Easy weekend mornings or pull-from-the-freezer weekday ready oatmeal waffles are lightly crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Banana-Pecan Oat Waffles are whipped up in the blender, and baked in a waffle iron. They come together fast and easy. Oatmeal waffles anyone? Hooray! This recipe is vegetarian, vegan and easily gluten free. [ watch VIDEO on recipe card below ]
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Waffle Love
Savory, or sweet… gimme waffles and I’m a happy girl. But Banana Waffles? Over the top… and they’re made with whole grain oats, so it’s win-win-win!
But I’ve tempered my love affair in the past because I didn’t want all the white flour for breakfast. I’d rather save that for Brown Sugar Banana Bread. Then I started playing with oat flour… Shortly after that, I learned how to make oat flour using a high speed blender, then in a food processor. Either can be used or this recipe!
When I discovered I could make waffles with oat flour. Total breakfast game changer!
Quick Guide: How to Make Oatmeal Waffles
Banana-pecan oat waffles are like eating a bowl of oatmeal in waffle form; oatmeal waffles anyone? This gluten free (optional) and vegan waffle recipe is so easy to make, even if you’re still half asleep. Use a blender or food processor to whip these oat waffles up in no time! In summary, here’s how to make em’ (see recipe card below for full details):
- First, to the bowl of a food processor or pitcher of a blender, add the oats, pecans, milk, banana, cinnamon, and salt.
- Next, blend until the ingredients are smooth and completely incorporated. The batter will be thick.
- Last, bake in a waffle iron.
Lightly crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside with all those nooks to fill with warm maple syrup and your favorite toppings. Add extra bananas on top for banana oatmeal waffles or fresh berries when in season!
Expert Tips
- Blender or Food Processor – either will work for this oatmeal waffle recipe. The food processor leaves the batter chunkier than the blender, but the results after baking are delicious! I’ve included details on how to process the ingredients using either machine in the recipe.
- Gluten Free? For gluten free oat waffles, use gluten free certified oats. I recommend Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats.
- Freezer Friendly? Yes please! These vegan waffles are freezer friendly. Simply cool the waffles completely, stack one on top of the other, slide into a storage container then freeze for up to two weeks. They can be toasted from freezer to toaster (I use a toaster oven).
- Variations: I’ve used walnuts in place of the pecans, tossed in a handful of mini chocolate chips or frozen blueberries (after blending) all with good results.
- Some waffle irons require oil before baking. The waffle iron I use (and loooove) does not – it has a non stick surface. To reduce the chance of sticking waffles (other than using a nonstick waffle maker), make sure the waffle iron is fully preheated before adding the batter, oil or butter the iron throughly and no peeking before they’re done baking. If anything, give the owners manual a once over to see the particular needs of your iron. Food 52 has a discussion on the topic. And note, there is no oil added to this recipe.
More Healthy Waffle Recipes to Love
- Healthy Almond Orange Oat Waffles
- Gluten Free Sourdough Waffles
- Chocolate Buttermilk Belgian Waffles – from Kitchen Confidant
- Savory Waffles with Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower – from Floating Kitchen
Banana-Pecan Oat Waffles Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup (175g) Old Fashioned Rolled Oats not quick – gluten free if needed, I use Bob's Red Mill*
- 1 1/4 cup (305g) Plant Milk – I use 1/2 diluted homemade cashew milk
- 3 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 cup (125g) Banana mashed (about 1 medium)
- 1/2 cup (55g) Pecans whole
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 3/4 teaspoon Cinnamon ground
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Serve With (optional):
- Fresh Berries, Butter, Jam, Pure Maple Syrup, Chocolate Drizzle, Chopped Pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions, including whether to oil/butter the iron or not (see note). Preheat the oven to 150F (66C) and place a sheet pan in the oven.
- A. For the Blender (I use VitaMix): To the blender container add the oats, milk, vinegar, banana, pecans, baking powder and soda, salt, cinnamon and extract. Blend for one minute on medium to medium high. The batter will be thick and completely smooth. ORB. For the Food Processor: To the work bowl add the oats, milk, vinegar, banana, pecans, baking powder and soda, salt, cinnamon and extract. Whirl for 3 minutes scraping the bowl down once during processing. The batter will be thick and not quite completely smooth.
- Scoop out 1/3 C of batter and pour into the waffle iron. Bake until golden (according to manufacturer's directions). Mine take about 6-7 minutes to bake. Gently remove the waffles using a fork and place them on the sheet pan in the preheated oven. Finish baking the remaining batter.
- Serve with your favorite toppings. Blueberry compote, pumpkin butter or stewed apples are quite nice.
- To Store: Cool completely, then store at room temperature in foil or in an air tight container for up to three days. To Freeze: Allow the waffles to cool completely before storing them in a storage container. They can stack one on top of another – freeze for up to two weeks (beyond that and I start getting freezer burn unless individually wrapped). To Reheat: Bake at 300F (150C) for about 8-10 minutes or until warmed through or toast on the toaster setting in a toaster oven. Keep an eye on them so they don't get too dark.
