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Flourless Banana Oat Belgian Waffles [Vegan + Gluten-Free]

March 25, 2019
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea
Treat yourself to a guilt-free morning delight with Flourless Banana Oats Belgian Waffles. This waffle recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the heartiness of oats, delivering a delightful blend of flavors and textures in every bite.

Flourless Banana Oat Belgian Waffles [Vegan + Gluten-Free]

Discover the epitome of breakfast perfection --Flourless Banana Oat Belgian Waffles – A delightful twist on the classic Belgian waffles recipe. If you're seeking a wholesome yet indulgent treat and want to learn how to make delicious vegan + gluten-free waffles, look no further. Made right in a blender, these waffles are naturally sweetened, fluffy, thick, airy, and bursting with banana, spices, + oat flavors. The perfect breakfast or brunch dish for the whole family! Entirely Vegan + Freeze ahead option.

Flourless Vegan Banana Oats Waffles topped with bananas and nuts.

Why Banana Oat Belgian Waffles?

Ah, the age-old debate – pancakes or waffles? – Look don't get me wrong, I love both. Pancakes are lovely, but waffles? They're pure, warm comfort food magic. There's just something about that perfect Belgian waffle texture. The best part? These vegan waffles are super softfluffythick, and full of warm, comforting flavors! And freezer-friendly + meal prep champions – a surefire way to make everyone's morning a tad more special!

But of course, my motto of turning your faves into healthier options doesn't change at all--and neither does the 'goodness' factor when it comes to your taste buds being satisfied. Haha. If you share my love for waffles, don't miss out on my array of other delectable vegan waffle creations. Check out the ever-so-delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Waffles for all the cozy feels, Flourless Espresso Chocolate Waffles + Strawberries for my coffee enthusiasts, and classic Fluffy Cinnamon Vegan Belgian Waffles for little decadence.

For me, the real joy comes from sharing these beauties with my family during a relaxed weekend brunch or grabbing a quick, scrumptious breakfast when time's running short. And let me tell you, they're not only an explosion of deliciousness but also healthy, gluten-free + ridiculously easy to make! Just toss everything into your blender and let the waffle iron do its thing.

Jump to:
Ingredients including bananas, oats, and vanilla extract.

What Is A Belgian Waffle?

Ah, the Belgian waffle – Belgium's gift to breakfast lovers everywhere! Imagine deeper pockets, a fluffiness that defies gravity, and an airy texture! Traditionally, this waffle is crafted using a special iron featuring a grid pattern that gives rise to those unmistakable pockets.

Can I Use A 'Normal' Waffle Maker?

Absolutely, you can use a normal waffle maker to make Belgian gluten-free waffles! While traditional Belgian waffle makers have deeper pockets and a specific grid pattern, you can still achieve a delicious result with a regular one. The texture and size might vary slightly, but you'll definitely be able to enjoy the delightful banana oat taste and experience of Belgian waffles using your regular waffle iron.

Pieces of Flourless Vegan Banana Oats Waffles on a countertop with honey, bananas, nuts, oats, and utensils.

What You’ll Need For This Vegan Waffles Recipe?

Here's the lineup of ingredients you'll need for this gluten-free waffles recipe:

  • Oats – Creates a nice airy texture + fluffiness. Great flour alternative for GF (GF Rolled Oats)
  • Banana – Works as a great binder.
  • Almond Milk – Makes things nice + soft; Sub with your fave plant-based milk
  • Agave – A natural sweetener. Can be substituted with maple syrup as well
  • Vanilla – Adds nice hint of vanilla flavor to amplify bananas
  • Almond Butter – A great binder also. Adds nice nutty flavor. Can be substituted with peanut butter
  • Spices – Brings all flavors together nicely. Creates a warm, comforting feel: cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice
  • Baking Powder + Baking Soda – Makes them extra fluffy!

EQUIPMENT

Get the scoop on my favorites for this Flourless Banana Oat Belgian 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!

Can I Use Another Plant-Based Milk?

Yes, you can use any dairy-free milk you like to make these delicious dairy-free vegan 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 Toppings For Banana Oat Waffles

You can either keep it simple with the toppings, or you can add a variety of toppings for extra pizazz! Here are some options:

Freshly sliced bananas: Enhance the banana flavor with fresh banana slices.

Maple syrup: Drizzle with pure maple syrup for classic sweetness.

Chopped nuts: Add a delightful crunch with chopped walnuts or pecans.

Dairy-Free Yogurt or CocoWhip: Creamy and tangy, perfect for a luxurious touch.

Chocolate chips: Indulge in sweetness with a sprinkling of chocolate chips.

Fresh berries: Add a burst of freshness with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.

Flourless Vegan Banana Oats Waffles on small plates.

Why You Will LOVE This Banana Oat Belgium Waffle Recipe

  • Fluffy perfection in each bite.
  • Totally dairy-free, vegan + GF!
  • Whipped together in under 25 minutes—TOTAL!
  • Sweetness is adjustable + freezer friendly.
  • Everything is made in a BLENDER. Yup. How can it get any easier?
  • A warm hug for your taste buds!

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.

How to Ripen Bananas for Banana Waffles

Have you ever had bananas that weren't fully ripe, but you were dying to make banana bread, pancakes, or in this case waffles? 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. 
Flourless Vegan Banana Oats Waffles on a white plate.

