Description of this recipe
This Belgian Waffles recipe delivers light, airy, and incredibly delicious waffles with a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch, these waffles are a delightful treat that everyone will love. This recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll fall in love with this Belgian Waffles recipe because it’s:
- Easy to make: The steps are straightforward, and the recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Delicious: The combination of crispy edges and fluffy insides is irresistible.
- Versatile: You can top these waffles with your favorite fruits, syrups, and toppings.
- Quick: From start to finish, you can have fresh, hot waffles on your table in about 30 minutes.
- A crowd-pleaser: These waffles are always a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp (12g) baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup (80ml) canola oil or vegetable oil
- 1 2/3 cups (400ml) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Sifting ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps to create a lighter batter. Set the bowl aside.
Step 2: Separate the eggs. Place the egg whites in one bowl and the egg yolks in another. Make sure no yolk gets into the egg whites, as this can prevent them from whipping properly.
Step 3: In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. This creates a smooth and emulsified base for the batter.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough waffles. A few lumps are okay at this stage.
Step 5: In the bowl with the egg whites, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Soft peaks are achieved when the egg whites are frothy and hold their shape but still droop slightly at the tip.
Step 6: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter. Use a spatula to carefully incorporate the egg whites without deflating them. This step is crucial for creating light and airy waffles. Fold until just combined; a few streaks of egg white are fine.
Step 7: Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most waffle makers have an indicator light or setting that lets you know when it’s ready.
Step 8: Once the waffle maker is hot, lightly grease it with cooking spray or brush with melted butter. This prevents the waffles from sticking and helps them to brown evenly.
Step 9: Pour the appropriate amount of batter onto the hot waffle maker. The amount of batter will depend on the size and type of your waffle maker, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 10: Close the waffle maker and cook the waffles according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Cooking time will vary depending on your waffle maker, but it usually takes about 3-5 minutes until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
Step 11: Carefully remove the waffles from the waffle maker using a fork or tongs. Place them on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Step 12: Repeat steps 8-11 with the remaining batter until all the waffles are cooked.
Step 13: Serve the waffles immediately with your favorite toppings.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Sliced bananas
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
- Chocolate sauce
- Powdered sugar
- Nutella
- Fruit compote
- Yogurt
- Nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
Tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough waffles. Mix until just combined, and a few lumps are okay.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature eggs and milk will incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
- Preheat the waffle maker: Make sure the waffle maker is fully preheated before adding the batter. This ensures that the waffles will cook evenly and have a crispy exterior.
- Don’t open the waffle maker too soon: Resist the temptation to peek at the waffles while they’re cooking. Opening the waffle maker too soon can cause the waffles to stick and tear.
- Keep waffles warm: If you’re making a large batch of waffles, keep them warm in a preheated oven (200°F/93°C) until ready to serve. Place the waffles on a wire rack in a single layer to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Add flavorings: Experiment with adding different flavorings to the batter, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest, or almond extract.
- Make them ahead: Cooked waffles can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen waffles to a freezer bag or container. To reheat, toast them in a toaster or bake them in a preheated oven until warm and crispy.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per waffle, without toppings)
Calories: 250 Protein: 7g Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion
These Belgian Waffles are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy exterior and fluffy interior, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you enjoy them with classic maple syrup or get creative with your toppings, these waffles are a delicious and satisfying way to start your day. The recipe is simple enough for beginners, and the results are always impressive. So gather your ingredients, preheat your waffle maker, and get ready to enjoy the best Belgian Waffles you’ve ever had!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser and more nutritious waffle. Keep in mind that the texture will be different. You might need to add a bit more liquid if using whole wheat flour, as it tends to absorb more moisture.
Q2: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time. However, for the best results, it’s recommended to add the beaten egg whites just before cooking. If you make the batter in advance, store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, gently fold in the freshly beaten egg whites.
Q3: What if I don’t have a waffle maker?
A: While this recipe is specifically designed for a waffle maker, you can use the batter to make pancakes on a griddle or frying pan. The texture will be different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Q4: Can I add fruit to the batter?
A: Yes, you can add fruit to the batter. Berries like blueberries or raspberries work particularly well. Gently fold the fruit into the batter after adding the egg whites. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the fruit to break down and discolor the batter.
Q5: How do I prevent the waffles from sticking to the waffle maker?
A: To prevent the waffles from sticking, make sure your waffle maker is properly preheated and lightly greased with cooking spray or melted butter before adding the batter. Also, avoid opening the waffle maker too soon, as this can cause the waffles to tear.
