Brown-Butter Waffles With Brown-Sugar Bananas

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   In a large frying pan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter. Add 1 cup packed light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture bubbles, about 2 minutes.

2. Step 2.

   Add 4 ripe but firm bananas (peeled and cut into ½-inch-thick diagonal slices) and 2 tablespoons water. Cook, stirring gently, until the mixture becomes a smooth sauce, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

3. Step 3.

   In a small frying pan or saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells toasty, about 4 minutes. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn. Scrape the browned butter into a medium mixing bowl and let cool slightly.

4. Step 4.

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon baking soda. Set aside.

5. Step 5.

   To the bowl with the browned butter, add 4 large eggs, 2 cups well-shaken buttermilk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Whisk until evenly combined.

6. Step 6.

   Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.

7. Step 7.

   Preheat the oven to 200°F and place a large rimmed baking sheet on the center rack. Heat the waffle iron to medium according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once heated, spray lightly with cooking spray.

8. Step 8.

   Fill the waffle iron with batter, close the lid, and cook until each waffle is golden brown, about 3–5 minutes depending on your iron. Transfer the cooked waffles to the baking sheet in the oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining batter.

9. Step 9.

   While the waffles are cooking, rewarm the banana topping over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.

10. Step 10.

    Serve the waffles with a generous spoonful of brown-sugar bananas.