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Best Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles

October 14, 2020
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea
Start your day with a breakfast delight--Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles. With their crispy outer layer and irresistibly fluffy, banana-flavored interior, these waffles are the ultimate morning indulgence!

Best Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles

Get ready to meet your new breakfast obsession: This Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles recipe! Crispy on the outside + fluffy on the inside with deep pockets for soaking up all that maple syrup! Bursting with the bold flavors of banana, maple, and brown butter, plus a hint of comforting spices. This waffle recipe is naturally sweetened and boasts a soft, fluffy, and thick texture that'll leave you craving more. Perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast! Egg-free + Oil-free. Gluten-free option.

Stack of Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles on a plate with a fork.

What Makes These Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles The BEST?

If you're a banana bread lover like me then this Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles recipe will be your new favorite. I kind of borrowed a few ideas from my Fluffy Cinnamon Vegan Belgian Waffles recipe, and I have to admit, these banana waffles turned out just perfect!

Although breakfast isn't the part of my day that gets a ton of love (except for weekends), I really enjoy making elaborate dishes like this one. That's why I create easy breakfast options on Orchids + Sweet Tea for those busy mornings (aka overnight oats my savor Haha), but also these types of dishes that might require a bit more effort or time. It's a balance, right?

What's even better about these waffles is how easy they are to whip up. You don't need any fancy ingredients, and if you're someone who likes to plan ahead, you can even prepare the batter the night before, making your morning a breeze. Plus, don't forget to enjoy these waffles with a glass of Dirty Chai Maple Iced Latte for the perfect start to the day!

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Tall stack of Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles.

How To Make Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles?

It's really as simple as making your brown butter, tossing everything together in one big bowl, and pouring that lovely batter into the waffle maker. And just like that, you've got a plateful of mouthwatering waffles ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

Here's the lineup of ingredients you'll need for this banana waffle recipe:

  • Flour – Creates a nice airy, fluffiness to waffles, BUT can be substituted with GF flour if needed
  • Baking Soda + Baking Powder — Very important leaveners
  • Almond Milk – Makes things nice + soft; Sub with your fave plant-based milk
  • Unsalted Butter — The important element for the browned flavor. The full fat in unsalted butter creates a nice smoky flavor when melted and simmered
  • Vanilla – A great addition of flavor and marries everything together
  • Maple – A natural sweetener with bold sweet flavor
  • Spices: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, All spice – the best combo of Fall flavors that also brings a lot of comfort
  • ACV — Mixed in with the milk to act as an acid agent for the leaveners to activate
  • Banana — Such a comforting, bold flavor and added sweetness to these waffles

TO MAKE THE BROWN BUTTER:

  • Using a saucepan on medium-high heat, melt the butter, stirring occasionally and letting it cook for 3-4 minutes, until dark bits begin to form and the entire butter becomes fragrant and darker.
  • Once done, remove from heat and let it cool completely.

EQUIPMENT

Get the scoop on my favorites for this Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles recipe from blenders to waffle irons, including items from some pretty amazing Black-Owned Businesses! Here you’ll find a curated section of our most coveted + Go-to items from around the web!

Tall stack of Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles dripping with syrup.

Why You Will LOVE This Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles Recipe

  • Bursting banana flavor in every bite.
  • PERFECT CRISPY OUTER + FLUFFY INSIDE!
  • Simple one-bowl preparation + easy ingredients.
  • Sweetness is adjustable + freezer friendly.
  • You can enjoy it at breakfast, as a snack, or dessert. Yes!!
  • A warm hug for your taste buds!
  • Did I mention that—THIS WAFFLE RECIPE IS AMAZING?!

Tips For Making THE BEST Waffles

  • The waffle iron should be preheated before batter is added. This will guarantee that your waffles are thoroughly cooked inside and have an outside that is crispy.
  • Avoid overfilling. Too much batter can lead to messy overflow and uneven cooking. A handy trick is to pour the batter slightly away from the edges to prevent spillage.
  • Hands off. While it might be tempting to press down on the waffle iron, resist the urge! Pressing can squeeze out the air pockets that create the waffle's light and airy texture.
  • Create extra-crisp waffles. They will still stay warm in the middles if you cool them somewhat on a wire rack, but the circulating air will cool the outsides and help them crisp up a bit more.
  • You can easily prepare the batter up to 2 days ahead of time to make your mornings even faster. As soon as everything is combined, cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.
Stack of Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles.

