Elevate your breakfast routine with these Gluten-Free Banana Flour Waffles — a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavor. Using banana flour as the star ingredient, these waffles offer a subtle banana note along with a delightfully crisp exterior and a tender, fluffy interior. Whether you’re topping them with fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of nut butter, these waffles promise a satisfying start to your day.
Why Banana Flour?
Banana flour is a versatile, gluten-free alternative made from green bananas. It’s high in resistant starch and fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps maintain steady energy levels. Its mild banana flavor enhances the overall taste of your waffles without overpowering your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup banana flour (finely ground for a smooth texture)
- 1/2 cup oat flour (adds lightness and extra fiber)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a warm spice note)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature; for a vegan option, use flax eggs: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your preferred milk)
- 1 ripe banana (mashed until smooth — this boosts flavor and moisture)
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or your favorite natural sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Waffle Iron
- Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high heat. Lightly grease it with a bit of coconut oil or non-stick spray to ensure easy release of the waffles.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the banana flour, oat flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. This ensures even distribution and helps prevent clumps.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth.
- Add the eggs, almond milk, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until all the wet ingredients are fully combined.
4. Bring It All Together
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — overmixing can affect the texture of your waffles.
- Allow the batter to rest for about 5 minutes. This lets the banana flour hydrate fully, resulting in a better structure and flavor.
5. Cook the Waffles
- Carefully pour the batter onto your preheated waffle iron, using about 1/3 to 1/2 cup per waffle (depending on your waffle iron’s size).
- Close the iron and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp, usually 4-5 minutes. Cooking time may vary with your appliance, so keep an eye on them!
- Remove the waffles and repeat with the remaining batter.
Tips and Tricks
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir the batter just until combined to maintain a light and airy texture.
- Extra Crispiness: For an even crispier exterior, let the waffles rest for an additional minute in the waffle iron after the timer goes off.
- Custom Toppings: Experiment with toppings like fresh berries, sliced bananas, yogurt, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Keep Warm: If making a large batch, keep finished waffles warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F/95°C) until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
These Gluten-Free Banana Flour Waffles deliver a harmonious balance of flavor and texture, making them a stellar option for any breakfast or brunch. With the nutritional benefits of banana flour and the freshness of ripe bananas, each bite is a celebration of wholesome goodness.
Try this recipe and share your creations on social media with the hashtag #GoGoBananas #BananaFlourWaffles. Enjoy your delicious, healthful start to the day!
