Starting your day on a healthy and delicious note is essential, and what better way to do it than with a plate of homemade banana buttermilk waffles? These waffles are not only a far cry from the boxed mix variety but also come with an extra upgrade - a fresh fruit topping that adds a burst of flavor and nutrition.
Let's begin with the ingredients. For the waffles, you'll need 1 1/2 cups of all - purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 1/4 cups of buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted, and 2 ripe bananas, mashed. As for the fresh fruit topping, you can choose a combination of your favorite fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and sliced bananas.
First, preheat your waffle iron. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture forms the base of our waffles and gives them the right texture. In a separate medium - sized bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Whisk these wet ingredients until they are well - blended. Then, add the mashed bananas to the wet mixture and stir gently. The bananas not only add natural sweetness but also a lovely moistness to the waffles.
Next, pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold the ingredients together. Be careful not to over - mix; a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Over - mixing can make the waffles tough. Once the batter is just combined, it's ready to be cooked.
When your waffle iron is hot, lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little melted butter. Pour about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of batter onto the center of the waffle iron, depending on the size of your waffle maker. Close the lid gently and let the waffles cook until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. This usually takes about 3 - 5 minutes, but it may vary depending on your waffle iron.
While the waffles are cooking, prepare the fresh fruit topping. Wash the strawberries and blueberries thoroughly. Slice the strawberries and arrange them along with the blueberries and sliced bananas in a bowl. You can also drizzle a little honey over the fruits for an extra touch of sweetness.
Once the waffles are done, carefully remove them from the waffle iron using a fork or tongs. Place the waffles on a plate and top them generously with the fresh fruit mixture. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an even more decadent treat.
These banana buttermilk waffles are not only a great source of carbohydrates to fuel your morning but also rich in vitamins and minerals from the bananas and fresh fruits. They are perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or a quick weekday morning meal. You can even make a big batch of the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a quick stir before using it again.
So, the next time you're looking for a healthy and delicious breakfast option, skip the boxed waffles and try making these homemade banana buttermilk waffles. Your taste buds and your body will thank you for it!
