Banana Nut Waffles for Lovers
Highlighted under: The Family Table Recipes
I absolutely love making Banana Nut Waffles for Lovers on a lazy weekend morning. There's something incredibly satisfying about the combination of soft, fluffy waffles and the rich texture of crushed walnuts. Each bite bursts with the sweetness of ripe bananas and a hint of vanilla, making it impossible to resist. Not only are these waffles delicious, but they’re also a fantastic way to start the day with a nutritious twist. Trust me, once you try them, they'll become a staple in your breakfast routine.
One sunny morning, I decided to create something special for brunch and Banana Nut Waffles for Lovers were born. I mashed some perfectly ripe bananas and folded them into the batter, enhancing the waffles with natural sweetness. The secret ingredient? Adding chopped walnuts that not only provided a delightful crunch but also a pleasant nutty flavor that complements the bananas beautifully.
After perfecting the recipe, I realized the key to fluffy waffles is not overmixing the batter. I whisked the ingredients just until combined, giving my waffles a light texture. Topping them with maple syrup and a sprinkle of extra walnuts made them even more irresistible!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Light and fluffy texture with a perfect balance of banana and nut flavors
- Easy to make, even on busy mornings
- Ideal for cozy brunches with loved ones or as a sweet treat
Perfecting Your Waffle Technique
To achieve perfectly fluffy waffles, pay close attention to your mixing technique. Combining wet and dry ingredients should be done gently; overmixing can lead to tough waffles. Stir until the mixture is just incorporated—small lumps are perfectly acceptable. This will ensure your waffles remain light and airy when cooked. I often give my batter a few gentle folds and then let it sit for a minute before cooking, which helps activate the baking powder for a better rise.
Every waffle iron is a bit different, so keep an eye on cooking times and adjust according to your model. Generally, cook your waffles for about 5 minutes or until they are golden brown and release easily from the iron. A good visual cue is the steam—when it decreases significantly, your waffles are likely close to being done.
Ingredient Insights
Ripe bananas are crucial for this recipe—not only do they add natural sweetness, but they also create a soft texture. Choose bananas that are speckled with brown spots, as they will mash easily and incorporate well into the batter. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can accelerate the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag overnight; this traps ethylene gas and hastens the ripening.
For a unique flavor profile, consider experimenting with alternative nuts in your waffle batter. Pecans can be a delicious substitute for walnuts, lending a slightly sweeter nuttiness. If you have nut allergies, seeds like sunflower or pumpkin can be used instead. Just ensure you keep the total volume consistent to maintain the same texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Banana Nut Waffles
Waffle Batter
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Combine all ingredients for the perfect Banana Nut Waffle batter before cooking.
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Waffle Iron
Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas, milk, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Combine Everything
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, then fold in the chopped walnuts.
Cook the Waffles
Ladle the batter onto the preheated waffle iron and cook until golden brown, typically about 5 minutes.
Serve
Top with maple syrup, additional walnuts, and enjoy warm!
Feel free to experiment with toppings like whipped cream or fresh fruit!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. You can also substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if you prefer.
Serving Suggestions
These Banana Nut Waffles are fantastic on their own but can easily be dressed up for a special brunch. Serve them topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess, or add a handful of fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a burst of color and flavor. A sprinkle of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation, making them feel extra special for guests.
If you're a fan of caramel, drizzle a little homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top right before serving. This indulgent touch pairs beautifully with the banana flavors, adding a decadent layer that will impress anyone at the table.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dry ingredients in advance, mixing the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in an airtight container. This prep tip can save you time during busy mornings. Just remember to shake or stir the dry mix before using, as some settling may occur.
For leftovers, these waffles freeze wonderfully. Once they have cooled completely, stack them with parchment paper between each waffle and store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster for a quick breakfast that tastes freshly made!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these waffles gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
→ How can I store leftover waffles?
Let them cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
→ Can the batter be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before making the waffles.
→ What can I use instead of bananas?
For a different flavor, you can substitute with applesauce or pureed pumpkin.
Banana Nut Waffles for Lovers
I absolutely love making Banana Nut Waffles for Lovers on a lazy weekend morning. There's something incredibly satisfying about the combination of soft, fluffy waffles and the rich texture of crushed walnuts. Each bite bursts with the sweetness of ripe bananas and a hint of vanilla, making it impossible to resist. Not only are these waffles delicious, but they’re also a fantastic way to start the day with a nutritious twist. Trust me, once you try them, they'll become a staple in your breakfast routine.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: The Family Table Recipes
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Waffle Batter
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
How-To Steps
Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas, milk, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, then fold in the chopped walnuts.
Ladle the batter onto the preheated waffle iron and cook until golden brown, typically about 5 minutes.
Top with maple syrup, additional walnuts, and enjoy warm!
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. You can also substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if you prefer.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 8g