Plantain Waffles
This plantain waffle recipe is golden, crisp on the edges, and tender inside — the perfect blend of sweet and savoury. Made with just 5 simple ingredients, these waffles can be enjoyed for brunch, breakfast, or even dessert. Use ripe plantains for natural sweetness, and top with guacamole, salsa, or a drizzle of maple syrup. The Plantain waffles are Vegan, comforting and delicious)
Brunch and waffles will always be an all-time favourite. There’s something about the golden grid of a waffle; crisp at the edges, soft within that feels like a canvas for joy, ready to hold syrup, fruit, or savoury toppings.
The first time I decided to make a plantain waffle recipe, my sister looked at me with that half-suspicious, half-curious gaze. I understood. Plantain is one of those foods people get… let’s just say too creative with (sometimes abused, cough cough). But I didn’t care, because to me, plantain is extraordinary. This humble fruit has carried generations of meals, from street-side snacks to homely feasts. Truly, God bless the one who first discovered it.
That day, we pressed the ripe plantain batter into the waffle iron. It hissed and steamed, and when at last we lifted the lid, what lay inside was nothing short of a small miracle: crispy on the outside, tender at heart, golden squares that smelled like promise. We piled on savoury toppings guacamole, tzatziki, salsa and for me, a drizzle of maple syrup (hey, don’t judge). Between each bite of our plantain waffles, we laughed, reminisced, and marvelled at how food, in its simple beauty, has always been a thread that stitches us together.
These vegan plantain waffles need only five simple ingredients, yet they are a masterpiece. The kind of dish you could serve for brunch endlessly versatile whether you love them sweet with syrup or savoury with avocado or a quick fry of vegetables on top.
So here’s to sweet plantain waffles, to shared plates, and to the simple joy of turning one fruit into something that feels like both comfort and celebration.
Why Plantains Make Magical Waffles
The beauty of making plantain waffles is in the fruit itself. Medium-ripe plantains will work if that’s what you have, though keep in mind they won’t be very sweet. For the best flavour, choose ripe yellow plantains with plenty of black spots, these are perfect for this recipe. The riper the plantain, the sweeter and softer the flesh becomes, giving your waffle batter a natural richness. What won’t work is definitely green plantains.
When you mash or blend them, the fruit becomes the heart of the recipe. It combines with plain flour to create structure, but you can also go gluten free using almond flour, oat flour, or a gluten-free flour blend. With no need for added sugar, the plantain itself carries a honeyed depth that makes these waffles both wholesome and satisfying.
Some recipes add seasoning or extras and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can too. A teaspoon of cinnamon, a splash of vanilla, baking powder, or maybe even a sprinkle of nutmeg, and suddenly your kitchen fills with the scent of warmth and welcome.
But for this recipe, I kept it simple: just five ingredients, easy enough to whip up on a weekday morning or lazy weekend brunch, letting the plantain shine as the star. The ripeness is important for this plantain waffle recipe, it determines whether your waffles would taste savoury, mildly sweet, or rich and caramel-like.
Stages of Plantain Ripeness (From Green to Black)
The riper the plantain, the sweeter and softer your waffles will be. For the plantain waffles best results, always go for those yellow plantains dotted with black, they’ll give you golden, crispy on the outside, tender within, and full of flavour.
Ingredients you’ll need to make plantain waffles
Tips for Making the Perfect Healthy Plantain Waffles
To ensure your plantain waffles turn out flawless every time, here are a few tips to bear in mind:
- Choose the right plantain: Look for a fully ripe plantain with black spots. This indicates that the plantain is sweet and will provide the best flavour for your savoury waffles.
- Mash thoroughly: Take your time to mash the plantain until it becomes creamy and lump-free. This will ensure a smooth batter and even cooking.
- Preheat the waffle iron: Preheating the waffle iron is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior and a tender interior. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
- For Warm flavours: Feel free to sprinkle cinnamon on the batter—this infusion of warmth and spice pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of the plantains.
FAQS ON HEALTHY PLANTAIN WAFFLES
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Golden Plantain Waffles
Equipment
- Waffle iron or waffle maker
- Fork, potato masher, or blender
- mixing bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 ripe plantains ≈ 400 g peeled
- 4 tbsp plain flour ≈ 30 g – or swap for almond flour oat flour, or gluten free flour for a grain free option
- 2 tsp coconut oil melted ≈ 10 g, plus extra for greasing
- ½ tsp fresh ginger finely grated ≈ 2 g
- 15 ml lemon juice from 1/2 a lemon
Optional Toppings
- ½ avocado sliced or guacamole
- Salsa
- Tzatziki
- or Fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup
- Or for indulgence: a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Plug in your waffle iron (or waffle maker) and preheat until hot. A hot surface ensures waffles made are golden and crispy on the outside.
- Peel the ripe plantains, cut into chunks, and mash until smooth with a fork or potato masher. For extra silky waffle batter, use a high speed blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Add the plain flour to the mashed plantain. Stir in the melted coconut oil, grated ginger, and lemon juice. Mix until you have a thick, smooth batter.
- Lightly grease the preheated waffle iron with a little coconut oil. Pour in the right amount of batter, spreading it evenly.
- Close and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on your waffle maker.
- Carefully remove the cooked waffles with a spatula, repeat with the remaining waffle batter, and serve warm with your chosen topping.
Notes
- The ripeness of your plantains matters. Medium-ripe plantains make less sweet waffles, while ripe yellow plantains with black spots give the perfect balance of natural sweetness.
- For a savoury version: add a pinch of salt, herbs, or a quick fry of vegetables as a side.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftover waffles can be stored in the fridge and reheated in a toaster until warm and crispy again.
- Gluten Free Plantain Waffles – swap plain flour for almond flour, oat flour, or gluten free flour.
- Sweet Plantain Waffles – use very ripe or even slightly overripe plantains for extra natural sweetness. Add 1 tsp cinnamon, vanilla, or a touch of maple syrup into the batter.
- Indulgent Dessert Waffles – serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
