Layers of protection
Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 10:06AM 
I won't beat around the bush.
Banana Bread Waffles. Think about that for a minute, say the words slowly and out loud so that you get the full effect. Banana Bread Waffles.
I know. What could be better, right? Here's the story.
Tuesday morning was damp and dark, and there were some bananas laying about, past their prime and looking woebegone. Upon the sight of them my mind went to banana bread, as I am nothing if not a creature of habit.
My reaction was hardly original. A dreary sort of day pretty well begs for the heartening presence of banana bread. It is the goose down duvet of baked goods; it swaddles everything in layers of protection, like heirloom Christmas ornaments you find in your Grandmother's attic. The morning feels treasured, as do you.
I forget why I didn't make the banana bread, although I was possibly influenced by our full cookie jar and the bowl of Halloween candy residing on the countertop, but either way, come evening the bananas were still around, and still despondent.
Waffles came into my consideration then, with the curious notion of substituting bananas into one of the many pumpkin versions appearing temptingly on my screen for the last while. Even though I am a rookie when it comes to waffle-makery, this being the second batch of my career, I think we might be on to something here.
I will caution that this was the first go-round of the recipe, and I fiddled as I went along. But I do believe we're friends enough that I can give you a peek at my notes, like my best friend and I maybe did in grade school. (And that was only once and it was homework not a test, I promise, pinky swear.)
In introducing you to these waffles, let me start with something important - they are not all that sweet. Leavened with yeast and rested overnight, they have the slight sourness typical of similarly-raised baked goods. To compound that trait, thick spoonfuls of sour cream were added to the batter and underscores that tang, bringing along with the smooth freshness of dairy. I left the job of sweetness to the maple syrup, warm and waiting, on the table.
We were met with a waffle that was crisp on the outside, slightly tortoiseshell in its look, with a thick and soft interior. Rousingly spicy and fragrant with fruit, they had the best qualities of the crusty end piece off of a loaf of banana bread, my favourite part and the bit we fight over most often.
Now look at that, I've gone and kept you far too long when there are waffles to be made. So sorry. I'll leave you to it.
Banana Bread Yeasted Waffles
With inspiration from a variety of sources, including Dorie Greenspan (via Williams-Sonoma), and these Overnight waffles (from Better Homes and Gardens). With most of the preparation done the night before, the morning of only requires a few stirs of a spoon and you're ready to go. It's not a bad way to wake up.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 teaspoons yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of ground clove
2 eggs, beaten lightly
1 cup mashed ripe banana, about 3 whole
2 tablespoons sour cream or greek yogurt
In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, milk and vanilla. Set aside, the mixture should be warm but not hot.
In a large mixing bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, brown sugar, yeast, salt and spices. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, whisking until smooth. Stir in the beaten eggs. Cover the bowl loosely with clingfilm and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, but up to 24.
About 30 minutes before you want to make waffles, take the batter out of the refrigerator to come up to room temperature slightly. It should be doubled in size and the surface will be covered in bubbles.
When ready to begin, stir the sour cream into the mashed bananas and then mix the fruit into the batter. It will deflate, but use a light, quick hand to thoroughly combine.
Heat your waffle iron and bake the waffles as per the manufacturer's instruction.
Our waffle maker is Belgian style and yielded 5 round waffles; I think a classic round iron would make 6 or 7.
Notes:
• Leftovers can be frozen and then reheated in a toaster or in an oven; keep the heat low and an eye on them though, they brown quickly.
Reader Comments (45)
Sounds amazing Tara. I need to make these soon!
The first thought that popped into my head was, 'gosh, what a fabulous idea - and can you imagine a whole range of different flavour selections off the back of this?!'
Lovely photos as usual!
Beautiful photos - I don't think waffles ever looked so good.
I think I may have to add a waffle maker to my army of gadgets - your post, photos, recipe everything is amazing!
Oh MY! These waffles look absolutely amazing! I've bookmarked them to make my father for his birthday breakfast this weekend. :)
Mmmm! Love these!
Linda, I consider us engaged. I'm sure Sean won't mind.
El, it's lovely to have you here!
Thanks so much, Dana. I usually only nibble at sweet breakfasts, happy to mind the griddle while the boys feast. With these, maybe as they weren't all that sweet, I joined them.
Did you try them, Kelsey B.?
The Cooking Photographer, well, I can say thank you. You're too kind.
Alicia, I'd be happy to oblige.
Y, I wish these travelled well. They'd be in the mail right away.
Aran, thank you! Please let me know if you do. I'd love your thoughts.
Julia, the variations could be endless ... what fun it would be to experiment!
Allison, thank you.
Trissa, I never really thought I wanted a waffle iron, but oh, am I converted.
Kamran Siddiqi happy birthday to your Dad. I hope your cake is a smashing success.
Glad to hear it Maria!
Beautiful. Perfect.
Best,
kary
I can't believe it has taken me this long to comment on these beautiful waffles. I think about them often actually (damn you flickr!) and will try making them sometime in the near future. I'm afraid of bananas, but my husband will love me for this breakfast.
These look delicious! And your photography is beautiful!
These were the best waffles I've ever made! Thanks so much for sharing like you do!
I love waffles...gotta this recipe for brunch this weekend.
OMG, these look like the best waffles ever!!
now I want some!!
ok, I'm saying it: banana waffles!. I want them.
Wow, they look absolutely delicious and the pictures are splendid. Love it.
freelance writer
I would never have thought of banana waffles. I will have to give them a try, those pictures look amazing. Can't wait to try them.
I'm making the waffles right now...my children are excited for the waffles, too.
Fantastic twist on the same old banana bread!
Eating them now. Even my sweet-tooth-deficient husband likes them! They're delicious and slightly crunchy (my waffle iron cooled down a bit and they lost some crunch but I upped the heat and now they're wonderful again).
I am loving those two shots, not to mention this recipe! Yum. I've always wanted to try yeast waffles. Now I've got an excuse.
I found this recipe about 2 months ago, and i fell in love with it, and saved it. Your waffles inspired me to ask for a waffle maker for Christmas, which i received. I was a bit cautious about making these due to my busy work schedule and never used yeast before. Well, i put them together yesterday for dinner tonight (we dont really do heavy food in the morning here) and i just finished making them. And, this recipe is a winner!! I would be even more thrilled if I hadnt had to go get extra bananas because someone ate them on me!
They are a bit heavy, but worth it for great taste. Hopefully the leftovers taste just as good. And maybe next time i will throw in some chopped walnuts...
Thanks for the recipe!!