If you’ve ever dreamed of creating light, crispy, and utterly irresistible waffles right at home, then this Belgian Waffles Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine golden waffle pockets that are perfectly airy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and full of buttery vanilla flavor that makes every bite feel like a sweet celebration. Whether it’s a leisurely weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast, these waffles bring that classic Belgian charm effortlessly to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this Belgian Waffles Recipe is how it relies on simple, everyday ingredients that transform into something magical. Each component plays a vital role: the flour builds the body, sugar adds just the right touch of sweetness, and eggs introduce richness and texture. Butter and vanilla give that warm, indulgent flavor, while baking powder ensures your waffles are wonderfully fluffy. Let’s look at the essentials:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams): The foundation for your waffle batter, providing structure and tenderness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams): Adds sweetness and helps with that lovely caramelization.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (12 grams): The secret weapon for super light, fluffy waffles.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 2 large eggs (50 grams, room temperature and separated): Eggs add richness; whipping the whites creates that classic airy texture.
- 1½ cups milk (341 grams, room temperature): Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams, melted and slightly cooled): Adds buttery flavor and crispness to the waffle crust.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (8 grams): Gives the waffles a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
How to Make Belgian Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Waffle Maker
Start by getting your waffle maker hot and ready. Preheating is key because it helps the batter cook evenly and develop that signature golden crust while keeping the inside tender and fluffy. This step ensures your waffles won’t stick and will crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first evenly distributes the leavening agent and seasoning, which helps your waffles rise perfectly and taste balanced. Then, create a little well in the center; this is where your wet ingredients will go soon.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a smaller bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture brings creaminess, moisture, and a subtle vanilla sweetness that will shine through in the final waffles. Pour this wet mix into the well you made in the dry ingredients, and whisk gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Step 4: Whip and Fold in the Egg Whites
The magic really happens here! Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form—they’ll add incredible lightness to your batter. Then, gently fold these fluffy whites into your batter. Folding rather than stirring keeps as much air as possible, ensuring that once cooked, your Belgian waffles have that delicate, cloud-like texture everyone loves.
Step 5: Cook Until Golden
Spoon about half to three-quarter cup portions of batter onto the preheated waffle maker and cook until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen right now is just a preview of the deliciousness ahead. Each waffle should be crisp on the outside and feather-light inside—pure waffle perfection!
How to Serve Belgian Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
One of the best things about this Belgian Waffles Recipe is how versatile the toppings can be. Classics like fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup pair beautifully. For a touch of indulgence, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of Nutella—your waffles become an instant dessert delight.
Side Dishes
Waffles can star on their own, but if you want to round out your meal, serve them alongside crispy bacon, savory sausage links, or even a vibrant fruit salad. These combinations add contrasting textures and flavors to elevate your eating experience and make breakfast feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress friends or family, try stacking waffles and layering with flavored yogurt and fresh fruit between the layers, creating a waffle cake that’s as eye-catching as it is tasty. Or cut waffles into fun shapes with cookie cutters and serve them with a variety of colorful dips and spreads. It’s a playful way to enjoy this beloved Belgian Waffles Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Belgian waffles (which is rare but possible), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. This keeps the waffles fresh enough to enjoy the next morning without losing much of their crispness.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze waffles individually on a baking sheet until firm. Then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. Frozen waffles from this Belgian Waffles Recipe freeze wonderfully and keep for up to two months without sacrificing taste or texture.
Reheating
The best way to bring leftover or frozen waffles back to life is by popping them in a toaster or toaster oven. This revives the crispy outer layer while warming the soft inside, making them taste as good as freshly cooked. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crisp crunch.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all or part of the all-purpose flour to add a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Just keep in mind the texture might be a bit denser, so you might want to adjust the baking powder slightly for fluffiness.
Why do I need to separate the eggs in this Belgian Waffles Recipe?
Separating eggs and whipping the whites introduces air into the batter, which creates the famously light and airy texture characteristic of Belgian waffles. It might seem like an extra step, but it makes a huge difference in the final result.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
While you can prepare the batter in advance, it is best to fold in the whipped egg whites right before cooking to maintain the extra airiness. The batter without the egg whites can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
What’s the difference between Belgian waffles and regular waffles?
Belgian waffles typically use a batter with whipped egg whites and more leavening agents, resulting in thicker, fluffier waffles with deep pockets. Regular waffles are thinner and denser. This Belgian Waffles Recipe embraces those classic traits perfectly.
Can I use a different kind of milk?
Yes! You can substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, but keep the liquid quantity the same. The flavor may vary slightly, but the waffles will still turn out delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Belgian Waffles Recipe feels like a little hug on a plate, combining simple ingredients into a comforting, golden delight. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving these waffles again and again, whether for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. So grab your waffle maker and treat yourself to a batch of these warm, heavenly waffles—you deserve it!
Print
Belgian Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 waffles)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Belgian
Description
This classic Belgian Waffles recipe produces light, fluffy, and crispy waffles perfect for breakfast or brunch. Made with a tender batter enriched with melted butter, vanilla, and whipped egg whites for extra volume, these waffles cook quickly in a waffle maker to a golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (12 grams)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (50 grams, room temperature, separated)
- 1½ cups milk (341 grams, room temperature)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams, melted and slightly cooled – 1 stick)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (8 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat Waffle Maker: Start by preheating your waffle maker to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for cooking the waffles evenly and achieving a crisp exterior.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt until thoroughly combined. Make a well in the center of this dry mixture and set it aside for the wet ingredients.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk the egg yolks together with the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the well of the dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth and combined without overmixing.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean small bowl, beat the egg whites with a whisk or hand mixer until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial because folding them into the batter will give your waffles additional lightness and fluffiness.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter using a spatula. Be careful to combine them gently to maintain as much air as possible in the batter for a tender texture.
- Cook Waffles: Pour ½ to ¾ cup of the batter onto the heated waffle maker. Close the lid and cook until the waffle is cooked through and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes depending on your machine. Remove carefully and repeat until all batter is used.
Notes
- For crispier waffles, you can cook them a little longer or place finished waffles in a warm oven on a rack to keep crisp while cooking remaining waffles.
- Make sure ingredients are at room temperature to help the batter mix evenly and rise properly.
- Do not overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined; overmixing can cause tough waffles.
- Folding in whipped egg whites gently is key to getting the light and fluffy texture typical of Belgian waffles.
- Use fresh baking powder to ensure good rise and texture.
- If you don’t have a waffle maker, you can try cooking the batter in a well-seasoned cast iron or nonstick skillet, but the texture will be different from traditional waffles.
