Crispy Vegan Banana Waffles with Maple Syrup Recipe

These easy banana waffles are crisp on the outside, tender and fluffy inside, and packed with natural banana flavor. They come together in about 25 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch.

Completed Vegan Banana Waffles on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you have a bowl of spotty bananas, these vegan banana waffles are an excellent way to use them. They’re budget-friendly, pantry-stable, and a crowd-pleaser. Mashed ripe bananas, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon (optional) give the batter built-in sweetness and flavor without eggs.

The waffles bake up with crisp edges and a soft interior. They’re great fresh, and they freeze well—make a batch ahead, store in the freezer, and reheat for quick breakfasts throughout the week.

The Ingredients

See the recipe card below for full quantities and substitutions.

Ingredients for Vegan Banana Waffles measured out on a white surface.
  • All-purpose flour: You can substitute up to 50% with oat or whole wheat flour for a heartier waffle. Gluten-free all-purpose blends also work but may yield a denser result.

Recipe Variations and Add-Ins

  • Spices: Add cardamom, cloves, or ginger for a different flavor profile.
  • Mix-ins: Stir in or press on top before cooking: toasted nuts, vegan chocolate chips, coconut flakes, dried fruit, or fresh berries.
  • Peanut butter: Swirl a spoonful into the batter for richness.
  • Protein boost: Add a scoop of vegan protein powder and adjust the milk. Note this can change texture.
  • Chocolate banana waffles: Split the batter, add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to half, and cook both for a marbled effect.

How to Make Banana Waffles

Process shot showing whisking ingredients in a bowl.
Process shot showing whisking ingredients in a bowl.

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together flax meal and plant-based milk. Let it rest for 5 minutes to thicken. In a separate small bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork. Stir the mashed banana, brown sugar, vanilla, and melted vegan butter into the flax mixture.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined—avoid over-mixing.

Process shot showing stirring ingredients in a bowl.
Process shot showing waffle cooking in waffle maker.

Step 3: Let the batter rest while you lightly oil and preheat the waffle iron. Spoon ⅓–½ cup of batter into the center of the iron (adjust by size), close the lid, and cook until golden and crisp at the edges.

Step 4: Transfer cooked waffles to a cooling rack so they stay crisp. Repeat with remaining batter, re-oiling the iron as needed. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy.

Cooking typically takes 3–6 minutes per waffle, or follow your waffle maker’s indicator. They’re done when steam diminishes and the edges are golden.

To keep waffles warm, arrange them on a baking sheet in a 200°F / 94°C oven until serving.

FAQs

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes—use an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. Texture may be slightly denser.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

Yes—mix the batter the night before and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature for 20–30 minutes and gently stir before cooking.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes—thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing and using in the batter.

Do I have to add sugar?

No—if your bananas are very ripe and sweet, you can reduce or omit added sugar.

Can I use the batter for banana pancakes?

The batter works for pancakes too—cook on a griddle, adjusting thickness and cook time as needed.

Pro Recipe Tips

  • Measure flour properly: Fluff, spoon into the cup, and level to avoid dense waffles.
  • Use overripe bananas: Dark-spotted bananas offer the best sweetness and flavor.
  • Don’t over-mix: Stir until just combined—small lumps are fine to keep the texture light.
  • Preheat the waffle iron: A hot iron prevents sticking and creates crisp edges.
  • Don’t overfill: Aim to cover about 75% of the waffle surface; batter will spread when closed.
Completed Vegan Banana Waffles on a plate.

Banana Waffle Topping Ideas

  • Maple syrup, vegan chocolate sauce, or date caramel
  • Peanut butter, or peanut butter plus maple syrup
  • Fruit compote, jam, or fresh berries
  • Vegan whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar
  • Caramelized bananas or a scoop of vegan ice cream

Storage Instructions

These waffles freeze, store, and reheat well—ideal for meal prep.

Fridge: Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers for 3–4 days.

Freeze: Flash-freeze on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat: Toast for a crispy result, microwave for 30–40 seconds, or reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F / 180°C for 8–10 minutes (longer from frozen).

Completed Vegan Banana Waffles in a storage container.

More Vegan Pancake and Waffle Recipes

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If you try this vegan banana waffles recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment to let me know how it turned out. Thanks!

Vegan Banana Waffles

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Completed Vegan Banana Waffles on a plate.
These easy banana waffles are crisp outside, fluffy inside, and full of sweet banana flavor. Ready in 25 minutes.
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons flax meal
  • ¾ cup plant-based milk
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • cup mashed ripe banana
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup salted vegan butter, melted
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  • Whisk flax meal and plant-based milk in a large bowl and let sit 5 minutes to thicken.
  • Add brown sugar, mashed banana, vanilla, and melted vegan butter; stir to combine.
  • Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) in a separate bowl.
  • Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until just combined; do not overmix.
  • Let batter rest while preheating the waffle iron and lightly oiling it.
  • Pour ⅓–½ cup batter into the center of the iron, close, and cook until golden and crisp on the edges.
  • Remove carefully and place waffles on a cooling rack.
  • Repeat with remaining batter, oiling as needed.

Notes

  • Use overripe bananas: Dark spots mean maximum sweetness.
  • Don’t over-mix: A few small lumps are fine; over-mixing yields dense waffles.
  • Preheat the waffle iron: Helps prevent sticking and ensures crisp edges.
  • Don’t overfill: Fill to about ¾ of the surface; batter spreads when closed.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 4g

Additional Info

Author: Toni Okamoto
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Method: Waffle Iron
Diet: Vegan

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