Start your day with these fluffy, naturally sweet banana oat waffles that are as healthy as they are delicious.
Packed with fiber-rich oats, plant-based protein from eggs, and heart-healthy good fats from almond milk, these waffles are naturally gluten-free and low in saturated fat.
Quick to make, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep, they’re ideal for busy mornings or wholesome weekend breakfasts.
20-Minute Healthy Banana Oat Waffles
Equipment
- 1 high-speed blender
- 1 waffle iron
- 1 Spatula
- Non-stick spray or butter for greasing
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups rolled oats gluten-free if needed
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup unsweetened almond milk or any milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Before you begin blending, gather all your ingredients and measure them accurately. Use 1 ¾ cups of rolled oats, 2 medium ripe bananas, 2 large eggs, ⅔ cup of unsweetened almond milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder. Make sure your bananas are ripe with brown spots—they add natural sweetness and moisture to the waffles.
- Blend the Batter: Place the rolled oats, bananas, eggs, almond milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and baking powder into a high-speed blender. Blend on high for 30–45 seconds until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, with no visible chunks of oats or banana. If your blender isn’t very powerful, pause once or twice to scrape down the sides and ensure everything is evenly combined.
- Allow Batter to Thicken: Once blended, let the batter sit for 4–6 minutes at room temperature. During this time, the oats will absorb some of the liquid, and the batter will thicken slightly. This resting step is crucial—it ensures your waffles will hold together better and develop a fluffy interior with lightly crisp edges when cooked.
- Preheat the Waffle Iron: While the batter rests, turn on your waffle iron and allow it to heat fully. Preheating is key for achieving golden, crispy waffles. Lightly grease the iron with non-stick spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking. Make sure the heat is evenly distributed across the plates.
- Cook the Waffles: Spoon enough batter onto the center of the preheated waffle iron, spreading slightly toward the edges but not overfilling. Close the lid and cook until the waffle is golden brown and cooked through in the center. Cooking times may vary depending on your waffle iron, so check after 3–5 minutes. For best results, follow the manufacturer’s recommended timing and avoid opening too early.
- Remove and Rest: Carefully remove the waffle using a spatula and place it on a cooling rack or plate. Let it rest for 1–2 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the waffle’s structure to set, ensuring it maintains a fluffy interior while retaining a slight crispiness on the outside.
- Repeat Until All Batter is Used: Repeat steps 5 and 6 until all the batter is cooked. Waffle irons vary in size, so you may need to adjust the portion of batter for each waffle. Make sure to lightly re-grease the iron if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Serve with Toppings: Serve the waffles warm with your favorite toppings. Fresh fruit, nut butter, yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup work beautifully. The naturally sweet bananas make additional sweeteners optional. Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a wholesome breakfast or snack.
- Storage and Reheating: To store, place cooled waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight ziplock bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place waffles in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crispy edges.
Notes
- Batter Consistency: Letting the batter rest for a few minutes after blending is essential. The oats absorb moisture, creating a thicker batter that produces fluffier, well-structured waffles.
- Banana Ripeness: Use spotty bananas for maximum natural sweetness and moisture. Overripe bananas work best, while underripe ones may result in less flavorful waffles.
- Milk Substitutions: Almond milk is recommended, but oat, cashew, 2% milk, whole milk, or skim milk can be used with no significant impact on texture.
- Oat Options: Rolled oats are ideal for this recipe. Quick oats can substitute 1:1, but steel-cut oats are not recommended as they don’t blend into a smooth batter.
- Waffle Iron Care: Lightly grease each batch to prevent sticking, and follow your waffle iron’s instructions for optimal cooking times.
Chef’s Secrets: Insider Tips For Perfection
To achieve the perfect balance of soft and crisp, the secret lies in preheating the waffle iron fully and not rushing the cooking process.
Slightly thicker batter produces fluffier centers, while thinner batter spreads for crispier edges.
Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom to elevate flavor without extra sugar.
For an extra protein boost, fold in a teaspoon of nut butter or protein powder into the batter before cooking.
Serving Suggestions: Delicious Ways To Enjoy
These waffles are versatile and pair well with both sweet and savory accompaniments.
Top with fresh berries, banana slices, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a naturally sweet breakfast.
For a more indulgent twist, add Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of nuts for creaminess and crunch.
Savory lovers can pair them with avocado, poached eggs, or smoked salmon for a hearty brunch option.
They also freeze well, making them convenient for quick weekday breakfasts.
Storage Tips: Keep Waffles Fresh Longer
To maximize freshness, store waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For long-term storage, place cooled waffles in a ziplock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Avoid microwaving as it can make waffles soggy.
For meal prep, cook a batch in advance and freeze individually for grab-and-go breakfasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these waffles vegan?
Yes! Replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk.
Texture may vary slightly, but they remain delicious and naturally sweet.
2. Can I use different sweeteners?
The bananas provide enough natural sweetness, so added sugar is optional.
If desired, a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or agave can be mixed into the batter.
3. What if I don’t have a high-speed blender?
A regular blender or immersion blender works, but blend longer and scrape the sides frequently to ensure a smooth batter without chunks.
4. Can I make waffles ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cooked waffles freeze beautifully. Store them individually in a freezer-safe bag, then reheat in the oven or toaster for a quick breakfast.
5. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes! Fold in dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits into the batter before cooking.
Be mindful not to overfill the waffle iron, as mix-ins can increase cooking time slightly.
