The Best Fluffy Banana Chocolate Chip Waffles: Easy Homemade Recipe for Breakfast & Brunch

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm, sweet bananas mingling with melting chocolate. These Banana Chocolate Chip Waffles offer exactly that experience! They’re perfectly golden brown and crispy on the outside, yielding to a wonderfully fluffy interior dotted with gooey chocolate chips. This recipe is not just easy to follow; it promises a delightful breakfast or brunch that will quickly become a family favorite. Get ready to savor rich banana flavor in every single bite, making your mornings truly special.

About These Delicious Banana Chocolate Chip Waffles

There’s something incredibly comforting about homemade waffles, and when you combine them with the classic duo of banana and chocolate, you’ve got pure magic. These banana chocolate chip waffles capture the essence of a cherished childhood memory – my mom’s weekend banana chocolate chip pancakes – but with the superior texture only a waffle can deliver. While pancakes can sometimes be tricky to get just right, waffles offer a foolproof path to breakfast perfection!

What sets these waffles apart is their exquisite balance of textures and flavors. Ripe bananas contribute a natural sweetness and moist tenderness to the batter, ensuring the inside remains beautifully soft. Paired with generous mini chocolate chips that melt into delightful pockets of warmth, each bite is a symphony for your taste buds. The baking process fills your kitchen with an unbelievably good banana scent, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes everyone eager for breakfast.

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to elevate your weekend mornings. We adore making them fresh, enjoying their immediate crispness and warmth. But the goodness doesn’t stop there! Any extra waffles can be easily frozen, providing a quick and delicious breakfast solution for busy weekdays. Customize your stack with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, extra banana slices, or a sprinkle of more chocolate chips – the possibilities are endless for creating your ultimate waffle experience. These homemade banana chocolate chip waffles are truly a celebration of flavor and ease!

Key Ingredients for Perfect Waffles

Crafting the perfect banana chocolate chip waffles begins with understanding your ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior.

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the foundational structure of our waffles. For those with dietary restrictions, a gluten-free 1:1 ratio flour blend can be seamlessly substituted, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delicious treats.
• Baking Powder: Our sole leavening agent, baking powder is crucial for creating those wonderfully fluffy waffles. Always check its expiry date – active baking powder makes all the difference in lift and texture, giving your waffles that desirable airy quality.
• Granulated Sugar: Just enough sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the banana and complement the chocolate without making the waffles overly sweet. It also aids in achieving that beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Kosher Fine Salt: A pinch of salt balances the flavors, bringing out the sweetness of the banana and the richness of the chocolate. It’s a small addition with a big impact on the overall taste.
• Milk: Feel free to use your preferred milk type – 2% milk is a popular choice for its balance of creaminess. If you’re aiming for a dairy-free option, unsweetened, unflavored almond milk or oat milk works beautifully, ensuring the waffle’s flavor profile remains true.
• Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, adding structure and richness to the batter, contributing to the waffle’s tender crumb. Lightly beaten, they integrate smoothly into the mixture.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted unsalted butter provides moisture and a rich, buttery flavor that makes these waffles truly special. If using salted butter, remember to omit the added salt from the recipe to maintain the perfect balance. For a dairy-free alternative, a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil can be used, or a good quality plant-based butter substitute.
• Ripe Bananas: This is where the magic happens! Extremely ripe bananas – those with plenty of brown spots – are essential. They are naturally sweeter and mash easily, incorporating smoothly into the batter and imparting that deep, comforting banana flavor. The riper, the better for both sweetness and texture in your waffles.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract deepens and rounds out the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic note. Consider making your own homemade vanilla extract for a truly artisanal touch; it’s a cost-effective way to achieve superior flavor. Alternatively, we highly recommend a quality extract like Nielsen Massey’s Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: While any chocolate chips work, we find that mini chocolate chips give you the best texture and little pops of chocolate throughout each waffle. Their smaller size ensures an even distribution, so every bite delivers that delightful, gooey chocolate experience without overwhelming the banana flavor.

Essential Equipment for This Waffle Recipe

To embark on your banana chocolate chip waffle-making adventure, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that make the process smooth and enjoyable. Having the right equipment ensures your recipe comes together effortlessly.

