Deliciously Fluffy & Crispy Banana Chocolate Chip Waffles: Your Ultimate Breakfast Guide
Start your day with a smile and a stack of these delightful Banana Chocolate Chip Waffles! They are incredibly fluffy on the inside with an irresistibly crisp, golden-brown exterior. This recipe is not only remarkably easy to follow but also delivers a rich, comforting banana flavor perfectly complemented by gooey pockets of chocolate in every single bite. Prepare to fill your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma as these golden beauties cook to perfection.
table of contents
Toggle
About These Banana Chocolate Chip Waffles
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm, golden-brown banana chocolate chip waffles. This recipe delivers a consistently perfect waffle experience: a delightful contrast between a beautifully crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior. Each bite is a symphony of flavor, with the sweet, mellow banana notes mingling with pockets of melted, gooey chocolate chips. The rich banana scent that fills your kitchen while these cook is truly intoxicating and guarantees a fantastic start to any day.
Growing up, weekends often meant my mom’s delicious banana chocolate chip pancakes. That classic combination of banana and chocolate has always been a personal favorite. While I’ve always admired her pancake prowess, my own pancake attempts sometimes fall short. That’s why I decided to take this beloved flavor pairing and transform it into a waffle recipe – because waffles, I can definitely master!
What sets these waffles apart is their flawless balance of textures and tastes. The ripe bananas not only infuse the batter with natural sweetness but also contribute to an incredibly tender crumb. When combined with the bursts of chocolate, you get a breakfast that feels both indulgent and wonderfully comforting. They’ve become an absolute staple in our home, especially on lazy weekend mornings. We love enjoying them fresh off the waffle iron, but we also make sure to prepare extra batches to freeze, ensuring a quick and easy breakfast option throughout the busy week.
These waffles are incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer a simple drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips, or fresh banana slices, they serve as the perfect canvas for your favorite toppings. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with this tried-and-true recipe!
Why You’ll Love These Waffles
Beyond their delicious taste, there are many reasons why these banana chocolate chip waffles will quickly become a cherished recipe in your home. They offer the ultimate blend of convenience and gourmet appeal, making them perfect for both busy weekdays and leisurely weekend brunches.
- Effortlessly Delicious: Despite their impressive taste, these waffles are surprisingly simple to whip up. With straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients, you don’t need to be an expert baker to achieve fantastic results.
- Perfect Texture Every Time: Say goodbye to soggy waffles! Our recipe guarantees a beautiful golden crisp on the outside and a light, airy fluffiness on the inside, with melted chocolate chips adding an extra layer of delight.
- Customizable Comfort: While the banana and chocolate combination is a classic, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, add nuts, or even a touch of spice to make them uniquely yours.
- Kid-Friendly Favorite: The sweet banana and chocolate flavors are a surefire hit with children (and adults!). It’s a fun and exciting breakfast that can even encourage picky eaters to enjoy a bit of fruit.
- Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep: Make a large batch and freeze the leftovers for quick breakfasts during the week. They reheat beautifully, offering a convenient solution for busy mornings without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Ingredients for Perfect Waffles
The secret to incredible waffles lies in the quality and combination of your ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is essential for achieving the best possible banana chocolate chip waffles:
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the foundational structure of your waffles. Its moderate protein content allows for a tender crumb while still providing enough strength to hold shape. For a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend can be substituted, ensuring a delicious outcome for those with dietary restrictions.
Baking Powder: Our primary leavening agent, baking powder is crucial for creating those coveted fluffy waffles. It reacts with liquid and heat to produce carbon dioxide bubbles, which expand the batter and give the waffles their light, airy texture. Always check the expiration date to ensure it’s fresh and active for maximum lift.
Granulated Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar adds essential sweetness to balance the banana and chocolate flavors. It also contributes to the beautiful golden-brown color and crispy edges of the cooked waffles through caramelization.
Salt: A small amount of fine kosher salt is vital for enhancing all the other flavors in the waffle batter. It balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of the banana and chocolate, preventing the waffles from tasting flat.
Milk: You can use your favorite type of milk for this recipe! We typically opt for 2% milk, but whole milk will yield an even richer waffle. If you’re looking to make these dairy-free, unsweetened and unflavored almond milk or soy milk are excellent alternatives. The liquid content helps hydrate the flour and activate the baking powder.
Eggs: Large eggs serve multiple purposes here. They act as a binder, holding the ingredients together, and add richness and moisture to the batter. When lightly beaten, they incorporate air, which further contributes to the waffles’ fluffiness.
Melted Unsalted Butter: Butter is key for both flavor and texture. It imparts a delightful richness and helps create those coveted crispy edges. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the overall salt content. If using salted butter, simply omit the additional salt called for in the recipe. For a dairy-free option, a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil can be used, or a good quality dairy-free butter substitute.
