Got bananas on your counter that have seen better days? Don’t even think about tossing them! Those brown-spotted beauties are a secret weapon for the most flavorful, naturally sweet baked goods. Freezing them is a genius move, locking in that sweetness until you’re ready to whip up something truly special, like these incredible Nutty Banana Oat Bran Waffles. They’re the perfect weekend breakfast treat – fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and packed with wholesome goodness. Serves 4.
Ingredients
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup / 240 ml buttermilk
• 2 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 4 tablespoons / 57 g melted butter, plus extra for serving
• 1 cup / 120 g all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup / 45 g oat bran
• 2 teaspoons / 8 g baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon / 3 g salt
• 1/2 cup / 60 g crushed pecans
• Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat your waffle iron. Lightly spray both surfaces with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, mashed bananas, and melted butter until smooth. Add the flour, oat bran, baking powder, and salt, stirring only until the dry are just moistened. The batter will be thick. Gently fold in the crushed pecans.
3. Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron (the amount will depend on your machine) and cook according to the manufacturer’s directions until golden and crisp. Serve immediately with extra butter and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
Nutritional Information
• Why We Love Oat Bran
• Exceptionally high in fiber, particularly soluble fiber, which is celebrated for its health benefits.
• Often linked to helping lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Adds a wonderful, delicate nutty flavor and hearty texture to baked goods like these waffles.
• A versatile ingredient that also works well in cereals, soups, and stews.
Pro Tips
• For the best flavor, use bananas that are heavily speckled with brown. Peel them before freezing and store them in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months.
• To ensure your waffles are light and fluffy, not tough, mix the batter only until the flour is just combined. A few lumps are your friend!
• Feel free to swap the pecans for walnuts or chocolate chips. You can also add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for extra warmth.
• Waffles freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between each one. Reheat in a toaster or oven for a quick breakfast.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these banana oat bran waffles vegan
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan. To replace the two eggs, use two ‘flax eggs’ (2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons of water). For the buttermilk, mix 1 cup of plant-based milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. Use melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Q: How can I add more protein to these vegetarian waffles
A: To boost the protein, add a scoop of your favorite vegetarian vanilla or unflavored protein powder to the dry ingredients. Serving the waffles with a side of Greek yogurt or a smear of almond butter will also significantly increase the protein content of your breakfast.
Q: Are these waffles good for vegetarian meal prep
A: Absolutely! These waffles are perfect for meal prep. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between each one for up to 3 months. For a quick vegetarian breakfast, just pop a frozen waffle into your toaster or oven until it’s warm and crisp.
Q: What can I use instead of oat bran
A: If you don’t have oat bran, you can substitute it with an equal amount of rolled oats (pulsed a few times in a blender) or whole wheat flour. This will maintain the waffle’s hearty texture and high fiber content, making it a wholesome vegetarian meal.
