These Banana Oatmeal Waffles are fluffy and packed with banana goodness! They’re a tasty way to start your day and super easy to make using just oats and ripe bananas.
Honestly, they’re so yummy you might forget they’re healthy! I love topping mine with a drizzle of honey or some fresh berries—it’s like a little party on my plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your waffles will be! You can also swap bananas with applesauce for a different texture or if you’re out of bananas.
Rolled Oats: Oats give these waffles their hearty texture. If you need a gluten-free option, ensure your oats are labeled gluten-free, or you can use ground almond flour.
Eggs: They help bind the ingredients together. For a vegan option, try using flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water as an egg replacement (1 tablespoon of seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg).
Milk: You can use any milk you prefer—almond, soy, oat, or cow’s milk all work well. If you want it richer, a bit of coconut milk would add a nice flavor too!
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Waffles?
A common challenge with waffles is getting them nice and crispy on the outside. Here are some tips to help you achieve that crispy texture:
- Preheat: Make sure your waffle iron is fully preheated before pouring in the batter. This is crucial for crispiness.
- Don’t Overfill: Pour just enough batter to cover the waffle iron without overflowing. Too much batter can make them soggy.
- Cook Time: Follow your waffle iron’s cooking time. Usually, about 4-6 minutes will do the trick. Resist the urge to keep opening the lid too soon!
- Let Them Sit: After cooking, let your waffles cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. This helps steam escape and keeps them from getting soggy.
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Waffles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for waffle iron
- Optional toppings: banana slices, maple syrup, fresh strawberries, powdered sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 4-6 minutes per batch to cook, depending on your waffle iron. Overall, you should be enjoying your delicious waffles in about 20-30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Waffle Iron:
Start by preheating your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t forget to lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little oil to ensure your waffles don’t stick.
2. Blend the Batter:
In a blender or food processor, add the ripe bananas, eggs, rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and milk. Blend the ingredients until smooth, and the mixture resembles a batter that’s ready for waffles.
3. Let It Sit:
Allow the batter to rest for about 2-3 minutes. This helps it thicken up a bit, making for fluffier waffles.
4. Cook the Waffles:
Pour the batter onto the preheated waffle iron, using just enough to cover the surface but avoid overflow. Close the lid, and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy—this usually takes about 4-6 minutes, but follow your waffle iron’s instructions for the best results.
5. Serve It Up:
Carefully remove the waffles and place them on a plate. Top them with your choice of fresh banana slices, a drizzle of maple syrup, strawberries, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for some extra sweetness.
6. Enjoy Your Waffles!
Dig in while they’re warm, and enjoy a delicious, healthy start to your day with these tasty Banana Oatmeal Waffles!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use instant oats, but be aware that the texture of the waffles may be slightly different. Instant oats absorb moisture more quickly, so you might want to reduce the milk a little to avoid a too-watery batter.
What Can I Use as a Substitute for Eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, unsweetened applesauce works well too!
How Should I Store Leftover Waffles?
Leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them by placing parchment paper between each waffle to prevent sticking. Reheat them in a toaster or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can make the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before pouring it into the waffle iron, as it may thicken further while sitting.
