Easy and Fluffy Belgian Waffles Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe

SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Belgian waffles are a mouth-watering, breakfast treat that you can easily make at home. They’re crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside.

You can top them with whatever you have in your fridge for a delicious, filling meal!

Most people think regular waffles are flat and thin but Belgian waffles are deep and thick. That means they have more space for toppings. 😉

These are our family’s very favorite homemade belgian waffles. Crispy on the outside, soft and steamy on the inside.

– Ashton
Easy and Fluffy Belgian Waffles Recipe (1)
Easy and Fluffy Belgian Waffles Recipe (2)

Weekends mean it’s time for waffles.

And not just any waffles. My very favorite, reader-tested and approved, much-beloved homemade Belgian waffles completely from scratch!

Easy and Fluffy Belgian Waffles Recipe (3)

Part of the reason I love this recipe so much is that it’s easy to make. Lots of Belgian waffle recipes make you whip egg whites. Or worse, make you wait for the batter to rise!

Actually, yeast waffles are on my to-do list. So don’t be too surprised when you see them here at some point. But in general, I like a waffle recipe that’s a simple mix-and-pour. And when said recipe also tastes just like a recipe that calls for whipping egg whites?Super.

My mom always made waffles for Sunday night dinner when I was growing up. But not just waffles. Waffles done right. Whipped cream, real maple syrup, chocolate chips, strawberry sauce, pecans… the works.

Easy and Fluffy Belgian Waffles Recipe (4)
Easy and Fluffy Belgian Waffles Recipe (5)
Easy and Fluffy Belgian Waffles Recipe (6)

Which is exactly how I like to serve these to my family.

There is seriously nothing better.So good.

Easy and Fluffy Belgian Waffles Recipe (7)

This recipe is a total home run in my book. And you’ll love it too! If I had to pick one recipe that I have received the most positive feedback on, this would be the one. Which makes my heart feel all warm and toasty.

Because sharing this recipe is like sharing a piece of my Sunday afternoon and a hug with each and every one of you ❤️.

What are Belgian waffles, and how do they differ from regular waffles?

Belgian waffles are thicker than traditional American waffles, and they’re made with yeast instead of baking powder. This gives them a more “bready” texture that can hold up to all manner of sweet or savory toppings.

The size of Belgian waffles can also vary significantly, and there’s the option to make them in a square shape or as individual circular pieces.

As for how they differ from regular waffles, the size and thickness of Belgian waffles mean that they take a little longer to cook. For best results, let them brown slightly before flipping them over.

Easy and Fluffy Belgian Waffles Recipe (8)

Easy & Fluffy Belgian Waffles

Yield: 5-6 Waffles

These are our family's very favorite homemade belgian waffles. Crispy on the outside, soft and steamy on the inside.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cup All-Purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup corn starch
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • a pinch of nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup cooking oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Instructions

  1. Mix together the dry ingredients.
  2. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until batter forms.
  3. Pour 1/2 cup batter onto hot waffle griddle and cook according to waffle maker instructions (will vary depending on appliance).
  4. Serve warm!
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 394

Belgian Waffle FAQ

What are the two types of Belgian waffles?

There’s a standard type of Belgian waffle made from a yeast dough containing flour, butter or oil, sugar, and yeast. The other option is a “quick” recipe that uses baking powder instead of yeast and relies more on heavy cream and eggs for the leavening.

The results of either method are delicious: you can top your finished baked goods with chocolate chips, strawberries, and whipped cream, fruit compote, maple syrup, or whatever you prefer!

What is the difference between American-style Belgian waffles vs. European-style?

The main difference between American-style (or standard) waffles and their European counterparts is that traditional European waffles are smaller, thinner, and more delicate.

They’re also usually made without any sugar since they’re considered breakfast food. In contrast, American versions tend to be larger and fluffier, flavored with vanilla or other extracts. And since they’re often served with syrup or topped with fruit, there’s usually a bit of sugar in the recipe as well!

If you can’t decide which type to try first, it may be easiest to run out and buy both kinds, so you don’t have to choose. Then you can enjoy them both and see which one is your favorite!

Are Belgian waffles healthy?

Belgian waffles can be a healthy choice, as long as you’re careful about what you top them with.