• Large Mixing Bowl Set: A spacious mixing bowl provides ample room to combine your ingredients without spills, making the batter preparation clean and efficient. A good set ensures you have the right size for all your baking needs, allowing for easy whisking and folding.
• Whisk: A sturdy French wire whisk is indispensable for thoroughly combining dry ingredients and then gently incorporating wet ingredients, preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth, well-aerated batter.
• Waffle Iron: The star of the show! Whether you have a classic square waffle maker, a Belgian waffle maker for deeper pockets, or a novelty shape iron, make sure it’s in good working order. Preheating it properly is key to achieving that perfect crispy crust, which is fundamental to the best banana chocolate chip waffles.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. A reliable set of measuring cups and measuring spoons will ensure your ratios are correct for consistent results.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Waffles

Let’s walk through the simple steps to create these irresistible banana chocolate chip waffles. This recipe is designed for ease, ensuring a successful and delicious outcome every time. Follow these instructions closely for the best fluffy and crispy waffles.

Prepare the Waffle Batter

Creating the batter is a straightforward process, but paying attention to a few details will ensure your waffles are light and fluffy.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisking them thoroughly ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed, which is vital for an even rise and airy texture in your homemade waffles.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Next, add the milk, lightly beaten eggs, melted unsalted butter (or your chosen oil), the mashed ripe banana, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture.
3. Mix Gently: Using your whisk, stir the wet and dry ingredients together **just until combined**. A common mistake is to overmix the batter, which develops the gluten in the flour and can lead to tough, chewy waffles instead of the desired light and fluffy texture. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and even preferable – it’s a sign you haven’t overmixed!

Rest the Batter for Best Texture

This step is often overlooked but contributes significantly to the final texture of your banana chocolate chip waffles. Don’t skip it for maximum fluffiness and flavor.

1. Rest Period: Allow the batter to sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature.
2. Why Rest? Resting the batter gives the flour time to fully hydrate, resulting in a more tender crumb. It also allows the baking powder to start working its magic, preparing the batter for a beautiful rise and airy texture in the waffle iron. This leads to a superior fluffy waffle.
3. Preheat Waffle Iron: While your batter rests, preheat your waffle iron on a medium setting. A properly hot waffle iron is crucial for achieving crispy exteriors and preventing sticky waffles.

Cook to Golden Perfection

Now for the exciting part – turning your batter into golden, delicious waffles! Watch them transform into your perfect breakfast.

1. Stir in Chocolate Chips: Just before you’re ready to cook, gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the batter. Again, avoid overmixing here – just enough to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
2. Portion and Cook: Lightly grease your preheated waffle iron if necessary (some non-stick irons don’t require it, but it doesn’t hurt). Pour or scoop the batter onto the waffle iron, using an amount specified by your waffle iron’s manufacturer or just enough to cover the grids without overflowing.
3. Golden Crispness: Close the lid and cook according to your waffle iron instructions. Typically, waffles are done when the steam stops escaping or when the indicator light signals completion. Aim for a beautiful, crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Serve these warm banana chocolate chip waffles immediately with your favorite toppings for an unforgettable breakfast or brunch!

Expert Tips and Tricks for Waffle Success

Achieving waffle perfection is easy with a few insider tips and tricks. These pointers will help you consistently create delicious, crispy, and flavorful banana chocolate chip waffles, making you a breakfast master!