Ripe Banana: This is the star ingredient! A small, ripe banana (the spottier, the better!) provides natural sweetness, intense banana flavor, and essential moisture to the waffles. Its mashed consistency integrates seamlessly into the batter, ensuring even distribution of flavor throughout. Ripe bananas also contain more natural sugars, which deepen the flavor profile and contribute to better browning.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract elevates the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth that complements both the banana and chocolate. Consider learning how to make your own homemade vanilla extract; it’s often more cost-effective and allows you to customize the potency. Alternatively, high-quality extracts like Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract from Nielsen Massey are always a fantastic choice.
Mini Chocolate Chips: While any chocolate chips work, we find that mini chocolate chips are superior for waffles. Their smaller size ensures you get little pops of gooey, melted chocolate in every single square and pocket of the waffle, creating a more consistent and delightful chocolate experience throughout.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
Having the right tools makes the waffle-making process even smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of the must-have equipment for these banana chocolate chip waffles:
- Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl is crucial for comfortably combining your dry and wet ingredients without making a mess. A set of durable mixing bowls with various sizes is always a wise investment for any kitchen.
- Whisk: A good quality whisk ensures your dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and helps to gently incorporate the wet ingredients without overmixing, which is key for fluffy waffles.
- Waffle Iron: This is, of course, the star appliance! Whether you have a classic square waffle maker, a Belgian waffle iron for thicker, deeper pockets, or even a mini waffle maker, make sure it’s clean, preheated, and ready to go. The type of waffle iron you use will influence the texture and cooking time slightly, so familiarize yourself with its specific settings.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are fundamental in baking. Ensure you have a reliable set for both dry and liquid ingredients to guarantee the correct ratio and consistency of your batter.
- Rubber Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl and gently folding in the chocolate chips without overworking the batter.
- Wire Rack: Essential for keeping cooked waffles crispy. Placing them on a wire rack immediately after cooking allows air to circulate, preventing steam from softening their golden crust.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Waffles
Making these delicious banana chocolate chip waffles is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. Follow these instructions carefully for the best results:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Begin by combining all your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt until they are thoroughly blended. This ensures that the leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the batter. In a separate bowl, or directly into the dry ingredients if your bowl is large enough, add the wet ingredients: milk, lightly beaten eggs, melted butter (or neutral oil), mashed ripe banana, and vanilla extract. Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until *just combined*. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly acceptable. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, chewy waffles rather than light and fluffy ones.
Step 2: Let the Batter Rest
Once your batter is mixed, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature. This resting period is a small but mighty step that significantly improves the texture of your waffles. During this time, the flour fully hydrates, and the baking powder begins to activate, producing more consistent bubbles that will result in a lighter, fluffier waffle. While the batter rests, take the opportunity to preheat your waffle iron on a medium setting.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Just before you’re ready to cook, gently stir the mini chocolate chips into the rested batter. Be careful not to overmix at this stage either, simply fold them in until they are evenly distributed. Once your waffle iron is hot and ready (most have an indicator light), lightly grease the plates if necessary. Pour the batter in small scoops onto the waffle iron, using just enough to cover the grid without overfilling. Close the lid and cook the waffles according to your specific waffle iron’s instructions, usually until golden brown and steam stops escaping. This typically takes 3-5 minutes depending on your iron. Serve them immediately while warm, topped with your favorite accompaniments!
Perfecting Your Waffle Iron Technique
Getting the most out of your waffle iron can make all the difference for perfect waffles. Always ensure your waffle iron is fully preheated before adding any batter. A hot iron is crucial for that immediate sizzle and crisp exterior. If your iron doesn’t have a non-stick coating, or if you want extra assurance, lightly brush the plates with a little melted butter or neutral oil between batches. Avoid opening the waffle iron too early during cooking, as this can deflate the waffles and prevent them from fully crisping. Most modern waffle irons have indicator lights that signal when they are ready or when the waffle is cooked. Trust these indicators, or cook until steam largely subsides and the waffles are deeply golden brown.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Waffle Success
Achieving the perfect banana chocolate chip waffles consistently can be made even easier with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Need to Quickly Ripen a Banana? If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough (they should have plenty of brown spots for optimal flavor and sweetness), don’t fret! You can speed up the ripening process by wrapping an unripe banana in foil and baking it in a 350˚F (175˚C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until its skin turns dark brown or black and the banana softens. This caramelizes the sugars, enhancing its natural flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter! This is perhaps the most crucial rule for fluffy waffles. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and even desirable. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will result in dense, tough, and chewy waffles instead of the light and airy texture we’re aiming for. Think gentle folding rather than vigorous whisking once the wet ingredients are added.
