Fluffy Whole Wheat Banana Waffles with Maple Syrup

Light, fluffy whole wheat banana waffles with crisp edges, warm spices and no refined sugar — a healthy, comforting breakfast the whole family will love.

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh waffles cooking in the morning. These whole wheat banana waffles are comforting, naturally sweet, and made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Using 100% whole grain flour and ripe bananas keeps the waffles moist and adds natural sweetness, while a touch of maple syrup and warm spices—cinnamon and nutmeg—round out the flavor. They’re a great weekend treat and easy enough for a weekday when you want something wholesome and satisfying.

Bananas are one of my favorite ways to add moisture and sweetness to batter. They work beautifully in waffles, pancakes or quick breads because they reduce the need for added sugar while contributing a pleasant banana flavor. In this recipe applesauce replaces oil or butter, keeping the waffles lighter and lower in fat without sacrificing texture. You can customize the waffles with mix-ins like berries, chocolate chips or chopped nuts if you’d like.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour — you can substitute white whole wheat or whole wheat pastry flour if preferred; a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour also works in many cases.
• 4 tsp baking powder — ensures light, fluffy waffles; do not substitute baking soda.
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 3/4 cups milk — any milk works; almond milk is used here for a lighter result.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce — replaces oil or butter and keeps waffles moist.
• 1 medium ripe banana, mashed — choose one with brown spots for maximum sweetness.
• 1 1/2 Tbsp maple syrup — optional, for a touch of extra sweetness and flavor.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Whole Wheat Banana Waffles

These waffles come together quickly. All you need is a large bowl, a whisk, and a waffle iron. Follow these steps for crispy, tender waffles:

1. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease the plates with nonstick spray or a brush of oil if your iron requires it.
2. Combine dry ingredients. In a large bowl whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
3. Prepare wet ingredients. In a separate bowl beat the eggs until slightly frothy. Add the milk, applesauce, mashed banana, maple syrup and vanilla, stirring to combine.
4. Mix but do not overwork. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. A few lumps are fine — over-mixing will yield dense waffles.
5. Cook the waffles. Spoon batter onto the preheated waffle iron according to your machine’s instructions. Cook until the waffles are golden brown and the edges are crisp. Repeat with remaining batter.
6. Serve warm. Serve immediately with toppings of your choice, or keep waffles warm in a 250°F (120°C) oven while finishing the batch.

Tips for the Best Waffles

• Don’t over-mix the batter. Stir until just combined. Small lumps help keep waffles light and tender.
• Portion the batter carefully. Avoid overfilling the waffle iron; the batter spreads as you close the lid.
• Resist opening the iron too soon. Let the waffle cook through and check the indicator or wait until steam decreases before lifting the lid.
• Keep waffles crisp while serving. Place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a low oven (about 250°F / 120°C) rather than stacking, which traps steam and softens the exterior.

Delicious Topping Ideas

• Pure maple syrup or a drizzle of honey
• Greek yogurt or lightly whipped cream
• Fresh fruit or a homemade fruit spread
• Nut butter spread or a sprinkle of chopped nuts and seeds
• A few chocolate chips or a dusting of cinnamon sugar

Storage and Freezing

Refrigerate: Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

Freeze: Cool waffles completely on a wire rack, then freeze flat in single layers inside zipper bags or wrapped in plastic. Frozen waffles will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then re-crisp in a toaster or toaster oven. This method helps restore a crisp exterior and warm, tender interior.

Recipe Card

If you try these waffles, enjoy the process and feel free to experiment with toppings and mix-ins. They’re a forgiving recipe that adapts well to your pantry and taste preferences.