For example, if you’re making strawberry-topped Belgian waffles for breakfast, you’ll want to avoid adding lots of butter and maple syrup (or whipped cream and chocolate syrup).

You might not think that fruit and syrup belong in the same category, but all it takes is a few spoonfuls of sugar before your Belgian waffles become an unhealthy treat.

Instead of adding syrups and toppings with added sugars, opt for fruit that’s been sweetened naturally or sauteed instead. Of course, a little bit of butter can also go a long way, and a dollop on top of fresh berries and whipped cream is all you need to make those waffles taste delicious!

What is the history of Belgian waffles?

Belgian waffles have been around for hundreds of years, although they were initially referred to as “Brussels waffles” instead.

According to Huffpost, the Belgium waffle was introduced in America for the first time during the 1962 World’s Fair. It took a few years, but soon the waffle gained popularity.

The irony is that the American version of the Belgian waffle little resembles the actual Belgian waffle. In Belgium, they are rarely topped with anything while here they are often topped with syrup, fruits, and whipped cream. If you ask me, I like our version best!

What is the best waffle maker?

Belgian waffle makers are usually round and very large. Most of them have four sections, although some can have six or eight. I rounded up the Best Belgian Waffle Makers in this post.

The purpose of the different sections is to make sure your finished baked goods come out perfectly! For example, if you’re making a traditional Belgian waffle with whipped egg whites, you’ll want your waffle iron to have as many sections as possible.

The more sections there are, the thinner those waffles will be, and they’ll also cook faster! Without any sections at all, you might end up with a massive lump of baked goods that deflates and falls apart!

How do you tell when a Belgian waffle is done?

Your finished baked goods will be golden-brown and crispy outside while still soft and doughy in the center.
Use a toothpick to puncture the middle of your waffle – if it’s raw batter, then your waffle isn’t done yet.

If you’re using a brand new waffle maker that doesn’t have any built-in heat controls, 450°F will usually get the job done.

If you’re cooking a thicker Belgian waffle recipe, you may need to lower your temperature slightly. If your waffles are baking faster on one side than another, you can rotate them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

What’s the best syrup for Belgian Waffles?

Belgian waffles are traditionally topped with a generous amount of butter and maple syrup, but you can use whatever kind of syrup you prefer.

Since Belgian waffles often have a sweeter batter than traditional American waffles, they’re an excellent backdrop for many different kinds of syrups.

For example, if you want to make baked apple-topped Belgian waffles, then apple cider syrup might be good. On the other hand, traditional maple syrup adds wonderful flavor if you prefer to top your waffles with berries.

Enjoy! And don’t forget the toppings. If you’re looking for more topping ideas, be sure to try these delicious recipes:

My personal favorite, Strawberry Sauce.

Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Honey Butter

Kneaders Caramel Syrup *double swoon*

Easy and Fluffy Belgian Waffles Recipe (12)
  • Can You Freeze Lemon Bars? Best Method to Freeze Lemon Squares

  • Butterscotch Cookies Recipe: Best Chewy, Soft, Salted Chip Treats

  • Pigs in a Blanket Recipe Pillsbury Copycat

  • Steam Bread Recipe: How to Make Chinese Steamed Buns

Easy and Fluffy Belgian Waffles Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to making good waffles? ›

Here are some tips:
  • Strike while the iron's hot. If your waffles come out pale and soft, it could be because the appliance isn't hot enough. ...
  • Whip your whites. ...
  • Opt for oil instead of butter. ...
  • Try a yeasted-waffle recipe. ...
  • Add cornstarch. ...
  • Finish them in the oven.
Apr 9, 2022

Why are my Belgian waffles not crispy? ›

Not waiting until the iron heats up properly means your waffles will cook, but never achieve that satisfyingly crisp exterior. Overworking the batter will leave your waffles dense and chewy instead of light and airy. And stacking even the most perfect waffles will cause them to become soggy and limp in minutes.

How much batter do you put in a Belgian waffle maker? ›

Prefer crisper, darker Belgian waffles? Just increase the browning control setting. The batter: Be sure to pour the batter into the center of the lower grid for evenly shaped waffles and spread it with a heatproof spatula. To ensure the best results, use 3⁄4 cup batter or enough to fill the entire lower grid.

