Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the iron with a little melted butter or nonstick spray so waffles release easily.

Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1 teaspoon fine salt until evenly combined.

Combine wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk 2 large eggs until lightly beaten. Add 1 1/2 cups whole milk, 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; whisk until homogeneous.

Add banana

Peel and mash 1 large ripe banana with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small lumps. Stir the mashed banana into the wet mixture until evenly distributed.

Combine wet and dry

Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet banana mixture. Gently fold with a spatula or whisk just until combined — do not overmix. A few small lumps are fine. Let batter rest for 5 minutes to hydrate the flour and thicken slightly.

Cook waffles

Spoon or pour the recommended amount of batter for your waffle iron (commonly 1/2 to 3/4 cup) onto the preheated iron. Close and cook until waffle is golden brown and crisp, about 3–5 minutes depending on your appliance. Transfer finished waffles to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to keep crisp while you cook remaining batter. Re-grease iron as needed.

Banana topping & assembly

Make caramelized banana slices

Place 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. When the butter foams, add 1 tablespoon light brown sugar and stir until it starts to melt. Add 1 large banana, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds, in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes until the bottoms are golden. Flip slices carefully and cook another 30–60 seconds until caramelized but not mushy. Remove from heat.

Warm maple syrup (optional)

If desired, warm 1/4 cup pure maple syrup in a small saucepan over low heat for 1–2 minutes or microwave in a microwave-safe container for 20–30 seconds so it pours easily.

Assemble waffles

Place a hot waffle on a plate. Top with a generous spoonful of caramelized banana slices, a drizzle of warmed maple syrup, and a dusting of 1 tablespoon powdered sugar. Add chopped nuts and whipped cream if using.

Serve

Serve waffles immediately while hot and crisp. Leftover waffles can be reheated in a toaster or oven to restore crispness.