Caramelized Banana Pecan Belgian Waffles with Bourbon Butterscotch Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the deepest caramelization, use a waffle iron that heats to at least 365°F (185°C). If your iron runs cooler, increase the cooking time slightly.

The bananas must be very ripe—brown spots are essential. The natural sugars are what create the crispy crust.

To keep waffles warm without losing crispness, place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven. Do not cover them. If making ahead, reheat in a toaster or under the broiler for a few minutes to restore crispness.

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Banana Waffles: Fold 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips into the batter along with the pecans. The chocolate melts into pockets of gooey richness, complementing the caramelized banana.
• Spiced Pecan Waffles: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients. Toast the pecans with a pinch of cinnamon and a teaspoon of brown sugar before adding to the batter.
• Maple Bourbon Sauce: Replace the bourbon butterscotch sauce with a simple maple syrup spiked with a tablespoon of bourbon. Stir together and warm gently before serving.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly more tender, but the caramelization will still occur beautifully.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven to restore crispness.

Freezer

Freeze cooked waffles in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a toaster or oven.

Reheat

Reheat waffles in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until crisp and heated through.

Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven to restore crispness. The bourbon butterscotch sauce can be stored in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

The batter can be made up to 1 day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Stir gently before using.

Cooked waffles can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or oven.

Serving ideas

Serve the waffles hot off the iron, with a generous drizzle of warm bourbon butterscotch sauce.

The sauce should be warm enough to flow into the pockets but not so hot that it makes the waffles soggy. Add extra chopped pecans on top for texture, if desired.

These waffles are substantial enough to be a main course for brunch. Pair them with fresh fruit or a side of bacon for a complete meal.

The sweetness of the caramelized bananas and butterscotch pairs well with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Caramelized Banana Pecan Belgian Waffles with Bourbon Butterscotch

Prep 15 minCook 16 minTotal 31 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 180 g all-purpose flour
• 200 ml buttermilk
• 50 g brown butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 4 g ground cinnamon
• 40 g chopped pecans
• warm bourbon butterscotch sauce, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Whisk in the buttermilk, brown butter, eggs, and cinnamon until well combined. Add the flour and chopped pecans, and stir just until no dry streaks remain. The batter will be slightly lumpy.
2. Preheat a Belgian waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. Brush or spray the grids lightly with oil or melted butter to ensure easy release.
3. Ladle the batter onto the center of the hot waffle iron, using about 3/4 cup per waffle. Close the lid and bake for 4 minutes, or until the waffle is deeply caramelized and mahogany brown. The natural sugars in the banana will create a crispy crust.
4. Transfer the cooked waffles to a wire rack in a single layer. If making multiple batches, keep them warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a baking sheet while cooking the remaining batter.
5. Place each waffle on a plate and generously drizzle with warm bourbon butterscotch sauce. Serve immediately, with extra sauce on the side.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk, tree nuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

62 g

Fat

25 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.