Flourless Banana Oat Belgian Waffles Q + A's

Can I freeze leftovers?

If you’d like to make these vegan + gluten-free waffles ahead of time, you can freeze them for up to six months. Simply cool the to room temperature, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for an hour, then place in a zip-top bag and keep in the freezer. You’ll have a healthy vegan breakfast to grab anytime.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely! You can always use frozen bananas in your gluten-free waffles recipe. However, you'll need to thaw them out at room temperature and then drain off any excess liquid before mashing them and adding them to the mix. 

Can I prepare the batter the day/night before?

Yes, you can! Prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, give it a quick stir before letting the waffle maker do all the work.

How do I ensure that the waffle batter has the right consistency?

The batter should be thick but pourable. If it's too thick, you can add a small amount of milk (dairy or plant-based) and blend until you reach the desired consistency.

More Delicious Breakfast + Brunch Recipes

Flourless Vegan Banana Oats Waffles topped with bananas and nuts.

Flourless Banana Oat Belgian Waffles [Vegan + Gluten-Free]

March 25, 2019
4.92 from 12 votes
These Flourless Vegan Banana Oats Waffles are the best, easiest gluten-free waffles for the entire family. Made right in a blender, these waffles are naturally sweetened, fluffy, thick, airy, and bursting with banana, spices, + oat flavors. The perfect breakfast or brunch dish with the perfect taste for your mornings!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 6 Waffles

Ingredients

WET INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 VERY RIPE Bananas, mashed (That's about 1-½ cups!)
  • 1 ½ cups Almond milk + 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (You can use your fave plant-based milk!)
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • 3-4 Tbsps pure maple syrup (Add an additional tablespoon if more sweetness is needed!)
  • 2 Tbsps Almond butter, organic

DRY INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 cups Gluten-free Rolled Oats (See Notes)
  • 2 tsps baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • teaspoon ground all spice

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:

  • Chopped pecans, toasted (See Notes!)
  • Banana slices
  • Pure Maple Syrup, for drizzle
  • Fresh berries

Instructions

  • Preheat your waffle maker to desired setting––medium-high heat worked for me!

TO MAKE THE VEGAN 'BUTTERMILK':

  • In a measuring cup or small bowl, add the Almond milk and apple cider vinegar, whisking them together and letting it sit for 5 minutes or so, until slightly 'foamy' and thickened when activated.

BLEND INGREDIENTS TOGETHER:

  • Now, add the ingredients to your blender, ensuring that all WET INGREDIENTS (including milk-apple cider vinegar mixture) are placed on the BOTTOM and then the DRY INGREDIENTS on TOP. NOTE: Putting the ingredients in this order allows everything to blend well and become nice and smooth.
  • Blend on high speed using a high-powered blender for a few seconds (15-20 to be exact!) until batter is smooth.

TO MAKE THE BELGIAN WAFFLES:

  • 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), top with sliced bananas, toasted pecans, and/or drizzle with maple syrup.
  • 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.
  • NUT BUTTER OPTIONS: You can use Peanut Butter or Pecan Butter instead of Almond Butter if desired. Any smooth nut butter works as long as it’s Vegan-approved!
  • OATS: Ensure that your oats are certified GF (Gluten-Free). I used Thick Rolled Oats, but you can also use Old Fashion if preferred.
  • PECANS: In addition to using toasted pecans for topping, you can also incorporate it into your waffles if preferred. Simply add ½ cup toasted pecans in with other dry ingredients and continue remaining steps in recipe. See Recipe for Toasting Pecans.
  • REGULAR WAFFLES: For standard waffles (Non-Belgian style), this recipe will make more than 6 waffles. 

Nutrition

Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 603mg | Potassium: 229mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 207mg | Iron: 3mg

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    • Hi Sophia! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoy these! They are a go-to in our house!

  1. These are dangerously good. I had sweet plantains instead of bananas and woah. Also didn't have any nut butter, so I used 4 tbl coconut oil. This is the best waffle I have ever had. I love you lol thank you!

    • Hi Usnea! OMG! That sounds delish! I'm so glad that you enjoyed these waffles! 🙂

  2. absolutely adore this recipe! the pancakes came out light and fluffy and taste absolutely amazing. plus, they’re made using wholesome ingredients! a whole family favorite!

    • Hi Katie! I'm so happy to hear that you and your family have enjoyed this! These waffles are definitely a go-to of mine also! 🙂

  3. Tried making these, followed directions, double checked ingredients. These were thick like paste, we added more milk and they were just dense and hard to work with. Flavor was good though.

    • Hi Natalie! I’m so sorry to hear that! Just to confirm, were the waffles themself unworkable and hard to eat or was it just the batter that was thick? Please note that the batter will be a bit thicker but the waffles should come out nice and fluffy.

  4. These waffles look fantastic¡ I love that you added oats for a more nutritious option. Need to make these waffles this weekend. Craving something like this for brunch.

  5. What is not to love with the waffles. I how you use the banana in the batter, and I am slowly going GF.

    • I love using Banana in a lot of my recipes, especially when they are vegan or GF. It's such a great binder! I hope that you enjoy these!

  6. I must say it's one of the most amazing recipes of waffle that's a flourless version. Perfect timing because I was hunting down for one for a very long time.

    • Thanks so much, Meghna! I definitely hope that you get a chance to give it a try! It's so good!