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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 — especially this fluffy Belgian waffle recipe.
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
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!
Part of the reason I love this Belgian waffle 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.
Which is exactly how I like to serve these to my family.
There is seriously nothing better.So good.
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 ❤️.
Belgian Waffle History
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 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.
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.
Both methods are delicious: you can top your finished baked goods with chocolate chips, strawberries, and whipped cream, fruit compote, maple syrup, or whatever you prefer!
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
- Mix together the dry ingredients.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until batter forms.
- Pour 1/2 cup batter onto hot waffle griddle and cook according to waffle maker instructions (will vary depending on appliance).
- Serve warm!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 394
Belgian Waffle FAQ
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 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.
For 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 or our Old Fashioned Homemade Apple Butter:
My personal favorite, Strawberry Sauce.
Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Honey Butter
Kneaders Caramel Syrup *double swoon*
