Blueberry Banana Waffles

Reasons to Love These Blueberry Banana Waffles

There are plenty of reasons to love these blueberry banana waffles, and they’re perfect for families and little ones! Here are some key reasons why they’ll become a favorite:

Naturally Sweetened: These waffles rely on ripe bananas and blueberries for their sweetness, so there’s no need for added sugar. This makes them a healthier option for babies and toddlers, while still tasting delicious.

Packed with Nutrients: The bananas provide a good source of potassium, while the oats offer fiber and essential nutrients. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, making these waffles a nutritious choice for the whole family.

Versatile: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit different dietary needs. Whether you need a dairy-free, gluten-free, or egg-free version, the recipe offers several substitution options, allowing everyone to enjoy them.

Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, these waffles come together quickly. It’s a great recipe for busy mornings or a healthy snack throughout the day.

Family-Friendly: These waffles are perfect for everyone, from babies to adults. You can customize the toppings or serving sizes to suit individual preferences, making them a hit for breakfast, brunch, or snack time.

Freezer-Friendly: These waffles store well in the fridge or freezer, making them a great make-ahead meal. They can be easily reheated, saving time on busy days.

Customizable Toppings: You can serve them with a variety of toppings such as yogurt, fresh fruit, nut butter, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. This adds variety and extra flavor, allowing you to make them more exciting each time.

Fun for Little Hands: Babies and toddlers will love the fun, finger-friendly nature of these waffles. They’re easy to break into bite-sized pieces, encouraging self-feeding and helping little ones develop their fine motor skills.

No Special Equipment Required: All you need is a basic waffle maker, so you don't need to buy fancy equipment to make these. Plus, they cook up in no time!

Delicious and Satisfying: Despite being healthy, these waffles are incredibly satisfying and flavorful. They’re light but filling, making them a great option for any time of the day.

These blueberry banana waffles are an all-around win: they’re nutritious, easy to prepare, and perfect for the whole family. With their naturally sweet flavor and endless possibilities for customization, they’re sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation!

Blueberry Banana Waffles Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 medium ripe bananas
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup ground oats 
• 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by peeling the 2 ripe bananas and placing them in a mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them well until smooth. A few small lumps are okay.

2. Mix the Ingredients: Crack the eggs into the mashed bananas and add the plain yogurt. If you're using vanilla extract, add 1 tsp. Add the ground oats to the wet mixture. If you don't have oat powder, you can easily make it by blending rolled oats in a food processor or blender until they turn into a fine powder. Mix everything together until the oats are fully incorporated and the batter is thickened.

3. Fold in the Blueberries: Gently fold in the 1/2 cup blueberries. Try not to mash the blueberries while folding them into preserve their shape.

4. Preheat the Waffle Maker: Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If your waffle maker requires it, lightly grease the plates with a small amount of oil or non-stick spray.

5. Cook the Waffles: Once the waffle maker is hot, pour the batter onto the waffle plates. Use a spoon or small measuring cup to scoop the batter, and spread it evenly to cover the plates. Close the waffle maker and cook according to the machine's instructions, typically 3-5 minutes, until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through.

6. Serve: Carefully remove the waffles from the waffle maker. Let them cool slightly before serving, especially for babies and toddlers. Cut the waffles into small, bite-sized pieces to make them easier for little ones to handle.

Tips for success

Start with ripe bananas. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the waffles will be. Make sure to mash them well to avoid large chunks.

Be careful not to overmix the batter. Once you add the oat powder and blueberries, gently fold everything together. Overmixing can result in a dense texture, so it’s best to stir just enough to combine the ingredients.

For the best waffle texture, don't skip the oat powder. If you don't have oat powder, grinding regular oats in a blender or food processor will work fine. This helps to create a more cohesive, smoother batter while still providing whole grain benefits.

If you're cooking multiple batches, keep the waffles warm in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 90°C) while you finish cooking them all. This ensures that every waffle is served fresh and warm.

