The perfect combination of two beloved breakfast staples — banana bread and waffles — comes to life in this warm, crispy, and gooey delight. With only one bowl, minimal effort, and naturally sweet ingredients, this dish delivers indulgence without guilt. A true morning win.
Whether you’re prepping a slow Sunday brunch or craving something comforting midweek, these waffles will hit the spot. Flax eggs, oats, bananas, and dairy-free chocolate chips come together for a vegan-friendly twist on an all-time classic — no sugar overload, no compromise on flavor. Every bite is crispy on the outside and soft inside, with melty pockets of chocolate. It’s like banana bread got a waffle upgrade!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 Tbsp flaxseed meal
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2 ½ Tbsp water
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2 ripe medium bananas
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2 ½ tsp baking powder
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1 ½ Tbsp neutral oil (avocado oil or melted vegan butter)
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1 cup dairy-free milk (unsweetened almond preferred)
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1/4 tsp sea salt
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1/4 cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free if necessary)
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1 cup gluten-free flour blend (or sub spelt or unbleached all-purpose flour)
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1/4 cup dairy-free dark or semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
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In a medium to large mixing bowl, combine flaxseed meal and water. Let sit 5 minutes to thicken into a flax egg.
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Add bananas and baking powder. Mash thoroughly until only small chunks remain.
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Add oil and whisk. Stir in dairy-free milk until combined.
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Add sea salt and rolled oats, stir again.
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Gently fold in flour until just incorporated, then stir in chocolate chips.
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Batter should be slightly thick but pourable. Adjust with a little flour or milk as needed.
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Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while preheating your waffle iron.
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Lightly grease waffle iron if needed. Add ~1 scant cup of batter per waffle, depending on your waffle maker size.
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Cook for about 5 minutes or per machine instructions until crispy and golden.
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Remove with a fork and keep warm in a 200°F oven while finishing the batch.
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Serve warm with maple syrup, nut butter, or more chocolate chips if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 454 kcal per waffle | Servings: 3 Belgian-style waffles
Healthy Indulgence with a Purpose
Though this dish might look and taste like a dessert disguised as breakfast, it’s surprisingly nutritious. That’s the genius behind Minimalist Baker’s approach. These waffles feature no added refined sugars—besides the optional chocolate chips—yet they still carry that satisfying sweetness. The bananas themselves provide natural sugar along with potassium, fiber, and vitamins.
The recipe calls for rolled oats and gluten-free flour, meaning it’s not only accessible for those avoiding gluten but also more fiber-rich and whole-food based than traditional white flour waffles. The use of flaxseed meal instead of eggs makes it entirely plant-based while contributing to heart-healthy fats and even more fiber. It’s a thoughtful swap that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
Additionally, the oil content is kept minimal, just enough to contribute richness and proper texture, while the dairy-free milk choice (typically almond or other plant-based milk) supports those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet.
One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal Mess, Maximum Flavor
One of the standout features of this recipe is its simplicity. The entire batter comes together in one bowl, meaning fewer dishes and less kitchen chaos. This makes it especially ideal for busy mornings, meal prepping, or those who prefer a low-fuss approach to homemade meals. You don’t need fancy appliances or hard-to-pronounce ingredients. Everything can be mixed with a spoon, fork, or whisk—whatever you have on hand.
The one-bowl process also helps streamline cooking for families or group brunches. You can mix up the batter while the waffle iron preheats, and each waffle only takes about five minutes to cook. It’s an efficient way to whip up a batch of warm, golden waffles with minimal effort, and the aroma of banana and chocolate wafting through the kitchen? Simply irresistible.
Texture: Crispy Outside, Tender Inside
Anyone who’s ever made waffles knows that the texture is everything. These Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Waffles are engineered for that ideal contrast. They come out crisp and golden on the outside—just the way waffles should be—while staying soft and moist on the inside, thanks to the bananas and oats.
Letting the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking helps thicken the mixture slightly and contributes to the final texture. In a good waffle, that initial crunch should give way to a pillowy interior, and this recipe nails that balance. It’s satisfying without being too heavy, indulgent without being greasy.
Additionally, using a hot waffle iron and lightly oiling the surface (unless non-stick) ensures that you get a proper sear and easy removal. You can even place the cooked waffles in a warm oven while you finish the batch, keeping them crispy until serving time.
Flavors That Celebrate Simplicity
What makes this recipe shine isn’t a wild array of exotic flavors—it’s how well it celebrates simplicity. The sweet and earthy taste of bananas, the light nuttiness of oats, and the rich bursts of melted chocolate chips come together in harmony. There’s no need for syrups loaded with sugar or excessive toppings (though they are certainly welcome if desired). This waffle stands confidently on its own.
That said, the versatility of the flavor also allows you to dress it up or down. You can add nut butters, maple syrup, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or even a few extra chocolate chips on top. Want to make it even more brunch-worthy? Try topping with sliced fresh banana, a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream, or a dusting of cinnamon.
For those who prefer less sweetness, you can even omit the chocolate chips entirely and enjoy a more pure banana oat flavor. The balance is entirely up to your palate, and that flexibility makes this recipe endlessly customizable.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly
Another brilliant aspect of this dish is its ability to store and reheat well. These waffles can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to a month. If you’re someone who likes to prep meals ahead of time, you can make a double batch and store the extras layered between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating is a breeze—just pop them into a hot oven or toaster oven (350°F / 176°C works great) until they’re crisp and warm. This means you can enjoy a homemade breakfast even on the busiest of mornings. No need to settle for a cold granola bar or sugar-laden cereal when you can have a warm, crispy waffle with real ingredients.
Kid-Friendly and Allergy Conscious
Because these waffles are gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free, they are suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. This makes them a wonderful choice for families with food allergies, as well as schools or daycare centers that require allergy-friendly snacks.
Even better, kids love them. The sweetness from the bananas and chocolate chips makes them appealing to little ones, and the fact that they’re made with whole grains and plant-based ingredients makes them appealing to parents. You can cut them into strips for finger-friendly toddler snacks or pack them in lunchboxes as a fun surprise.
They also serve as a great breakfast-for-dinner option—a clever way to mix up the routine while still serving something that’s both comforting and nourishing.
Why This Recipe Works
There’s a science to this waffle recipe, and every element plays a role:
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Flaxseed meal replaces the binding function of eggs while adding healthy fats.
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Bananas provide moisture, natural sweetness, and structure.
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Oats and flour create a hearty, whole grain base that holds up beautifully in the waffle iron.
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Dairy-free milk brings everything together with a creamy consistency.
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Chocolate chips provide contrast in sweetness and texture.
And all of this comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to pull it off. It’s accessible, rewarding, and deeply satisfying.
Conclusion: A New Staple in the Vegan Breakfast Repertoire
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Waffles are a testament to the idea that food can be both indulgent and nourishing. This dish isn’t about deprivation or guilt—it’s about finding joy in wholesome ingredients and the small rituals of cooking. With minimal mess, adaptable ingredients, and crowd-pleasing results, it’s a recipe that deserves a permanent place in your breakfast rotation.
Whether you’re someone with dietary restrictions or just looking for a way to elevate your morning routine, this recipe delivers on all fronts. From flavor and texture to nutrition and convenience, it’s a powerful reminder that cooking at home doesn’t have to be complicated to be deeply satisfying.
So the next time you find yourself with a few ripe bananas and a craving for something cozy, skip the banana bread loaf and fire up the waffle iron instead. You won’t be disappointed.