Topping Ideas For Brown Butter Banana Waffles

Even though these waffles are completely delicious on their own, here are some of my favorite ways to elevate thier flavor and enjoy them even more!

Fresh fruit: Sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries can add a burst of freshness and natural sweetness.

Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to your waffles.

Maple syrup: The classic choice, drizzling pure maple syrup over waffles is a timeless favorite.

Chocolate Chips: For a touch of indulgence, sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chocolate chunks over your waffles.

Nuts: Chopped toasted nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a delightful crunch.

Ice Cream: For a dessert-like treat, top your waffles with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. My favorites are No-Churn Caramel Ice Cream and No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream

LOOKING FOR A HEALTHIER SWEETENER OPTION?

The Best Healthy Sugar Alternatives + Substitutes list is all about finding better ways to enjoy your favorite sweets without compromising your healthy lifestyle. For those who follow a vegetarian and/or vegan lifestyle, this lists offers a few great ideas to incorporate healthy sweeteners into your diet.

Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles topped with nuts and syrup.

How Ripe Should Bananas be for Banana Waffles?

When it comes to making banana waffles, the level of ripeness of your bananas matter. I've made my waffles with both types of bananas and to be honest, the VERY ripe bananas have made the BEST waffles. Very ripe bananas make for a sweeter and more moist waffles and the mashing is also a lot easier.

How to Ripen Bananas for Banana Waffles

Have you ever had bananas that weren't fully ripe, but you were dying to make a banana bread? Well, I totally understand. I've definitely been there. Luckily, I've come across a few hacks to help you ripen your bananas if you're in a pinch and here's what you can do:

  • Keep the banana bunches together to avoid the ripening process from stalling.
  • Store your bananas in a warm place like near a heater or atop your refrigerator. This helps them to ripen faster.
  • Using a paper bag, add your bananas inside and fold it over to close it. The gases from inside the bag once shut tight will ripen the bananas within 24-36 hours.

If you're looking to ripe your bananas more quickly for baking purposes then you can do one of the following:

  • Oven Method: Preheat the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit and place bananas (with peels on) unto a baking sheet and let them bake for 15-20 minutes or until skins are black. The bananas at this point should be soft and sweet.
  • Microwave Method: Poke holes into the peel bananas (all around) and microwave for 30 seconds at a time until the bananas are soft enough.

Are Bananas Healthy?

Health benefits of bananas

Whelp, did you know that Bananas are the most consumed fruit in the world? Yup. That’s right. We all eat them. And we eat them A LOT! But, the most important part of it all is that Bananas come with great health benefits.

  • Nutrient-packed--High in potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber.
  • Rich in antioxidants-- Reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Great for digestive health-- Aids digestion and prevents constipation.
  • Mood + energy booster: Bananas contain the amino acid tryptophan, which can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
  • Aids healthy skin: The vitamin C and antioxidants in bananas can contribute to healthier skin and may help reduce the signs of aging!
Fork grabbing from a stack of Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles.

Can I Use Another Plant-Based Milk?

Yes, you can use any dairy-free milk you like to make these delicious brown butter waffles. Here are some easy recipes to make your own milk that’s cheaper and so easy!

If you’re curious about the wide world of dairy-free milk options, start with this guide to The Best Milk Alternatives for Your Entire Household.

Best Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles Q + A's

CAN I MAKE THESE WAFFLES GLUTEN FREE?

Yes! To make these waffles GF, I recommend using a GF Flour Blend (Bob’s Red Mills has a great version!). **NOTE: If the batter mixture is too ‘thin + runny’, simply add additional GF flour, ¼ cup at a time.**

HOW TO STORE?

Leftovers can be tightly sealed in a zip loc bag (once fully cooled) and either refrigerated for a few days or frozen.To serve, reheat waffles in the oven on 400 degrees for a few minutes until warmed through.

