These banana churro waffles are a delightful and simple breakfast idea the whole family will enjoy. Soft and tender on the inside with a light crisp on the outside, they are infused with natural banana sweetness and finished with a warm cinnamon-sugar coating that evokes the flavors of a homemade churro. They’re easy enough for busy mornings yet special enough for a weekend treat.
Designed with little hands in mind, these waffles make an excellent toddler breakfast or snack. For babies and younger toddlers, skip the cinnamon-sugar coating and serve the waffles plain to keep added sugar to a minimum. Cut into sticks or small rectangles, they’re ideal for practicing self-feeding and for dipping into yogurt, nut butter, or fruit purée.
Why This Recipe Works for Toddlers and Families
This recipe uses simple pantry staples plus ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture. The batter is easy to work with and produces waffles that are soft enough for little mouths to chew but sturdy enough to hold when cut into fingers. Because they can be prepared ahead and frozen, these waffles are a practical choice for meal prep and weekday breakfasts.
Cutting the waffles into sticks helps toddlers grip them and encourages independent eating. For older children and adults, the cinnamon-sugar finish adds a delicious churro-inspired touch that turns an everyday breakfast into a treat. For younger children and infants, omit the coating for a healthier, less sweet option.
Ingredients
For the waffles:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or substitute part or all with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture)
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
For the cinnamon-sugar coating (optional):
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Cooking spray or a small amount of melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth with a few small pieces remaining for texture.
- Add the flour and baking powder, then gradually stir in the milk until you have a smooth batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the waffles tender.
- Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease the plates with cooking spray or a brush of oil or butter.
- Pour an appropriate amount of batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through. Cooking time will vary by waffle maker.
- Transfer cooked waffles to a wire rack to cool briefly so they stay crisp rather than steaming in a stack. Once slightly cooled, cut the waffles into sticks or rectangles if serving to toddlers.
- To make the cinnamon-sugar coating, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Lightly spray or brush each waffle with a small amount of cooking spray or melted butter on both sides, then gently toss or press the waffle pieces into the cinnamon-sugar until evenly coated.
- Serve warm. For babies and younger toddlers, skip the cinnamon-sugar step and serve plain or with a small amount of fruit purée.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a toaster, toaster oven, air fryer, or microwave until warmed through.
These waffles freeze well for up to 2 months. To freeze, place cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a toaster or oven for best texture.
Common Questions
Can I prepare these waffles ahead of time?
Yes. These waffles are great for meal prep. They refrigerate well for a few days and freeze nicely for longer storage.
Can I skip the cinnamon-sugar coating?
Absolutely. The waffles are flavorful on their own and omitting the coating makes them more suitable for young children and babies.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes. You can substitute whole wheat flour for all or part of the all-purpose flour. Expect a slightly denser texture when using whole wheat.
Are these waffles suitable for toddlers?
Yes. They are soft, easy to grasp when cut into sticks, and simple to chew. For younger toddlers and infants, serve plain without added sugar and cut into appropriate sizes to reduce choking risk.