Banana Cocoa Waffle Recipe – Easy Wholewheat & Eggless Option

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Banana Cocoa Waffle Recipe – Easy Wholewheat & Eggless Option

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s become a weekend staple in my house! These Banana Cocoa Waffles are seriously the best of both worlds: comforting, chocolatey, and surprisingly good for you thanks to the wholewheat flour. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, even on a sleepy Sunday morning. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These waffles aren’t just delicious; they’re practical too! They’re quick to make (ready in under 30 minutes!), use ingredients you likely already have, and are a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas. I first made these when my little one was refusing breakfast, and the chocolatey banana combo worked like a charm! They’re also easily adaptable, so you can customize them to your liking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful waffles:

• 1 overripe banana
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup milk (about 120ml)
• 0.25 cup oil (about 60ml)
• 0.25 cup water (about 60ml)
• 0.5 cup wholewheat flour (about 60g)
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour (about 60g)
• 0.25 cup cocoa powder (about 30g)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 0.5 tsp salt

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference in how these waffles turn out.

Banana Varieties & Ripeness

The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your waffles will be. Those spotty, almost-too-brown bananas are perfect for this! I prefer using Cavendish bananas, but any variety will work.

Flour Choices: Wholewheat vs. All-Purpose

I love using a mix of wholewheat and all-purpose flour. It gives the waffles a lovely texture and a bit of a nutty flavor. You can use all wholewheat if you prefer a more rustic waffle, or all all-purpose for a lighter result.

Cocoa Powder – Dutch Process vs. Natural

Both Dutch-processed and natural cocoa powder work well. Dutch-processed cocoa has a smoother, less acidic flavor, while natural cocoa has a more intense chocolate taste. I usually use Dutch-processed for a milder chocolate flavor that lets the banana shine through.

Oil Options & Their Impact on Flavor

You can use any neutral-flavored oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor, which is also delicious! I’ve even used melted ghee for a richer, more traditional Indian touch.

Baking Powder – Ensuring Light & Fluffy Waffles

Make sure your baking powder is fresh! This is key to getting light and fluffy waffles. You can test it by adding a teaspoon to a little hot water – if it fizzes, it’s good to go.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. In a bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, egg, milk, oil, and water until everything is nicely combined and smooth. Don’t worry about being too precise – a few little lumps are fine.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wholewheat flour, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
3. Now, gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold everything together until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few streaks of flour – overmixing will result in tough waffles.
4. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and gives you those golden-brown waffles we all love.
5. Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook until crisp and cooked through. The cooking time will vary depending on your waffle iron, but it usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
6. Serve immediately while warm with your favorite toppings!

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make the perfect waffles:

Achieving the Perfect Waffle Crispness

For extra crispy waffles, increase the cooking time slightly and don’t open the waffle iron too early.

Preventing Waffles from Sticking

A well-greased waffle iron is your best friend! Don’t skimp on the butter or cooking spray.

Batter Consistency – Avoiding Overmixing

Remember, a few lumps in the batter are okay! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough waffles.

Waffle Iron Temperature Control

Pay attention to your waffle iron’s temperature settings. If your waffles are burning on the outside but still raw on the inside, lower the temperature.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Banana Cocoa Waffles

Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes). Use plant-based milk.

Gluten-Free Banana Cocoa Waffles

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for binding.

Spice Level – Adding Cinnamon or Nutmeg

A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a lovely warmth to these waffles. My grandmother always added a pinch of cardamom – it’s divine!

Festival Adaptations – Diwali or Holi Inspired Toppings

During Diwali, I love topping these with a sprinkle of chopped nuts and a drizzle of rose syrup. For Holi, a dollop of sweetened yogurt and a dusting of vibrant edible colors is perfect!

Serving Suggestions

These waffles are amazing on their own, but even better with toppings! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Honey or maple syrup
• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Chocolate chips
• Sliced bananas
• A sprinkle of chopped nuts

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftover waffles (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster or oven for best results. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid.

What can I substitute for the egg in this recipe?

As mentioned earlier, a flax egg works great! You can also try applesauce or mashed avocado.

How do I keep the waffles warm after cooking?

Place the cooked waffles on a wire rack in a warm oven (around 200°F or 93°C) until ready to serve.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You may need to add a splash of milk to thin it out slightly before cooking.

What’s the best way to clean a waffle iron?

Unplug the waffle iron and let it cool completely. Then, wipe it down with a damp cloth. For stubborn residue, use a soft brush or a paste of baking soda and water.