Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to achieve golden, crispy, and fluffy banana oat waffles every time. The process is streamlined by using a blender, which makes cleanup a breeze.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Turn on your waffle iron to its medium-high heat setting to preheat thoroughly. A hot iron is crucial for a good waffle. If your waffle maker has a tendency to stick, lightly grease it with a bit of coconut oil, butter, or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Create the Oat Flour: Add the 2 cups of rolled oats, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the container of a high-speed blender. Blend on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the oats have been processed into a fine, consistent flour-like texture. Scrape down the sides if necessary.
3. Combine All Ingredients: To the oat flour mixture in the blender, add the remaining ingredients: the 2 overripe bananas (broken into chunks), 2 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4. Blend the Batter: Secure the lid and blend again on medium-high speed for about 30-45 seconds, or until the batter is completely smooth and uniform. Scrape down the sides of the blender once during the process to ensure everything is well incorporated. Be careful not to over-blend; just mix until everything is combined.
5. Rest the Batter (Important Step): Let the waffle batter rest in the blender container for 5-10 minutes. The oat flour will absorb some of the liquid during this time, causing the batter to thicken slightly. This step is key to achieving a fluffier, more structured waffle. The ideal consistency should be thick but still easily pourable, similar to a thick pancake batter.
6. Cook the Waffles: Pour the batter onto your preheated waffle iron, using the amount recommended by your manufacturer (typically between ½ to ¾ cup per waffle). Close the lid and cook for 4-7 minutes, or until the waffle is golden brown and crisp. Most modern waffle irons have an indicator light that will turn on or off when the waffle is ready. Another great indicator is to wait until the steam escaping from the iron has mostly subsided.
7. Serve and Repeat: Carefully remove the cooked waffle with a fork or silicone tongs. Place it on a wire cooling rack for a minute while you cook the next one. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy. Do not stack the hot waffles directly on top of each other, as the trapped steam will soften them. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
8. Enjoy Immediately: Serve the waffles hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy your delicious, homemade breakfast.