Taste is pretty good but all waffles stick to the waffle maker even with oil. Was disappointing to say the least.
Hi Rez! I’m sorry the recipe didn’t work for you. Can you share what type of waffle maker you used?
Hi there, can I make this batter the night before for a weekday morning breakfast?
Hi VA! While I’ve not tried it, it should be fine. However, leave out the baking powder and soda until the morning and then, just give it a quick blend. Let us know if you give it a go!
Thanks for the tip, will try and report back. But made a fresh batch this morning and everyone loved the waffles. Thank you for such an easy recipe.
Hi VA! Thank you for coming back and leaving a note. SO happy to hear everyone enjoyed the waffles!
WOW WOW and WOW ,
I rarely save recipes when I save it it’s because it’s the best !!!! I didn’t have pecans I used walnuts instead , I bought an oat protein milk by mistake I couldn’t drink it , it didn’t taste good so I was looking to use it, my god your waffles are amazing I added 1 table maple syrup to the batter . Perfect batter I didn’t have to add milk or any other ingredient ……..look no further this is it !
Hooray!! SO happy to hear, Brigitte! Thank youuuu!
Have you had anyone mention trouble with this recipe sticking? I have tried different oils, no oil, different temperatures, etc. I really honestly think it is the oats that I bought on recommendation from someone, because the first time that I made these with Bob’s GF rolled oats, they were PERFECT. the second time when I made a double batch, I had to dip into these other GF Rolled oats, and they have not made a reliable batch yet. I even tried soaking them in the ripple I used this go. And still, since that first batch, I have had almost EVERY single ONE stick to my waffle iron. I got one full waffle out of my batch two tries ago, and then this double batch I just made, I had two stick so badly they came out in pieces and a third that I ended up having to trash because it also stuck. I put the rest of the batter in the fridge because I was so frustrated, but honestly, I think I’m going to nix it. I didn’t get all the way through the comments, but most people seemed pleased (as I was with my first batch), so I wanted to check and see if you had heard anything, or had any experiences like that? Thanks!
Hi T.G. I’m so sorry to hear you’re having trouble. I’ve not heard from anyone regarding sticking on this recipe. I use Bob’s too and they come out perfect every time… so it *could be the oats since you had perfect results the first time.
Can’t wait to try this recipe, as my husband was diagnosed with diabetes stage 1 and I think this would be perfect for breakfast. Please tell me if one serving is one waffle – thank you.
Hi Phyll! Yes, one serving is one waffle (the Nutrition estimate does not include any toppings or syrup). I hope this helps!
These waffles will aways have a special place in my heart. I made a triple batch of them at the end of my pregnancy and stored them in my freezer. Immediately postpartum, my partner toasted one up with a big warm cup of honey tea. Thank you.
Hi Maria! If you’re making it in a high speed blender, you can give almonds a go.
I can’t believe there is no oil or sugar in them. They were great.
SO happy to hear Elizabeth! Thank you for your note and rating!
I just made these waffles this morning for the first time. My son loved them and I love how quick and easy the recipe is! I’ve made countless pancake and waffle recipes, vegan and not, but I’ve never made the batter in a blender before, the blender made this SO much quicker and easier than my usual methods, I am sold! I’m not a big fan of banana flavored stuff, but I found the banana to be subtle enough that I could enjoy these waffles as well. My son topped his with slivered almonds, mini chocolate chips and maple syrup. I slathered mine with homemade coconut cashew butter, delicious! And we have plenty leftover for school day breakfasts. Thank you, great recipe!
Hi Jen! Thank you so much for coming back and leaving a note…. I loooved reading it! Aren’t they so fabulous? The banana is mostly for binding so I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe! Indeed, the flavor is subtle. Those toppings your son added sound so good… I love the mini chocolate chips. Hooray for school day breakfast leftovers!
So delicious!! Easy to bring together. Not only vegan and gluten free, but could you say these are sugar free as well? Did you use a different waffle iron in the pics from the one you recommend., e.g. round vs. square?
Hi Patty! So happy to read your note! These are made with the recommended waffle iron. They’re round because I don’t completely fill the square area. That iron is fabulous!
Thank you for this recipe. It will now be my go-to recipe for waffles. I wanted a waffle that would make me feel full after eating one or two. These are them. I do not blend the pecans much. I leave them in bits for the crunchiness. Then I top it with a cinnamon apple pineapple compote and it is complete. No syrup needed. So healthy, vegan and yummy. Thank you.
Hi Edie! Thank you for coming back and leaving a note! Hooray for a filling waffle! Thank you too for sharing your adaptations… love those crunchy pecans too ;D !
These waffles are amazing. I toasted the pecans and used 1 tsp. cinnamon. My favorite go to waffle recipe.
Oooh! I love hearing this and yes to the extra cinnamon! Thank you for your note, Marilyn!
Aloha what waffle machine do you have/use? Do you have any great egg n dairy free pancake recipes please?
