Indulge Guilt-Free: The Ultimate Recipe for Healthier Chocolate Banana Waffles
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to London for the inaugural Best Of Pinterest UK awards. It was an exhilarating experience, especially since a fantastic five of my recipes had been nominated for various categories! While I didn’t take home the top prize in the end, I was absolutely thrilled when my spiralized vegetable noodle bowls secured the runner-up position in the coveted “Best Healthy Recipe” category. The winner, a recipe by the talented Fearne Cotton, was certainly worthy, and my prize of a whole kilo of delicious chocolate was a fantastic bonus! However, even more rewarding than the chocolate was the chance to finally connect with so many fellow food bloggers. Most of them I had only known through our online interactions, and meeting them in person confirmed that they are even lovelier in real life.
To truly celebrate this wonderful achievement and the joy of a thriving food blogging community, I decided to whip up a special breakfast this morning: healthier chocolate banana waffles. I emphasize “healthier” rather than “totally healthy” because, let’s be honest, they still reach their peak deliciousness when generously drizzled with maple syrup and a hint of melted chocolate. (While not strictly *necessary*, I highly recommend it for the ultimate treat!) However, the waffles themselves are indeed a thoughtful step towards a more nutritious breakfast.
Crafting Waffles That Are Both Delicious and Nutritious
What makes these chocolate banana waffles a “healthier” choice? It all comes down to a few clever ingredient swaps and additions. We start with a unique blend of white spelt flour and buckwheat flour. Unlike traditional all-purpose flour, these ancient grains offer a richer nutritional profile, including more fiber and protein, which helps keep you feeling fuller for longer. Spelt flour provides a lovely subtle nutty flavor and a tender crumb, while buckwheat flour contributes a heartier texture and earthy notes, making these waffles truly distinct.
Instead of conventional vegetable oil, which can often be highly processed, I opt for olive oil. This simple switch introduces healthier monounsaturated fats into your breakfast, which are beneficial for heart health. The natural sweetness and moistness come from ripe bananas, significantly reducing the need for excessive added sugars. Bananas are also a fantastic source of potassium and other vital nutrients, making them an ideal base for these flavorful waffles.
For an extra boost of protein and an incredibly creamy texture, plain yogurt is incorporated directly into the batter. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also contributes to the waffles’ tender interior. When topped with an abundance of fresh fruit – think vibrant blueberries, extra sliced banana, and a dollop of additional creamy yogurt – along with those irresistible drizzles of maple syrup and chocolate, these waffles transform into a breakfast or brunch that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly wholesome. It’s a perfect way to start your day on a delicious note without compromising on your well-being.
Achieving Waffle Perfection: Tips & Tools
To create these glorious waffles, I relied on my fantastic new Cuisinart waffle maker, which I acquired from Steamer Trading – undoubtedly my absolute favorite cookshop. This particular model has quickly become an indispensable part of my kitchen arsenal. It consistently produces beautifully large, perfectly shaped waffles that are a delight to behold. Beyond its performance, I appreciate how incredibly user-friendly and easy it is to clean, which is a huge plus for any busy cook.
One of its standout features is a clever rim designed to catch any batter that might overflow if you happen to be a little too generous, preventing messy drips all over your worktop. Even better, it intelligently signals when the waffles are perfectly cooked through, eliminating any guesswork and ensuring consistent results every time. This waffle maker has truly become my new favorite kitchen gadget, and I foresee it getting a lot of use for many breakfasts and brunches to come!
A common frustration for many home cooks when making waffles is the dreaded sticking. After much experimentation, I’ve discovered a few key strategies to ensure your waffles release cleanly from the pan and achieve that desirable crisp exterior:
- Ensure Ample Oil in Batter: The olive oil in this recipe plays a crucial role not just for health, but also in preventing sticking. Don’t skimp on it.
- Preheat Thoroughly: Always get your waffle iron really hot before you even think about pouring in the batter. A properly heated iron creates an immediate crust that helps with release.
- Grease Liberally: Even with a non-stick surface, a light brush of vegetable oil (or even melted butter for extra flavor) on the grates before each batch is essential.
- Patience is Key: Resist the urge to open the waffle maker too soon! Let it cook for the full recommended time, or until your machine indicates it’s done. Opening it prematurely can tear the waffle and cause it to stick.
For those who love an extra crisp waffle, here’s a pro tip: once each waffle is cooked, carefully transfer it to a baking tray placed in a low oven (around 140°C/275°F/gas mark 1). This keeps them warm and helps to crisp up the outside even further while you finish cooking the rest of the batch. This technique ensures that every waffle, from the first to the last, is served at its peak perfection.
Healthier Chocolate Banana Waffles
Ingredients
Waffles:
- 1 large ripe banana chopped
- 1 large egg
- 100 g plain yoghurt
- 100 ml milk
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 100 g white spelt flour
- 50 g buckwheat flour
- 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- ¼ tsp salt
To Serve:
- maple syrup or honey
- sliced banana
- fresh blueberries
- yoghurt
- melted dark chocolate
Instructions
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Place the chopped banana, large egg, plain yogurt, milk, olive oil, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract into a blender. Blitz until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
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In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the white spelt flour, buckwheat flour, cornflour (cornstarch), cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed.
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Gradually pour the wet banana mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently whisk until the batter is just smooth. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough waffles.
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Allow the waffle batter to rest for about five minutes. During this time, heat up your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and preheat your oven to a low temperature of 140°C/275°F/gas mark 1. Place a baking tray in the preheated oven to warm.
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Lightly brush the hot waffle iron with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Pour in the batter (don’t overfill!) and cook your waffles as per your waffle maker’s instructions. Once perfectly golden and cooked through, carefully lift the waffles and place them onto the warm baking sheet in the oven. This will keep them warm and help them crisp up even further.
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Continue to cook the remaining waffles, transferring each finished one to the oven. Serve them immediately, generously topped with plenty of maple syrup, fresh sliced banana, juicy blueberries, a dollop of creamy yogurt, and a final tempting drizzle of melted dark chocolate.
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Any un-topped leftover waffles can be cooled completely and then frozen. Simply reheat them in a low oven or a toaster when you’re ready for another delicious breakfast! This makes them perfect for meal prepping a quick and healthy option during busy mornings.
Customizing Your Waffle Experience
While the recipe above provides a fantastic foundation for healthier chocolate banana waffles, there’s always room for personalization! Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of warmth and spice. You could also fold in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and healthy fats. For those who love a deeper chocolate flavor, feel free to gently fold in some dark chocolate chips after mixing the batter, just before cooking. The options are truly endless, allowing you to tailor these waffles to your specific tastes and dietary preferences.
Storing and Reheating for Effortless Mornings
One of the best things about homemade waffles is how well they keep, making them perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, these healthier chocolate banana waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully! Simply arrange the cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, you can pop them directly into a toaster for a quick and crispy result, or warm them in a low oven until heated through. This convenience means you can enjoy a wholesome, delicious breakfast even on your busiest mornings.
Transparency note: I received a free waffle maker from Steamer Trading, which I used for this recipe. However, this post was not sponsored, and all opinions expressed regarding the product and the recipe are entirely my own and genuinely reflect my experience.
I am delighted to share this delightful recipe with the vibrant blogging community at Saucy Saturdays. This event is wonderfully hosted by The Flavour Bender, Take Two Tapas, La Petit Chef, and Mid-Life Croissant. It’s always inspiring to connect with fellow food enthusiasts and discover new recipes and culinary ideas. I hope you enjoy these healthier chocolate banana waffles as much as I do – they truly make any morning feel like a special celebration!