- Let the Batter Rest. After mixing, allow your waffle batter to sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period gives the gluten a chance to relax and allows the flour to fully absorb the liquid, leading to a more tender waffle. It also gives the baking powder time to start its magic, producing a lighter, more consistent rise. This small pause makes a big difference in the final texture.
- Add in Nuts for a Banana Bread Feel. Craving a little extra crunch and a flavor profile reminiscent of classic banana bread? Stir in finely chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter along with the chocolate chips. You can also enhance the “banana bread” vibe by adding 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg to your dry ingredients.
- Maintain Waffle Crispness. To keep your cooked waffles wonderfully crispy while you finish preparing the rest, preheat your oven to 250˚F (120˚C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and arrange the cooked waffles in a single layer on the rack. The warm oven will keep them warm and prevent them from getting soggy by allowing air circulation, which helps maintain their crisp edges. Avoid stacking them directly on a plate, as trapped steam will make them soft.
- Properly Grease Your Waffle Iron. Even if your waffle iron boasts a non-stick coating, a light coating of cooking spray or melted butter can prevent sticking, ensure easy removal, and contribute to a more beautiful golden crust. Be sure to do this before each waffle or every other waffle, depending on your iron.
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?
Absolutely! These banana chocolate chip waffles are incredibly freezer-friendly, making them perfect for meal prepping and enjoying a quick, homemade breakfast on busy mornings. To freeze them effectively and preserve their texture:
- Cool Completely: After cooking, place the waffles on a wire rack and allow them to cool completely to room temperature. This is essential, as freezing warm waffles will cause condensation and lead to ice crystals, making them soggy when reheated.
- Individual Wrapping: Once cool, wrap each waffle individually in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them from sticking together.
- Airtight Storage: Place the individually wrapped waffles into a large airtight container or a heavy-duty freezable resealable bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to two months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
Having a stash of these in your freezer means you’re always just minutes away from a delicious, comforting breakfast!
Customizing Your Chocolate Chips
While mini chocolate chips are our recommendation for even distribution and gooey pockets in every bite, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your chocolate preferences! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips to customize your banana waffles:
- Dark Chocolate Chips: For a more sophisticated and less sweet flavor, dark chocolate chips (60% cocoa or higher) pair beautifully with the sweet banana.
- Milk Chocolate Chips: If you prefer a classic, sweeter chocolate experience, milk chocolate chips are a fantastic choice.
- White Chocolate Chips: For a creamy, sweet contrast, white chocolate chips offer a lovely alternative that brightens the banana flavor.
- Chocolate Chunks: Larger chocolate chunks will create bigger, more intense pockets of melted chocolate throughout the waffles.
- Butterscotch or Peanut Butter Chips: For adventurous palates, try swapping out or combining chocolate chips with butterscotch or peanut butter chips for a different twist on the flavor profile.
No matter your choice, ensure they are good quality chips that melt well for the best experience.
How to Achieve Perfectly Crispy Waffles
The quest for crispy waffles is a noble one, and thankfully, it’s quite achievable with a few key techniques. Here’s how to ensure your banana chocolate chip waffles have that irresistible golden crunch:
- Preheat Your Waffle Iron Thoroughly: This is the absolute biggest secret to crispy waffles. Your waffle iron needs to be piping hot before the batter touches the plates. As soon as you pour the batter onto a properly preheated iron, you should hear a satisfying sizzle. This immediate heat sears the exterior, creating a crisp crust. If your iron isn’t hot enough, the waffles will steam rather than crisp, resulting in a soft, pale texture.
- Don’t Overfill the Iron: While it might be tempting to pour in a lot of batter, overfilling can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the waffle from crisping up properly. Use just enough batter to cover the grid, allowing the steam to escape easily.
- Cook Until Golden and Steam Subsides: Let the waffles cook fully. For most waffle irons, this means cooking until the indicator light signals readiness, or until steam is no longer actively escaping from the sides of the iron. A deeply golden-brown color is your visual cue for a well-cooked and crispy waffle.
- Use a Wire Rack for Cooling and Keeping Warm: This step is critical for maintaining crispness once the waffles are cooked. As soon as a waffle comes off the iron, transfer it immediately to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the entire waffle, preventing condensation from forming and making the waffle soggy. If you need to keep a batch warm while cooking others, place the baking sheet with the wire rack in an oven preheated to 250˚F (120˚C). Remember: never stack hot waffles directly on top of each other, as this traps steam and will quickly make them soft.
Need some inspiration for breakfast? Check out my breakfast recipes page!
Delicious Toppings & Serving Suggestions
These banana chocolate chip waffles are a treat on their own, but they truly shine when paired with your favorite toppings and a balanced breakfast spread. Here are some ideas to inspire your next waffle feast:
Classic & Sweet Toppings:
- Pure Maple Syrup: A timeless choice that complements the sweetness of the banana and chocolate perfectly. Warm it slightly for an even more luxurious drizzle.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy, and creamy contrast.
- Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds an elegant touch and a subtle sweetness.
- Fresh Banana Slices: Reinforce the banana flavor with fresh slices arranged on top.
- Extra Mini Chocolate Chips: For the true chocolate lover, a sprinkle of extra chips never hurts!
- Other Fresh Fruit: Brighten up your plate with seasonal berries like sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches.
- Chocolate Sauce or Chocolate Syrup: Drizzle for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
- Caramel Sauce: The sweet, buttery notes of caramel pair wonderfully with banana.
- Nutella or Peanut Butter Drizzle: For a decadent and satisfying addition, a swirl of Nutella or a spoonful of melted peanut butter is divine.
Making it a Complete Meal:
To turn your waffle breakfast into a hearty brunch, consider serving them alongside savory sides:
- Crispy bacon or sausage links
- Scrambled or fried eggs
- A side of fresh fruit salad for a lighter option
- Yogurt or granola for added protein and texture
Beverage Pairings:
Complete your breakfast experience with a refreshing drink:
- A classic glass of milk or orange juice
- A warm cup of coffee or tea
- A refreshing vanilla sweet cream cold brew for the ultimate café-style breakfast at home.
Mix and match these suggestions to create your perfect personalized waffle masterpiece!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
These banana chocolate chip waffles are so delicious you might not have any leftovers, but if you do, proper storage and reheating can ensure you enjoy them for days to come!
Storing Leftovers in the Refrigerator:
Store: Allow any leftover waffles to cool completely to room temperature. Once cool, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container. Stored this way, they will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. This method is great for quick breakfasts the next day.
Reheat: To bring them back to life with some crispness, reheat waffles in a toaster or toaster oven for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until warmed through and the edges are crisp again. You can also reheat them in a microwave for about 30 seconds, but be aware that microwaving will result in soft, rather than crispy, waffles.
Freezing Waffles for Future Enjoyment:
Freeze: As mentioned, these waffles freeze beautifully. Ensure they are completely cool before wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped waffles into a large airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Thaw & Reheat from Frozen: There are a couple of ways to thaw and reheat frozen waffles:
- Quick Thaw (Microwave then Crispy): Remove the plastic wrap and microwave a frozen waffle for about 30 seconds to partially thaw it. Then, transfer it to a toaster or toaster oven and toast for 1-3 minutes until it’s heated through and the edges are crispy. This is the fastest way to get a crispy waffle from frozen.
- Overnight Thaw (Fridge then Crispy): You can also thaw frozen waffles in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat them in the toaster or toaster oven to get those desired crispy edges.
More Easy Banana-Themed Recipes to Enjoy
If you love the flavor of banana as much as we do, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other fantastic and easy-to-make banana-themed recipes:
Banana Bread Muffins are perfectly fluffy, moist, and incredibly easy to whip up any day of the week, offering that classic comfort in a portable form.
For a delightful bite-sized treat that combines banana and chocolate, try these adorable Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Mini Muffins! They are packed with flavor and perfect for snacking or a small breakfast.
You’ll only need one bowl to create these irresistible Banana Nutella Muffins! You’ll adore the surprise of the gooey chocolate hazelnut center that makes each muffin truly special.
If you’re in the mood for another cozy and sweet breakfast option, these fluffy Applesauce Pancakes are a wonderful choice, offering a comforting flavor reminiscent of fall.
Finally, if you make this banana chocolate chip waffles recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! Your feedback means the world to me. I love to hear when you all make my recipes, and I genuinely 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 absolutely love seeing 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!
Want to know when I come out with a new recipe or get the latest news? Sign up for my newsletter!
Banana Chocolate Chip Waffles Recipe Card
Equipment
-
Measuring Spoons
-
Measuring Cups
-
French Wire Whisk
-
Mixing Bowls
-
Waffle Iron
-
Rubber Spatula
-
Wire Rack and Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder ensure it’s fresh
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 3/4 cups milk (any type, unflavored and unsweetened; 2% or whole recommended)
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter (or neutral oil for dairy-free)
- 1 small ripe banana mashed (the spottier, the better!)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (or your preferred type)
- Toppings: fresh banana slices, extra mini chocolate chips, maple syrup, whipped cream
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, lightly beaten eggs, melted butter, mashed banana, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
-
Let the batter rest for 5 to 10 minutes while your waffle iron preheats to a medium setting. This resting period helps create a lighter, fluffier waffle.
-
Just before cooking, gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the batter. Again, avoid overmixing.
-
Lightly grease your preheated waffle iron if necessary. Pour batter in small scoops onto the hot waffle iron, ensuring not to overfill. Cook waffles according to your waffle iron’s instructions, typically until golden brown and steam largely subsides.
-
Serve warm immediately with your favorite toppings like extra banana slices, chocolate chips, maple syrup, or whipped cream.