Banana-Hazelnut Waffle Tower

Elevate a festive brunch this holiday season with this towering stack of fluffy banana, cinnamon and hazelnut waffles.

In preparation for the upcoming holiday season I’ve been testing out a few brunch-style recipes that we could serve to guests and family. I’ve always liked the idea of entertaining for brunch, as it seems a little less formal than dinner parties, and much of the planning and preparation can be done ahead of time, allowing for more visiting with all of our guests.

Recently I came across this most delicious waffle recipe via addjoy.ca; a combination of our favourites, bananas and cinnamon, topped with a drizzle of warm melted chocolate-hazelnut spread, a dollop of whip cream with sprinkles of a few crunchy freshly cracked hazelnuts. A perfect combination for the holidays.

What’s fun with this recipe is you could make it tower-style like I have here to up your brunch game and serve like pieces of cake, or place all of the ingredients separately on the table à la carte, letting guests build their very own personalized creations. Either way, this recipe won’t disappoint and is so fun for kids and adults alike.

Check out how I made the tower below, along with the recipe.

Banana-Hazelnut Waffle Tower

Preheat the electric waffle-iron to medium heat, and spray lightly with oil.

INGREDIENTS

1-1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
4 tsp. Magic Baking Powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
4 ripe bananas, divided
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup Kraft Hazelnut Spread
1 cup Cool WhipWhipped Topping, thawed. cup finely chopped toasted hazelnuts

HOW TO MAKE:

Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Mash 2 bananas in a medium bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; whisk until blended. Stir in sour cream. Add to dry ingredients; stir just until blended. (Do not overmix.)

Pour amount of batter directed by manufacturer into waffle iron. Close lid quickly. (Do not open until waffle is done. Waffle may need to cook for more than cooking cycle.) Lift waffle off grid with fork. Repeat with remaining batter.

Microwave hazelnut spread 10 to 15 seconds on MEDIUM to warm gently.

Slice remaining bananas, thinly.

To create a tower, place two waffles and then layer with Cool Whip, then bananas, and then the chopped walnuts. Layer as mentioned above, two by two (I used ten waffles in total). To ensure the tower doesn’t topple over, place a bamboo skewer in the centre to secure.