Step up your breakfast game with these Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Waffles! They’re such a treat, perfect for any morning indulgence.

Indulge in Ultimate Breakfast Bliss: Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Waffles!

There’s nothing quite like a homemade breakfast to kickstart your day, and today, we’re taking a beloved classic and transforming it into something truly extraordinary: Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Waffles! Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread, now imbued with the delightful crispness of a perfectly cooked waffle and dotted with sweet, melty chocolate chips. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a treat that will undoubtedly elevate your morning routine from ordinary to unforgettable. Prepare to savor every bite of this ultimate breakfast indulgence.

Why These Waffles Will Change Your Breakfast Game Forever

For many of us, banana bread holds a special place in our hearts – a moist, flavorful loaf that’s often a delicious solution for those forgotten, overripe bananas sitting patiently on the counter. But what if you could capture all that familiar warmth and sweetness in a format that’s quicker to cook, offers a delightful crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture, and creates perfect little pockets for syrup? That’s precisely where these Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Waffles shine. They offer the best of both worlds: the dense, tender crumb and rich banana flavor of your favorite quick bread, combined with the golden-brown crispiness and unique shape of a perfectly cooked waffle.

I recall making these incredible waffles a few weekends ago for a leisurely brunch, and honestly, the thought of returning to plain waffles seems almost sacrilegious now. The addition of mini chocolate chips transforms each bite into a tiny burst of joy, making them extra special and truly irresistible. Drizzled with your favorite pure maple syrup and accompanied by a vibrant side of fresh berries or sliced bananas, it’s a breakfast symphony that’s hard to beat. The subtle spice of cinnamon enhances the banana flavor, creating a comforting taste reminiscent of classic homemade banana bread.

The Magic of Overripe Bananas: Your Key to Flavor and Moisture

The secret to truly phenomenal banana bread – and by extension, these incredible banana bread waffles – lies in using bananas that are perfectly overripe. We’re talking about those bananas speckled with abundant brown spots, or even those that have turned almost entirely brown. Why are these so crucial for this recipe? As bananas ripen, their starches naturally convert into sugars, intensifying their sweetness and making them incredibly soft and easy to mash. This crucial transformation not only eliminates the need for excessive amounts of added sugar but also contributes significantly to the moist, tender, and rich texture that defines a great banana bread and translates perfectly into these waffles. If your bananas aren’t quite there yet, don’t despair! You can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple for a day or two, or for an even quicker method, bake them in their peels on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 15-30 minutes until they turn black and soft. Just be sure to let them cool before peeling and mashing.

Essential Ingredients for Fluffy, Flavorful Waffles

This delightful recipe calls for less than ten simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect, irresistible waffle:

• All-purpose flour: Provides the fundamental structure for our waffles, ensuring they hold their shape and have a satisfying texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: While optional, a touch of ground cinnamon adds a warm, inviting, and aromatic depth that perfectly complements the banana and chocolate flavors. It’s highly recommended for that authentic, comforting banana bread warmth.
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent is critical. It reacts with the natural acids in the mashed bananas to create carbon dioxide bubbles, resulting in light, airy, and fluffy waffles.
• Melted Butter: Contributes incredible richness, a beautiful golden color, and tenderness to the waffles, ensuring a moist interior that melts in your mouth.
• Overripe Bananas: The undisputed star of the show. They provide natural sweetness, essential moisture, and that unmistakable, deeply satisfying banana flavor that defines this dish.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the overall sweetness of the waffles, balancing the flavors of the banana and chocolate without being overly sugary.
• Large Egg: Acts as a crucial binder, holding all the ingredients together and adding to the structure and richness of the waffle batter.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of high-quality vanilla extract elevates all the other flavors, adding a layer of aromatic complexity and warmth that makes these waffles truly special.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Absolutely optional, but, oh, so highly encouraged! These tiny morsels melt into gooey, irresistible pockets of chocolatey goodness, taking your waffles from great to truly extraordinary. Their size ensures an even distribution of chocolate in every bite.

Using a standard waffle iron that makes 6-7 inch sized waffles is ideal for this recipe, ensuring a good batch size and consistent cooking. The batter consistency should be thick but pourable, much like a traditional banana bread batter.

Mastering Waffle Perfection: Tips for Cooking and Serving

Achieving the perfect waffle is simpler than you might think. First, always ensure your waffle iron is fully preheated before adding any batter. Most irons have an indicator light that signals when it’s ready. A well-preheated iron ensures that crisp exterior we all love. Lightly spray your waffle iron grids with non-stick cooking spray before each waffle to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal. Be mindful not to overfill the iron; typically, a 1/4 cup scoop of batter per waffle is sufficient for a 6-7 inch iron, preventing overflow. Cook until the steam almost stops escaping from the sides, or until your iron’s indicator light signals doneness – this usually results in a beautifully golden-brown and crispy waffle.

Serving Suggestions and Meal Prep for Busy Mornings

These Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Waffles are fantastic on their own, but truly shine with a few simple additions. Beyond the classic maple syrup, consider a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. Fresh fruit like sliced bananas, berries, or even a fruit compote can add a delightful freshness. For a more decadent treat, a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns these into an unexpected dessert!

One of the many beautiful things about this recipe is its generous yield. It makes approximately 10-12 waffles, which is perfect for feeding a crowd or, even better, for proactive meal prepping! I absolutely love to freeze any extra waffles (and trust me, it takes discipline to have “extras”!). To freeze, allow the cooked waffles to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes until they are solid. This step prevents them from sticking together. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe Ziploc bag or airtight container, and they will keep well for up to 1-2 months. This makes for an incredibly convenient, delicious, and healthy treat for busy mornings or whenever a craving strikes after a tough early workout. Just pop the frozen waffles directly into your toaster or toaster oven, and they’ll be perfectly warm and crispy again in minutes!