• Quickly Ripen Bananas: Don’t have perfectly ripe, spotty bananas? No problem! If your bananas are still green or firm, wrap them in aluminum foil and bake them in a 350˚F (175˚C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the skins are dark and soft. Let them cool slightly before mashing. This process caramelizes their natural sugars, intensifying the banana flavor and making them perfect for your waffle batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter! This is perhaps the most crucial rule for fluffy waffles. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, dense waffle. Mix only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and actually desirable for a tender crumb.
• Let the Batter Rest: Once mixed together, let the batter sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This end up helping the texture of the waffles as well! This brief rest allows the flour to fully absorb the liquids and the baking powder to activate, leading to a lighter, more tender interior. Don’t skip this simple but effective step for the best homemade waffles.
• Temperature is Key for Crispy Waffles: Ensure your waffle iron is fully preheated before adding the batter. A hot iron immediately creates a crisp crust, preventing soggy waffles. You should hear a satisfying sizzle when the batter hits the surface, indicating the iron is ready.
• Don’t Peek Too Early: Resist the urge to lift the lid of your waffle iron too soon. This can disrupt the cooking process and cause the waffles to stick or tear. Wait until the steam significantly reduces or your waffle iron’s indicator light signals they’re done. Patience pays off with beautifully cooked, crispy banana waffles.
• Add in Nuts for a Banana Bread Twist: Want to give these waffles a banana bread feel? Mix in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans with the chocolate chips. For an extra layer of warmth and spice, you can also stir in 1/4 tsp to 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg to your dry ingredients.
• Consider Other Fruit Additions: While banana is the star, a handful of fresh blueberries or diced strawberries gently folded into the batter can add a delightful tartness and burst of color, making your breakfast even more special.
• Keep Waffles Warm and Crispy: If you’re cooking for a crowd and need to make several batches, keep finished waffles warm and crispy by placing them in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in an oven preheated to 250°F (120°C) until ready to serve. Avoid stacking them, as this traps steam and makes them soggy.

More delicious brunch recipes to try out: Breakfast Charcuterie Board | Strawberry Waffles | Nutella Puff Pastry Pies | Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Can You Freeze Banana Chocolate Chip Waffles for Later?

Yes, absolutely! Freezing banana chocolate chip waffles is a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade breakfast on busy weekday mornings. It’s perfect for meal prepping and ensures you always have a quick, delicious option on hand that tastes almost as good as fresh. This makes these easy waffles a great make-ahead breakfast.

To freeze your waffles:

1. Cool Completely: After cooking, allow the waffles to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack. This is crucial to prevent ice crystals from forming and making them soggy upon reheating. Warm waffles will create condensation inside the wrapper, leading to a less desirable texture.
2. Individual Wrapping: Wrap each cooled waffle individually in plastic wrap. This step protects them from freezer burn, preserves their flavor, and makes it easy to grab just one or two at a time without needing to thaw the whole batch.
3. Airtight Storage: Place the individually wrapped waffles into a large airtight freezer bag or a sturdy freezer-safe container. This extra layer of protection helps maintain their quality. Label with the date of freezing for easy tracking.
4. Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to two months. They will remain delicious and ready for a quick breakfast whenever you need them.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply follow our detailed thawing and reheating instructions below to restore their crispy perfection!

Experimenting with Chocolate Chips in Your Banana Waffles

While mini chocolate chips are our top recommendation for their even distribution and delicate melt, these banana waffles are incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with your favorite type of chocolate to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. The combination of banana and chocolate is quite forgiving, allowing for delicious variations.

• Dark Chocolate Chips: For a more intense, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet banana, dark chocolate chips (or even bittersweet chocolate chips) are an excellent choice. They add a sophisticated depth of flavor that many adults appreciate.
• White Chocolate Chips: If you prefer a sweeter, creamier profile, white chocolate chips pair wonderfully with banana. Their distinct vanilla-like flavor creates a different, yet equally delightful, experience.
• Milk Chocolate Chips: A classic choice that offers a familiar, comforting sweetness. Milk chocolate chips are perfect for those who enjoy a milder, sweeter chocolate flavor that blends seamlessly with the banana.
• Chocolate Chunks: For bigger, more substantial pockets of melted chocolate, coarsely chopped chocolate chunks can be used. Just ensure they’re not too large to interfere with the waffle iron’s closing or to distribute unevenly.
• Other Mix-ins: Don’t limit yourself to just chocolate! Consider adding a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a tropical twist, a handful of chopped nuts (as suggested in our tips for a banana bread feel), or even a swirl of peanut butter or a dash of espresso powder in the batter for another layer of unique flavor.

The beauty of this banana waffle recipe is its adaptability, so feel free to get creative with your favorite mix-ins!

Achieving Perfectly Crispy Waffles Every Time

The quest for perfectly crispy waffles with golden edges is a common one, and thankfully, it’s easily achieved with a few key techniques. Say goodbye to soggy waffles and hello to golden, crunchy perfection that makes every bite a joy!