Finally, allow the waffles to cool slightly before serving, particularly for babies and toddlers, to prevent burns. 

Ingredients, Substitutions, and Additions

Substitutions

If you don’t have oat powder, you can use whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour for a similar texture. Alternatively, you can use almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free version, but keep in mind that coconut flour absorbs more liquid, so you might need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe.

If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce. It will provide sweetness and moisture, but might slightly change the flavor. Another option is to use pumpkin puree, which adds extra nutrients and gives a seasonal twist.

If you need an egg alternative, you can use flaxseed meal by mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water, letting it sit for a few minutes to thicken.

Alternatively, chia seeds work well too—mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes. Unsweetened applesauce (about 1/4 cup for each egg) can also work as a substitute.

If you don’t have plain yogurt, you can replace it with unsweetened applesauce or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version. Ricotta cheese can also be used to give a creamy texture, although it might slightly alter the flavor.

If blueberries are not available, you can use other berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Chopped apples or pear chunks are also great substitutes for a different fruity flavor. You could even try dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries, but make sure to chop them into smaller pieces.

Additions

To enhance the flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. A dash of ginger or cardamom can also bring a nice twist, especially during fall or winter.

For added nutrition, consider adding grated carrots or zucchini. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing them into the batter.

If you prefer sweeter waffles, you can add a tablespoon of maple syrup, honey (for babies over 12 months), or a few drops of stevia. Coconut milk or almond milk can also add sweetness and extra flavor.

Serving suggestions

For babies and toddlers, cut the waffles into small, bite-sized pieces for easy handling. You can serve them plain or with a dollop of natural yogurt (such as plain Greek yogurt) for added creaminess and a boost of protein.

You could top the waffles with fresh fruit like extra-sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries for a refreshing, nutritious addition. You could also sprinkle a few chia seeds or flax seeds on top to add healthy fats and fiber.

For a more indulgent option, drizzle a little bit of natural maple syrup or honey (for toddlers over 12 months) over the waffles. This will add sweetness and extra flavor, but still keep the dish relatively healthy.

For extra protein, spread a thin layer of nut butter such as almond, peanut, or sunflower butter on top of the waffles. The creamy texture pairs well with the softness of the waffles, and the nut butter adds healthy fats and protein.

If you're looking for a more filling meal, serve the waffles alongside scrambled eggs or a smoothie. This makes a great breakfast or brunch option that’s satisfying and well-balanced.

For a fun twist, you could even turn the waffles into a "waffle sandwich" by spreading some yogurt or cream cheese between two waffle halves, then adding fruit or a sprinkle of granola for crunch.

Lastly, if you want to make the waffles more festive or seasonal, sprinkle some ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top or serve with a drizzle of yogurt and a handful of granola for added texture and flavor.

These serving suggestions allow you to customize your waffles depending on your family's preferences, making them a versatile and enjoyable dish for everyone!

How to store

If you're planning to eat the waffles within a day or two, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply place the waffles in the container, and they will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to separate the waffles with parchment paper if you're stacking them, to prevent them from sticking together.

For longer storage, you can freeze the waffles. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until they are firm. Once frozen, transfer the waffles into a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long they've been stored. Frozen waffles can last for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat frozen waffles, you can toast them in a toaster, warm them in a toaster oven, or heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes. This will restore their crispiness and warmth.

For a quicker option, you can microwave the waffles for about 20-30 seconds if you're in a hurry, but keep in mind that they might not be as crispy as when they're reheated in the oven or toaster.

Equipments

• Mini Waffle maker
• Measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition

Suitable for 6 months +

 (per serving):

• CALORIES: 110KCAL

• CARBOHYDRATES: 20G

• PROTEIN: 3G

• FAT: 3G

• SODIUM: 60MG

• POTASSIUM: 300MG

• FIBER: 3G

• SUGAR: 7G

• VITAMIN A: 50IU

• VITAMIN C: 4MG

• CALCIUM: 40MG

• IRON: 0.6MG

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.