Hi Michelle! I use this waffle maker . At this time I do not have any egg and dairy free pancakes on the blog. Looks like I need to get started on a recipe!
OMG. These were amazing. My husband (who rarely comments on a recipe) declared this one a keeper. I got 5 waffles with my Cuisinart waffle iron so I’ll have some to freeze. Thanks for such a great way to eat oats.
So happy to read your note, Marilyn… and hooray for leftover waffles!
This looks amazing!
I will definitly try them out!
Nice to discover your blog!
Thank you for stopping by Annelies!
Oh I love oatmeal and waffles (such a carb girl!!) so I especially adore these! I bet the bananas and pecans give such a nice flavor to them. :) Such beautiful inviting photos as always- what a great syrup shot!
I’m SO with you, Emily… I love pecans and how they lend a sweet/nutty flavor to these easy waffles!
I love that this recipe does not have oil, or butter and is vegan and so healthy for you! I love waffles too for breakfast, but I use butter and eggs and sugar in it :(. I need to try your recipe for healthy waffles :)
Not that those are bad things – and in moderation for me – but I wanted to create a waffle that everyone could enjoy! Hooray! I think you’d love these Amisha! xo
You know I’m a huge fan of blender waffles! My banana bread waffles are very similar to these and they’re my favorite. You can’t beat how easy they are. Love the idea to add pecans too!
OMGeee easy indeed! And I’m a big fan right there with ya, Sarah! I fussed and tweaked over this recipe for months before I got it just where I wanted it and in the end, the pecans won my heart! I love them too!
I had a banana waiting to be used! Just made these, I got a hoot & a holler from the other room after they were delivered! Delicious! Will definitely make these again, thank you.
Love it, Nicola! Thank you for your note! lol :D
These look like the perfect Sunday morning pancakes. I love how you’ve added oats for nutrition and they are gluten free. Cheers!
Hooray for oats! I’m so impressed with oat flour… and am trying all sorts of new things with it. Thank you Karen!
Aw thanks so much for linking to my sourdough waffles, Traci! These look so good, I can’t wait to try – I’m a bit late for this weekend but they’re on my list for next Sunday. Graham doesn’t consider breakfast to have happened unless porridge is involved, so maybe this is a good compromise ;)
I hope you and Graham love em! Easy cleanup and leftovers…. the weekend is lookin good! xo
I love these waffles, Traci! What a treat for the weekend! :)
Thank you Laura!
I came home from work ravenous today and mixed these up. So easy to mix together in the food processor and I fried them like pancakes for an even quicker version. So delicious and nutritious! Thanks for the inspiration
I loved reading your note Hannah! Thank you for sharing your pancake tip with us! I can’t wait to give it a go!
Waffles in the blender! How easy is that. Love that these don’t have eggs and are packed with nuts – perfect weekend breakfast, Traci. Now I just have to buy myself a waffle maker!
Oh these are such a treat, Geraldine! You know, Hannah (commentor just after you) fried them like pancakes and they worked! I’ve not tried it yet, but I will be next time I whip em up! lol!
I made these waffles this morning and they are amazingly delicious and so easy to prepare! The buttermilk hack is one of my favorite tricks and it takes these waffles to the next level. I love using oats as a base because I always have them on hand. The cinnamon highlights the banana flavor perfectly. This is one of my new weekend breakfast go-tos! Thank you, Traci!
Ohhh yeah! I saw your gorgeous capture on Instagram Kristin and instantly wanted to whip up another batch! I love the cinnamon in these too. The house smells sooo good while their baking! Thank you for your note, Kristin! SO happy you enjoy them!
Glad to find the oat milk version waffles. Thank you very much for sharing and enjoy the weekend !
I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Oh my! These sound fab! I just love stashing my freezer with waffles for easy (but still awesome!) breakfasts! Love the banana-pecan combo. Can’t be beat!
Right? They’re perfect for weekday mornings… effortless! Pecans always have my heart first… xo
Traci, these look magical!! I’ve recently discovered Oat Milk and a whole new world has opened for me. I can’t wait to try these soon completely guilt free!
Hi Aimee! Thank you so much! You know, I’ve pretty much stuck to my regular homemade cashew milk for so long, and after giving up on Almond or Hazelnut milk, I’ve not tried anything else. I’ll have to give oat a try. I bet it is SO creamy!
The next time our son Nicholas comes home, he’s getting a bowl of oatmeal in waffle form! He will love these as much as I will! Thanks for sharing, my friend! xo
I love it, Annie! I hope you and Nicholas love them! xo
Oh boy do I LOVE waffles too Traci! And you know my love for pecans!! Perfect that you’ve replaced the white flour and used oats! Genius! I can’t wait to give these a try. I’m always dying to break out my waffle iron! Happy weekend and thanks for sharing!
OMGeee pecan everything Mary Ann! I love them too! The waffle iron has been working overtime around here lately :D
I love waffles too, and these sound simply delicious, I love the whole make your own oat flour, and the fact that these are freezer friendly…makes this recipe a big winner :)
I’m SO with you Albert! Weekend easy is the best!