1. Hot Waffle Iron is Non-Negotiable: This is the golden rule! Always ensure your waffle iron is thoroughly preheated before pouring in the batter. A hot surface instantly crisps the exterior, locking in moisture and creating that desirable crunch. You should hear a distinct sizzle when the batter makes contact with the hot grids. If your iron has a “ready” light, wait for it to illuminate before adding batter.
2. Don’t Overfill: While you want full waffles, overfilling the iron can lead to uneven cooking, batter oozing out, and a less crispy result. Follow your waffle iron’s recommended batter quantity, usually just enough to cover the grid without reaching the very edges.
3. Steam is Your Indicator: The cooking process releases steam from the waffle iron as moisture evaporates from the batter. Most modern waffle irons have an indicator light, but a reliable old-school method is to cook until the steam significantly diminishes or stops entirely. This indicates that most of the moisture has evaporated, leaving you with a beautifully crispy waffle.
4. Avoid Opening Too Soon: Patience is key! Opening the waffle iron lid too early can cause the waffles to stick or tear, and it interrupts the crisping process. Let them cook undisturbed until they’re ready.
5. Serve Immediately or Keep Warm (and Dry): For maximum crispness, serve waffles fresh from the iron. If you need to cook a batch for multiple people, **do not stack them!** Instead, place cooked waffles in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Keep this in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C). The wire rack allows air to circulate around the entire waffle, preventing condensation and keeping them beautifully crispy until everyone is ready to eat. Stacking waffles traps steam, leading to inevitable sogginess.

By following these tips, you’ll consistently churn out banana chocolate chip waffles that are crispy on the outside and wonderfully fluffy on the inside.

Need some inspiration for breakfast? Check out my breakfast recipes page!

Delicious Toppings and Pairings for Banana Waffles

These banana chocolate chip waffles are a treat all on their own, but they also serve as a fantastic canvas for a variety of delicious toppings and accompaniments. Whether you prefer sweet, fruity, or a little bit of everything, there’s a perfect pairing for every palate to make your breakfast truly unforgettable. Get creative and customize your waffle experience!

• Classic Maple Syrup: A generous drizzle of warm, pure maple syrup is a timeless choice, enhancing the sweetness and adding a rich, earthy note that complements the banana and chocolate perfectly.
• Fresh Banana Slices: Echoing the banana flavor in the waffles, fresh slices add a soft texture and natural sweetness. It’s a simple yet effective way to double down on the delicious banana goodness.
• Extra Mini Chocolate Chips: For the ultimate chocolate lover, sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top – they’ll slightly melt from the warmth of the freshly cooked waffles, creating gooey pockets of deliciousness.
• Whipped Cream: A cloud of homemade or store-bought whipped cream adds a delightful lightness and creamy texture that balances the richness of the waffles.
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegant sweetness and a beautiful, classic presentation.
• Other Fresh Fruits: Elevate your waffle experience with a medley of fresh berries like sliced strawberries, plump blueberries, juicy raspberries, or even sliced peaches when in season. These add a refreshing tartness and vibrant color.
• Chocolate Sauce or Syrup: For an even more decadent treat, a drizzle of chocolate sauce or syrup takes these waffles to dessert-for-breakfast territory – perfect for special occasions or when you simply crave extra indulgence.
• Nut Butter Drizzle: A warm drizzle of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter can add protein, healthy fats, and a wonderful nutty flavor that pairs exceptionally well with banana.
• Caramel Sauce: A touch of warm caramel sauce creates a luxurious and sweet indulgence, offering a different kind of rich sweetness.

Perfect Beverage Pairings: Complement your waffles with a glass of cold milk, fresh orange juice, or a refreshing vanilla sweet cream cold brew for the ultimate breakfast or brunch experience.

How to Store and Reheat Your Waffles

Proper storage is key to enjoying your banana chocolate chip waffles beyond the day they’re made. Whether you’re saving leftovers for tomorrow or meal prepping for the week, these methods will keep your waffles delicious and ready to enjoy.