What can you add to waffle mix to make it better? ›

  1. Bacon! ...
  2. A handful of blueberries or other small or sliced berries.
  3. Miniature chocolate chips. ...
  4. Miniature cinnamon chips. ...
  5. Peanut butter (about 1/4 cup peanut butter for every cup of flour). ...
  6. 1/2 cup cocoa with 1/3 cup sugar.
  7. 1 cup crushed pineapples (drained well); top finished waffles with whipped cream and coconut flakes.
Aug 20, 2014

What is the secret to crispy waffles? ›

Of course, you can substitute whole grain flours like whole wheat or spelt flour, but expect them to be a little denser. Cornstarch is our secret ingredient for making the crispiest waffles. Cornstarch guarantees that the waffles will be perfectly crisp and tender.

Why are my waffles not light and fluffy? ›

Why are my waffles not fluffy? Classic waffle batter is leavened both chemically (using baking powder or soda) and mechanically (with beaten egg whites folded in). To make fluffy waffles, be sure the egg whites are beaten to perfectly stiff peaks.

Which flour is best for waffles? ›

On the flip side, waffles aren't as flaky-delicate as baked goods, making pastry flour too fine for the job. Good old AP, or all-purpose, flour is where it's at. If you want to sprinkle in a tablespoon or two of buckwheat or rye flour for added nutty heft, go for it.

What makes Belgian waffles so good? ›

The secret ingredient in Belgian waffles is the pearl sugar, which gives the waffles a unique texture and slight, satisfying crunch. Belgian waffles are also fantastically light, which adds to their perfection. Fun bonus fact: traditional Belgian waffles are usually eaten with your hands, not a fork and knife.

Is it better to let waffle batter rest? ›

Recommended overnight or 2 hr resting – for the tastiest waffles, rest the batter overnight in the fridge or for at least 2 hours. This makes the flour grains absorb the liquid so it makes the inside of the waffles softer.

What is the difference between waffle batter and Belgian waffle batter? ›

The ingredients for both regular waffles and Belgian waffles are similar and include flour, milk, eggs, and butter or oil. However, Belgian waffles use egg whites to give a fluffier texture. Additionally, Belgian waffles have yeast in their recipe while regular waffles use baking powder.

Is it better to let waffle batter sit? ›

Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes.

The resting time allows the batter to thicken and the gluten to relax so you get that really tender and fluffy waffle interior rather than chewy waffles. (Here's a good article on what's happening while batter is resting, if you're curious).

What does adding an egg to waffle mix do? ›

A couple of large brown eggs will also help your waffles have the perfect fluffy interior. Add in a teaspoon of vanilla extract, too, for flavoring. Now you can add in the extra fat that your waffles are craving.

Is baking soda or baking powder better for waffles? ›

We use the two together for the fluffiest, best tasting waffles. The baking powder really does most of the lifting and makes the waffles fluffy, and the baking soda reacts with the buttermilk for tender waffles with a tasty tang (and helps contribute to giving them a little lift, too).

Why add egg to waffle? ›

Once the rest of the waffle ingredients are prepared, slowly add the egg whites to the batter with a flat spoon or spatula. "Folding" is the technical term for this process, but just know that you want to add them in so that they stay relatively airy.

Should you let waffle batter rest? ›

Recommended overnight or 2 hr resting – for the tastiest waffles, rest the batter overnight in the fridge or for at least 2 hours. This makes the flour grains absorb the liquid so it makes the inside of the waffles softer.

Are waffles better with milk or water? ›

Instead of water, you can use whole milk to make your waffles extra rich. Typically, for one batch of waffles, you'll need 1 cup of water for every 1 cup of classic pancake mix. A couple of large brown eggs will also help your waffles have the perfect fluffy interior.

Why do you let the batter rest when making waffles? ›

Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes.

The resting time allows the batter to thicken and the gluten to relax so you get that really tender and fluffy waffle interior rather than chewy waffles. (Here's a good article on what's happening while batter is resting, if you're curious).

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Last Updated:

Views: 5995

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Birthday: 1999-09-15

Address: 8416 Beatty Center, Derekfort, VA 72092-0500

Phone: +6838967160603

Job: Mining Executive

Hobby: Woodworking, Knitting, Fishing, Coffee roasting, Kayaking, Horseback riding, Kite flying

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Refugio Daniel, I am a fine, precious, encouraging, calm, glamorous, vivacious, friendly person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.