The Art of Gifting & Home Decor: A Special Giveaway with Michael’s Woodcraft!

Today is extra special because not only do you get this mouth-watering recipe, but we’re also hosting an exclusive GIVEAWAY! I’ve been an ardent admirer and long-time fan of Michael Laico from Michael’s Woodcraft for many years. In fact, Michael was one of the very first virtual friends I connected with when I started my journey as a food blogger. I first discovered his incredible talent on Instagram and was instantly captivated by his masterful work with wood. His craftsmanship is truly exceptional, transforming raw materials into pieces of art that are both functional and breathtakingly beautiful.

Michael’s collection boasts some of the most stunning cutting boards, versatile catchall trays, elegant wine stoppers, unique ice cream scoops, charming honey sticks, and exquisite mirrors. Over the years, he has meticulously crafted several bespoke pieces for me, each one an heirloom that I will cherish for a lifetime. Every single piece he creates is not just an item but a testament to dedication, skill, and passion, and I genuinely treasure them all. His work stands out for its quality, attention to detail, and timeless appeal, making his creations perfect for enhancing any home or kitchen.

So, when Michael reached out with the exciting idea of collaborating on a giveaway, I didn’t hesitate for a second! I knew, without a doubt, that you, my wonderful readers, would fall in love with his creations just as much as I have. His pieces are not only perfect for everyday use in your kitchen and home but also serve as magnificent props for food photography, bringing an authentic warmth and rustic elegance to any dish. They truly make food look even more appetizing, as you can see from the photos in this very post.

The very board showcasing these delicious waffles in today’s post is a recent acquisition from Michael’s Woodcraft. Crafted from beautiful walnut wood, it’s a piece I absolutely adore for its rich, deep grain and sturdy design. It serves as a fabulous prop for blog photography, enhancing the visual appeal of my recipes with its natural beauty. Beyond its aesthetic charm, it’s also incredibly functional, often serving as an elegant and robust serving board when I entertain guests, adding a touch of artisanal sophistication to any spread, from casual brunches to formal dinner parties.

Your Exclusive Chance to Win: The Michael’s Woodcraft Giveaway!

For today’s exciting giveaway, Michael has meticulously created a truly exquisite piece: a gorgeous 12-inch round walnut board. This stunning board features a convenient, ergonomically designed handle for easy serving and intricate, artistic inlays on one side, making it both a practical serving accessory and a beautiful decorative item. It’s a perfect example of Michael’s unwavering dedication to quality, innovative design, and masterful craftsmanship – a piece that will undoubtedly elevate any kitchen, dining area, or social gathering, becoming a conversation starter and a cherished part of your home décor.

This exclusive giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. To enter for your chance to win this magnificent Michael’s Woodcraft board, simply follow these easy steps:

1. Follow me, @thebeachhousekitchen, on Instagram.
2. Follow Michael, @MichaelsWoodcraft, on Instagram.
3. Like the official giveaway photo (which will be posted on my Instagram feed!) on Instagram.
4. In the comments section of that giveaway photo, tag a friend who would also love to win this beautiful, artisanal wooden board!

That’s all there is to it! Good luck to everyone who enters, and I sincerely hope you enjoy making and savoring these fantastic Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Waffles as you eagerly anticipate the possibility of adding a beautiful, handcrafted Michael’s Woodcraft piece to your cherished home collection. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

And while you’re exploring delicious waffle recipes to expand your breakfast repertoire, be sure to check out another highly acclaimed favorite from The Beach House Kitchen: my Easy Pecan Waffles with Pecan Praline Sauce. It’s another fantastic and indulgent way to elevate your breakfast or brunch spread!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Waffles Recipe

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Waffles

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 12 waffles

Step up your breakfast game with these Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Waffles! They’re such a treat!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 2 mins

Total Time: 17 mins

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Ingredients

• 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 cup (one stick) butter, melted
• 3 overripe bananas
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and baking soda until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and add character.
3. To the mashed bananas, add the melted butter, granulated sugar, lightly beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir with a rubber spatula until all these wet ingredients are well blended and incorporated.
4. Gradually add the reserved dry flour mixture to the wet banana mixture. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough waffles.
5. Once the batter is mostly smooth, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Lightly spray the preheated waffle iron grids with a non-stick cooking spray before pouring the batter to ensure easy removal and a crisp finish.
7. Using a 1/4 cup scoop (or appropriate amount for your waffle iron), pour the batter into the center of the waffle iron. Be careful not to overfill, as the batter will expand during cooking.
8. Cook until golden brown and crispy, or until your waffle iron indicates the waffle is done (this is often signaled by the steam almost stopping or an indicator light turning green). Cooking time typically ranges from 2-4 minutes depending on your iron.
9. As you finish cooking each waffle, transfer the finished waffles to a warm oven, placing them directly on the oven rack (or a wire rack) to keep them warm and prevent them from becoming soggy while you cook the remaining batter.
10. Serve these delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Waffles immediately with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream, for an unforgettable breakfast or brunch experience!

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 262kcal
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 191mg
• Potassium: 100mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 16g
• Vitamin A: 278IU
• Calcium: 20mg
• Iron: 2mg

Keywords: banana bread, waffles, chocolate chip, breakfast, brunch, easy recipe, homemade waffles, overripe bananas, freezer-friendly, meal prep

Cuisine: American

Course: Breakfast

Before Your First Bite, Snap a Photo and Share!

If you make this irresistible recipe, I’d absolutely love to see your creations! Be sure to follow The Beach House Kitchen on Instagram and tag or mention @thebeachhousekitchen or use the hashtag #thebeachhousekitchen! Your delicious photos inspire me and the entire community!