Chunky Monkey Waffle Casserole

If you're looking for unique waffle recipes that will wow your guests, then this Chunky Monkey Waffle Casserole will quickly become one of your new go-to recipes! Crispy waffles are topped with sliced banana, walnuts, chocolate chips & real maple syrup. It's the perfect easy recipe to throw together the next time you're hosting Mother's Day, Christmas Brunch or just because!  The best part is, this recipe can be made gluten free & dairy free!

If you know me then you know how much I love hosting people & I especially love hosting people for brunch! My Brioche French Toast Casserole has been a hit with friends & family year after year and is such a great recipe for serving a crowd, so I thought I'd try making another variation using classic waffles this time.

I love a simple breakfast recipe, whether I'm entertaining or prepping food for the week. Believe it or not, I don't love spending hours in the kitchen, so any time I can whip up a quick & easy breakfast recipe using simple ingredients is a good time! Some of my favorite things to pair with this waffle casserole are these easy Air Fryer Breakfast Sausages or these Kale & Mushroom Egg Bites if you need a little something savory to balance out the meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It is easy. All you need are a few simple ingredients and you'll be enjoying one of the best waffle recipes in no time! 

• It is customizable. If you're feeling like changing the flavors up, see my favorite customizations below, or get adventurous with your own.

• It serves a crowd. The next time you're hosting a brunch gathering, this is the perfect easy recipe to have on hand.

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Chunky Monkey Waffle Casserole Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

Waffles. You can use your favorite frozen waffles or homemade waffles, whichever you prefer. I used Banza Protein Waffles because I am gluten free & enjoy high protein recipes, but you can use your favorite frozen buttermilk waffles, whole wheat waffle, waffle mix or whatever type of waffles you enjoy most.

Milk. I typically use almond or oat milk, but you can use whole milk or any other kind of milk you prefer.

Coconut Sugar. I like to make my recipes refined sugar free, so I use coconut sugar, but brown sugar will work too.

Eggs. You can use less eggs for a crispy texture or more eggs if you'd prefer more of a soft, bread pudding texture.

Vanilla Extract.

Cinnamon.

Salt.

Banana, Walnuts & Chocolate Chips. If you're familiar with the Chunky Monkey ice cream flavor, then you know that these are necessary toppings for this waffle casserole!

My Favorite Customizations

You can customize this waffle casserole however you'd like! Instead of adding the banana, walnuts and chocolate as toppings, some of my favorite variations for this waffle casserole are:

Sweet Waffles

• Cinnamon Roll Waffles: Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon & ½ cup of brown sugar or coconut sugar to the custard mix. Then drizzle with a cream cheese glaze made from 3-4 tablespoons of milk, ½ cup of powdered sugar or powdered monk fruit sweetener, 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 4 oz of cream cheese.

• Churro Waffles: Add ½ cup of sugar or granulated monk fruit and 1-2 tablespoon of cinnamon to the custard mix. You can top the waffles with ice cream or homemade whipped cream when serving & a drizzle of dulce de leche.

• Fresh Fruit Waffles: Top the waffle casserole with fresh berries like blueberries, strawberries or blackberries.

• Flavored Waffles: Use pumpkin waffles to make a festive fall brunch, blueberry waffles to up the fresh fruit ante or chocolate waffles to make this the ultimate play on Chunky Monkey!

If you're more of a savory breakfast person, you can omit the cinnamon, sugar & vanilla from the custard and instead add 1 teaspoon black pepper, ¼ cup cheddar cheese. Bake, then add a fried egg or two on top. Serve with chopped chives and hash browns on the side for the best savory waffles your friends won't be able to stop raving about!

Step By Step Instructions for Chunky Monkey Waffle Casserole

1. Pre heat oven to 350F & grease a 9x13 baking dish.
2. Prepare the waffles. If you're making homemade waffles, follow recipe instructions and make 8-12 medium sized waffles. If using frozen waffles, allow them to thaw at room temperature first. Cut waffles into quarters & arrange one single layer in the baking dish. Add a few slices of banana, walnuts & chocolate chips tucked inside the waffle pieces, then add the next layer of waffle, repeating the process until all ingredients are layered in the dish.

3. Prepare the custard. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, coconut sugar, vanilla, cinnamon & salt. Pour over the waffles in the baking dish.

4. Bake. Bake the waffle casserole for 25-35 minutes until golden brown & the waffles on top are crisp.

Make Ahead Instructions

If you'd like to prepare this waffle breakfast casserole ahead of time, I recommend making or defrosting the waffles first, then cutting them and arranging them in the baking dish. Mix up the custard in a separate bowl, chop up your banana & store everything in airtight containers the fridge. I do not recommend pouring the custard over the waffles ahead of time as the waffles will become soggy. When you are ready to cook, simply pour the custard over top of the prepared waffles, add toppings & bake!

How To Store Waffle Casserole

If you happen to have leftovers, you may store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I do not recommend freezing.

If You Enjoyed This Recipe, You Might Also Like:

Brioche French Toast Casserole

Strawberry Shortcake Donuts

Vanilla Chai Latte

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!