homemade Belgian waffle recipe
This homemade Belgian waffle recipe makes golden, fluffy waffles every time. Perfect for breakfast or brunch with whipped cream and powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder primary leavening agent
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs separated (egg yolks and vanilla go into wet mix; egg whites get whipped separately)
- 1 ¾ cups whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted (melting butter and letting it cool slightly prevents scrambled eggs)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron: If you have a Belgian waffle maker, preheat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Separate the eggs: Place egg yolks in one bowl and egg whites in another.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add dry to wet: Gently whisk dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix. The batter should still have a few lumps.
- Whip the egg whites: Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step is key for fluffy waffles.
- Fold the egg whites into the batter: Use a spatula to gently fold, not stir, the whipped egg whites into the batter to keep the air pockets intact.
- Cook the waffles: Pour batter into the preheated Belgian waffle iron, spreading to the edges. Close and cook until golden brown—usually 4–5 minutes.
- Serve immediately: Top with powdered sugar, whipped cream, syrup, or whatever your heart desires.
Notes
- Don’t skip separating the eggs: This is what makes the difference between dense waffles and airy perfection.
- Cool the butter before adding to eggs: Hot butter can scramble them.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to chewy waffles.
- Cook until steam stops: That’s usually a sign the waffle is done.
- Grease the waffle iron: Even nonstick waffle makers benefit from a light brush of oil or butter.