’ll want to know the best way to keep them fresh. Let’s get into that next.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Banana Waffles

One of my favorite things about banana waffles? They’re just as tasty the next day—and even the day after that! With the right storing and reheating tips, you can enjoy homemade waffles all week long.

How to Store Your Waffles

• Let them cool completely
  Place them on a wire rack for about 10–15 minutes after cooking to prevent sogginess before storing.
• Refrigerate
  Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag with parchment paper between each waffle. Keeps well for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for later
  Lay cooled waffles flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat Without Losing That Crunch

• Toaster Method
  Pop frozen or refrigerated waffles into the toaster for a quick and crispy reheat. Great for rushed mornings.
• Oven Method
  Place waffles directly on the rack in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Perfect for reheating a whole batch at once.
• Avoid the microwave
  It softens the texture and takes away that lovely crisp edge. Stick to dry heat methods when possible.

With these tips, your banana waffles will be just as delightful the second (or third) time around.

More Desserts You’ll Want to Make Next

If you enjoyed these banana waffles, here are a few more sweet and satisfying recipes you might love baking next:

• Crookie Recipe – A Fun Twist on Two Classics
  A playful combo of cookie dough and croissant dough baked into one irresistible treat.

Banana Waffles You’ll Crave Every Weekend

Calista

These homemade banana waffles are crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with rich banana flavor and warm vanilla notes. Perfect for cozy mornings, weekend brunches, or make-ahead breakfasts the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine American

Servings 4 (makes 4–6 waffles depending on iron size)

Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

• Waffle iron
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups/spoons
• Whisk or Fork
• Spatula
• Ladle or scoop
• Wire rack (for keeping waffles crisp)

Ingredients

  

• 2 large ripe bananas mashed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp fine sea salt
• 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar optional

Optional Add-Ins:

• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 3 tbsp rolled oats
• 1 tbsp creamy peanut butter

Instructions

 

• Preheat waffle iron to medium-high heat.
• In a large bowl, mash the bananas, then whisk in eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla, and brown sugar.
• Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Fold gently until just combined.
• Stir in optional mix-ins if desired.
• Lightly grease waffle iron. Scoop batter into the center and close the lid.
• Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
• Keep finished waffles warm on a wire rack in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.
• Repeat until all batter is used. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Use fully ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture. Optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or oats let you personalize each batch.

Keyword banana chocolate chip waffles, banana nut waffles, banana waffle recipe, banana waffles

Key Takeaways

• Made with simple pantry staples and ripe bananas
• Crispy outside, soft and fluffy inside
• Great for brunch, weekends, or quick mornings
• Easy to customize with mix-ins and toppings
• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead breakfasts
• Reheats beautifully in the toaster or oven

These banana waffles are a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Banana Waffles FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Still hungry for more ideas? Let’s wrap things up with a warm reminder of why this recipe’s a keeper.

Conclusion

There’s just something special about the smell of warm banana waffles filling the kitchen—it’s comforting, inviting, and always brings people to the table. Whether you stick with the classic or try one of the fun mix-ins, these waffles are made to be shared, enjoyed, and remembered.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a quick review or comment to let me know what you added, how you served them, or who you made them for. Your feedback means a lot, and it helps others find a new favorite too!