Can I freeze these waffles?

Absolutely! To store waffles for longer periods, simply add them unto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer for 2 hours. Once fully frozen, remove and store them in a zip loc and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I Make This banana waffles recipe vegan?

Yes! To make these waffles vegan, simply substitute the butter with vegan butter (you can "brown" it the same way as the original), and omit the eggs and add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the milk instead. Lastly, ensure that any toppings (like whipped cream) are vegan-friendly. 

More Droolworthy Waffle Recipes

If you love these delicious fluffy Best Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles, try these waffle recipes next-

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you choose to make these Best Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles or any other recipe from us, be sure to tag us on Instagram at #Orchidsandsweettea so that we can share the love, rate, comment below, + share!

Stack of Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles.

Best Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles

October 14, 2020
5 from 1 vote
Get ready to meet your new breakfast obsession: This Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles recipe! Crispy on the outside + fluffy on the inside with deep pockets for soaking up all that maple syrup! Bursting with the bold flavors of banana, maple, and brown butter, plus a hint of comforting spices. Egg-free + Oil-free. Gluten-free option.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

WAFFLES:

  • 3 very ripe Bananas, mashed
  • 3 cups organic all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ Tbsps baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ tsps ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 3 large organic eggs, room temp.
  • 1 cup Almond milk (You can use whole milk or your fave plant-based milk)
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter

TOPPINGS:

  • Sliced bananas
  • Maple syrup, for drizzle
  • Your fave chopped nuts, toasted (I love using walnuts or pecans)
  • Whipped cream, homemade or store-bought

Instructions

TO MAKE THE BROWN BUTTER:

  • Using a saucepan on medium-high heat, melt the butter, stirring occasionally and letting it cook for 3-4 minutes, until dark bits begin to form and the entire butter becomes fragrant and darker.
  • Once done, remove from heat and let it cool completely.

TO MAKE THE WAFFLES:

  • Preheat your waffle maker to desired setting–medium-high heat worked for me! 
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Create a well in the middle.
  • Add the mashed bananas, milk, eggs, cooled brown butter, maple syrup, and vanilla in the well of the dry ingredients and stir together well (using a rubber spatula) until fully incorporated and batter looks smooth. Fold in sprinkles.
  • Now, let the batter sit for 2-3 minutes while it slightly thickens and rises, which means that the ingredients have activated. NOTE: the batter should be pourable but not 'runny' at all. It should slightly stick when whisk is lifted up, as a test for thickness. NOTE: DO NOT OVER-MIX!
  • Next, spoon batter into your waffle maker (½ cup approximately) and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions. 
  • Once each waffle completes, add to a baking sheet and place them in the oven on the lowest setting (to keep them warm). Repeat until all waffles are made.
  • To serve–stack waffles (whole or cut), add toppings (coconut whipped cream, chopped nuts, fresh berries, sliced bananas, and/or drizzle with maple syrup), if desired.
  • Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

  • STORAGE: Leftovers can be tightly sealed in a zip loc bag (once fully cooled) and either refrigerated for a few days or frozen.To serve, reheat waffles in the oven on 400 degrees for a few minutes until warmed through.
  • FREEZE WAFFLES: To store waffles for longer periods, simply add them unto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer for 2 hours. Once fully frozen, remove and store them in a zip loc and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • GLUTEN-FREE VERSION: To make these waffles GF, I recommend using a GF Flour Blend (Bob’s Red Mills has a great version!). **NOTE: If the batter mixture is too ‘thin + runny’, simply add additional GF flour, ¼ cup at a time.**
  • STANDARD WAFFLES (NON-BELGIAN): This recipe will make more than 6-8 waffles for this recipe.
  • VEGAN OPTION: To make these waffles vegan, simply substitute the butter with vegan butter (you can "brown" it the same way as the original), and omit the eggs and add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the milk instead. Lastly, ensure that any toppings (like whipped cream) are vegan-friendly. 

Nutrition

Calories: 571kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 170mg | Sodium: 1045mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 562IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 408mg | Iron: 6mg

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