Banana and Chocolate Chip Waffles That Will Make Your Mornings Extra Sweet and Delicious

There’s something magical about the combination of bananas and chocolate, isn’t there? These banana and chocolate chip waffles take that classic pairing to the next level, turning breakfast into a sweet, indulgent treat. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with gooey chocolate chips in every bite.

Ingredients

For The Waffle Batter

  • 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (make sure they’re spotty for maximum sweetness)
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or substitute with brown sugar for a caramel-like touch)
  • ¾ cup whole milk (you can use almond milk or oat milk if you prefer)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • â…“ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (feel free to toss in more if you’re a chocoholic like me!)

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh banana slices (I love using slices from freshly harvested bananas)
  • Drizzle of maple syrup or chocolate syrup
  • Whipped cream for extra indulgence
  • Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch
  • Powdered sugar for a light dusting

Tools And Equipment

Creating the perfect batch of banana and chocolate chip waffles requires the right tools to bring out all the wonderful flavors and textures. Over the years, as a devoted banana grower and recipe developer, I’ve found that using the right equipment makes all the difference when highlighting the natural sweetness of bananas. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare these delicious waffles:

  • Waffle maker: A reliable waffle maker is essential to achieve that crisp exterior and fluffy interior. I prefer a non-stick one for easy cleanup. Mine is always ready for banana recipes like this!
  • Mixing bowls: Two medium-sized mixing bowls will work perfectly. Use one for your wet ingredients and another for the dry ones. It keeps everything organized while you prepare the batter.
  • Whisk: A sturdy whisk helps you to thoroughly mix the wet ingredients like mashed bananas and melted butter, ensuring smooth batter without too much effort.
  • Spatula: Use a silicone or rubber spatula to fold in chocolate chips gently. Folding is key to keeping the batter light and airy.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: These help to measure out ingredients like flour, sugar, and mashed bananas accurately. Consistency leads to the best waffles every time!
  • Fork: For mashing the bananas to just the right texture—soft, slightly chunky, and full of banana goodness. This is where ripe bananas truly shine!
  • Ladle or scoop: To pour the batter onto the waffle maker without spills. The ladle makes portioning out the perfect amount of batter easy.
  • Tongs or heat-safe tool: For safely removing the waffles from the hot waffle maker.

Directions

Making these banana and chocolate chip waffles is a breeze with the right method and a few simple steps. Let me guide you through the process so you can enjoy waffles that are bursting with banana flavor and melty chocolate goodness.

Prep The Ingredients

I start by mashing 2 ripe bananas with a fork until smooth; the riper they are, the sweeter and more aromatic the waffles. In a separate bowl, I measure and sift 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Sifting ensures the batter is light and airy. Then, I whisk together 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in another bowl. These wet ingredients blend seamlessly with the mashed bananas.

Finally, I measure out ¾ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and set them aside. I sometimes taste-test a chocolate chip or two–quality control is key!

Make The Batter

First, I carefully combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients. I pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir with a whisk until the batter is just combined, making sure not to overmix. Overmixing can make the waffles dense instead of fluffy! Finally, using my trusty silicone spatula, I fold the chocolate chips into the batter, making sure the chocolate is evenly distributed for those sweet bites in every waffle.

Prepare The Waffle Maker

I plug in my waffle maker and preheat it until the indicator light tells me it’s ready. A preheated waffle maker is critical for that perfect crispiness. Once heated, I lightly grease the plates with a little butter or non-stick spray to ensure the waffles don’t stick. Pro tip: Avoid over-greasing. Too much can actually make the waffles soggy.

Cook The Waffles

Now for the fun part! I use a ladle to pour just enough batter into the center of the waffle maker to cover the bottom plate without overflowing. I close the lid and let the waffles cook for about 4-5 minutes, depending on your waffle maker’s settings. The scent of warm bananas and chocolate fills the air while I wait! Once the waffles are golden brown and crisp on the outside, I use my tongs to carefully remove them.

Serving Suggestions

As someone who spends her days growing vibrant banana trees and experimenting with fresh banana recipes, I love finding ways to serve up these banana and chocolate chip waffles that make them even more special. Here are some of my favorite serving ideas to take this waffle experience to the next level:

  • Fresh Banana Bliss: Top each waffle with slices of ripe banana straight from the tree. The fresh bananas add a bright, fruity sweetness that complements the gooey chocolate chips.
  • Drizzle It Right: Pour a generous drizzle of maple syrup or warm chocolate sauce over the waffles. For my chocolate-loving friends, I sometimes pair both for an extra indulgent bite.
  • Whipped Cream Clouds: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. It’s like a light and fluffy crown for these already heavenly waffles.
  • Crunchy Toppers: Sprinkle a handful of toasted nuts—such as walnuts or pecans—on top for texture. The crunch pairs wonderfully with the soft, airy waffles.
  • Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust powdered sugar over the warm waffles. It reminds me of a sweet first snowfall, so delicate and inviting.
  • Banana Split Style: For a dessert twist, I sometimes treat these waffles like a sundae base. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with chocolate syrup, and scatter some maraschino cherries over the top for a playful presentation.
  • Tropical Feel: If you’re as obsessed with tropical flavors as I am, try adding a spoonful of coconut flakes or a touch of passion fruit pulp to give the waffles a unique, island-inspired flair.

Make-Ahead And Storage Tips

As someone who loves bananas and grows them myself, I know how their natural sweetness enhances recipes like these waffles. If you’re like me and want to enjoy banana and chocolate chip waffles even on busy mornings, here’s how you can make them ahead and store them properly without losing that delicious flavor and texture.

Making Waffles Ahead of Time

After cooking the waffles to golden brown perfection, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation from making them soggy. Once they’re fully cooled, I recommend layering the waffles between pieces of parchment paper. This keeps each waffle separate and prevents sticking during storage.

For short-term storage, place the layered waffles in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and then refrigerate them. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

If you’d like to store them for a longer period, transfer the parchment-layered waffles into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Label with the date—my personal tip—and freeze them for up to 2 months.

Reheating Waffles

To bring your waffles back to life, reheat them directly from the refrigerator or freezer. My favorite way is to use a toaster or toaster oven, which crisps them up in just 2-4 minutes. If you’re reheating a larger batch, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F, place the waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake for 7-10 minutes.

For a quick microwave option, heat them in 15-second bursts, but I warn against this if you’re aiming for that crisp texture—bananas deserve their best!

Storing Leftover Batter

If you have some batter left, don’t let it go to waste! Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick whisk before using, and it’ll still produce wonderful banana-rich waffles.

Bananas are so versatile, and their creamy sweetness makes these waffles perfect for prepping ahead. With these storage tips, your waffles stay as banana-full and enjoyable as the day you made them.

Conclusion

Banana and chocolate chip waffles are such a treat, whether you’re starting your day with them or enjoying them as a sweet snack. They’re the kind of comfort food that brings a little joy to any moment. With the right tools and a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch that’s crispy, fluffy, and bursting with flavor.

What I love most is how versatile they are. You can keep it classic with just syrup or go all out with toppings like whipped cream and nuts. Plus, with the storage tips, you can always have some ready to go for those busy mornings or late-night cravings.

If you haven’t tried making these waffles yet, I hope you do soon. They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!