Storing Leftovers in the Refrigerator:

1. Cool Completely: Always allow any leftover waffles to cool entirely to room temperature on a wire rack. Storing warm waffles will create condensation and lead to sogginess, compromising their texture.
2. Wrap Tightly: Once cool, wrap individual waffles tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents them from drying out and absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
3. Airtight Container: For extra protection and to maintain freshness, place the wrapped waffles in an airtight container.
4. Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Reheating Refrigerated Waffles:

• Toaster/Toaster Oven (Recommended for Crispy Edges): For the best results and to regain that delightful crispness, reheat waffles in a toaster or toaster oven for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy to your liking. This method is superior for restoring their fresh-made texture.
• Microwave (Soft Waffles): If you prefer softer waffles or are short on time, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave’s power. Be aware that this method will result in soft edges, not crispy ones.

Freezing Waffles for Longer Storage:

• Prepare for Freezing: Follow the cooling and individual wrapping steps outlined in the ‘Can You Freeze Banana Waffles?’ section above. This ensures your waffles are perfectly prepared for long-term storage.
• Freeze: Store wrapped waffles in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. This allows you to have a convenient, homemade breakfast option readily available.

Thawing and Reheating Frozen Waffles:

• Quick Thaw (Microwave): Unwrap frozen waffles and microwave for about 30 seconds to begin thawing. This makes them easier to handle for the next step.
• Overnight Thaw (Refrigerator): For a more gradual thaw, place wrapped frozen waffles in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat for Crispy Edges (Toaster/Toaster Oven): After thawing, transfer the waffles to a toaster or toaster oven and reheat for 2-4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This step is essential for bringing back that fresh-made texture and a golden finish.

More Easy Banana-Themed Recipes to Enjoy

If you’ve fallen in love with these banana chocolate chip waffles, you’re in for a treat with these other delightful banana-themed recipes from our kitchen. They’re perfect for using up ripe bananas and satisfying your sweet cravings, proving just how versatile this humble fruit can be in baking!

• Fluffy Banana Bread Muffins are incredibly moist, fluffy, and so easy to whip up any day of the week. They offer all the comforting flavors of classic banana bread in a convenient, portable muffin form, perfect for breakfast or a snack on the go.

• If you want this amazing banana and chocolate combination in a mini, bite-sized form, make these delectable Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Mini Muffins! They’re a perfect sweet treat for kids and adults alike, with the added goodness of peanut butter.

• You only need one bowl to make these utterly irresistible Banana Nutella Muffins! You’ll love the gooey, rich chocolate hazelnut center that makes every bite a decadent surprise. A truly easy and indulgent recipe.

We hope you enjoy exploring more delicious ways to incorporate ripe bananas into your baking and create even more delightful treats for your family and friends!

Finally, if you make this banana chocolate chip waffles recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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Banana Chocolate Chip Waffles

Fluffy on the inside and crispy golden brown on the outside, these homemade banana chocolate chip waffles are super easy to make and packed with flavor!

Prep Time:

15 minutes
mins

Cook Time:

15 minutes
mins

Total Time:

30 minutes
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Servings:
6

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Equipment

• Measuring Spoons
• Measuring Cups
• French Wire Whisk
• Mixing Bowls
• Waffle Iron

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 3/4 cups milk (any type, unflavored and unsweetened)
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter (or any type of neutral oil)
• 1 small ripe banana (mashed, preferably with brown spots)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• Toppings: fresh banana slices, extra mini chocolate chips, maple syrup, whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

• Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: Add milk, lightly beaten eggs, melted butter, mashed banana, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
• Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for 5 to 10 minutes while your waffle iron preheats on medium. This resting period helps create a fluffier waffle.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the mini chocolate chips just before making the waffles, making sure not to overmix the batter.
• Cook Waffles: Pour batter onto the preheated waffle iron (grease if needed). Cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions until golden brown and crispy, usually when steam stops escaping.
• Serve Warm: Serve the banana chocolate chip waffles warm with your favorite toppings like extra banana slices, chocolate chips, and maple syrup. Enjoy!

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Nutrition

Calories: 358kcal |
Carbohydrates: 47g |
Protein: 8g |
Fat: 15g |
Saturated Fat: 9g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g |
Trans Fat: 0.3g |
Cholesterol: 86mg |
Sodium: 466mg |
Potassium: 236mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 20g |
Vitamin A: 478IU |
Vitamin C: 2mg |
Calcium: 239mg |
Iron: 2mg

Calories: 358kcal

Cuisine:
American

Category:
Breakfast