Banana Blueberry Waffles for BLW

Discover the ultimate Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) Waffles - fruit-sweetened, tasty and easy to eat. These waffles are ideal for little ones just starting their journey into solid foods, but they are not just for babies and toddlers, the whole family will fall in love with these delicious soft waffles. 

If you don't already own a waffle iron, it's time to consider one! Waffles are a convenient finger food for your baby and making your own allows you complete control over the ingredients. 

Plus, you can go beyond the basic batter and whip up anything from apple waffles, savoury waffles with shredded veggies, to creative options like falafel waffles or waffle omelettes. In this recipe, we're sharing sweet yet healthy waffles made with mashed banana and blueberries, perfect for babies and toddlers.

Jump to:

• Reasons to Love these BLW Waffles
• Video Tutorial
• Ingredient Information and Substitutes
• Step By Step Instructions (with photos)
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage Instructions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More BLW Waffles and Pancakes
• Banana Blueberry BLW Waffles

Reasons to Love these BLW Waffles

• Fruit Sweetened: The World Health Organization recommend that children under two should not consume any added sugar. The natural sweetness from the banana and blueberries in these blw waffles means no sweet toppings are necessary. 
• Texture Experience: These waffles offer crispness on the outside and softness inside with delightful bursts of blueberry, encouraging your little one to explore a range of textures.
• Customisable: Easily customised to suit dietary preferences. Whether you're going dairy-free with plant-based milk, egg-free with a flax egg, or opting for gluten-free with a suitable flour blend, you have the flexibility to cater to your family's needs and food allergies.
• Freezer-Friendly: Whip up a double batch and store extras in the freezer for a quick and easy breakfast or snack option that's always ready to delight your little one.

Video Tutorial

Ingredient Information and Substitutes

For the full recipe, with ingredient amounts, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Banana: Adds natural sweetness and flavour. Overripe bananas are best for added sweetness. 
• Eggs: Enhances tenderness and structure. (For an egg-free option, try a flax egg.)
• Flour: I recommend a 50/50 blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flour (wholemeal flour) Adjust ratios to suit taste/health preferences. (Gluten-free flour is an option or oat flour although not tested.)
• Milk: Use regular or non-dairy milk (almond milk has been tested and works).
• Oil: Any neutral oil or melted coconut oil for a hint of coconut flavour.
• Blueberries: For a delightful burst of flavour.
• Vanilla Extract & Cardamom: Adds extra flavour (optional).

Step By Step Instructions (with photos)

This section features step-by-step photos for visual reference. The complete recipe can be found by scrolling to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

To ensure delicious, soft banana waffles,

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flours, oats, baking powder, and cardamom.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Mash the banana, then whisk in the egg and oil. Add milk and vanilla, mixing until combined.
3. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined, being cautious not to overmix.
4. Add Blueberries: Carefully fold blueberries into waffle batter  until evenly distributed.
5. Cook in Waffle Iron: Preheat and lightly oil your waffle iron. Pour in about a cup of batter (adjust the amount of batter for your iron size - a mini waffle uses around 3 tablespoons of batter) and cook following the manufacturer's instructions, approximately 5 minutes per waffle. The waffles should be golden brown 
6. Keep Warm: To maintain crispiness, place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a 95°C /200 °F oven (unstacked) while finishing the rest of the batter.

Serving Suggestions

• 6 months plus 
  Slice the waffles into strips roughly the size of two adult fingers placed side by side. If your little one isn't quite ready to pick them up independently, hold a strip in front of them, allowing them to grasp it from your hand. For added flavour and moisture, consider lightly spreading a thin layer of yogurt, apple sauce, nut butter or chia jam on the waffle strips.
• 9 months plus
  Once your baby has mastered the pincer grasp, you have the option to introduce waffles cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Of course, you can still offer waffle strips.
• Toddler
  Continue offering waffles in either strip or bite-size form or even individual mini waffles.  At this stage, it's a great opportunity to introduce age-appropriate utensils for practice.

Healthy Topping Ideas

• Natural Greek yogurt
• Fruit compote
• Chia jam
• Thin layer of peanut butter
• Fresh fruit

Storage Instructions

If you find yourself with leftover waffles you can 

• Refrigerate: Store waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. It is a good idea to pre-cut the waffles to the desired size they can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: To enjoy again, reheat the frozen waffle in a preheated oven at 175°C / 350°F until crisp and warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

More BLW Waffles and Pancakes