Name: Caramel and Banana Waffles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 2 tbsp sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 3/4 cups plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.); 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice; 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted vegan butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 ripe bananas, sliced; 1/2 cup vegan caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); Optional: chopped nuts, vegan whipped cream, chocolate shavings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together the classic pairing of bananas and caramel in a fun, comforting format. The waffles are crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, making them the perfect canvas for warm caramel drizzle and fresh banana slices. It’s quick to prepare, highly customizable, and guaranteed to impress family or guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Sugar
Salt
Plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat)
Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Vegetable oil or melted vegan butter
Vanilla extract
Ripe bananas
Vegan caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional toppings: chopped nuts, vegan whipped cream, or chocolate shavings

Directions

In a bowl, mix plant-based milk with apple cider vinegar and set aside to curdle (this creates vegan buttermilk).
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Add the curdled milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crisp.
While the waffles cook, slice the bananas and warm the caramel sauce.
Serve the waffles topped with banana slices and generous drizzles of caramel sauce.
Add optional toppings like nuts or whipped cream if desired, then serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 large waffles.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Chocolate banana: Add chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
Nutty version: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel for crunch.
Spiced waffles: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.
Peanut butter twist: Drizzle peanut butter alongside caramel for a rich combo.
Mini waffles: Make smaller waffles for a fun, bite-sized breakfast platter.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, toast them in a toaster or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until crisp.
Caramel sauce can be stored in a sealed jar in the fridge and reheated gently before serving.
Waffles can also be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated directly from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use a pancake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a vegan-friendly pancake mix as a shortcut. Just follow the mix instructions and cook in a waffle maker.

Can I make the waffles gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking.

What kind of plant-based milk works best?

Almond, soy, oat, or cashew milk all work well. Choose your favorite based on flavor preference.

Can I make the caramel sauce at home?

Yes, a simple vegan caramel can be made with coconut milk, sugar, and a bit of vegan butter.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use ripe but firm bananas for the best texture and sweetness.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

The batter is best used fresh, but you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and mix them just before cooking.

How do I keep the waffles crispy?

Place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a warm oven (200°F or 90°C) while finishing the batch.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Frozen bananas work for blending into the batter but are not ideal for slicing on top.

What toppings pair well with caramel and banana?

Try chopped nuts, shredded coconut, vegan whipped cream, or a pinch of sea salt for extra flavor.

Are these waffles suitable for dessert?

Definitely! Just add a scoop of dairy-free ice cream and you have a restaurant-worthy dessert.

Conclusion

Caramel and Banana Waffles are a sweet and satisfying way to elevate your breakfast or brunch routine. With their golden crisp texture and rich, syrupy topping, they feel indulgent but are easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving them on a lazy Sunday morning or turning them into a decadent dessert, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.