Classic Waffle Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to making good waffles? ›

Medieval origins

In ancient times the Greeks cooked flat cakes, called obelios, between hot metal plates. As they were spread throughout medieval Europe, the cake mix, a mixture of flour, water or milk, and often eggs, became known as wafers and were also cooked over an open fire between iron plates with long handles.

Belgian waffles are usually thicker than their American counterparts. These Belgian beauties are made with a recipe that includes yeasted batter and crunchy pearl sugar. Belgian waffles have extra-deep pockets—the better for filling with butter, jam, maple syrup, or whipped cream.

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.

Bake Them in the Oven for That Crisp Finish

Just remember to place them directly on the oven rack so the steam can escape. If you use a sheet pan, the steam will stay trapped and your airy and crisp waffle will go limp and soggy. A true tragedy when you're so close to breakfast!

The square bumps give the waffle little square holes, perfect for holding syrup and melted butter. Of course, waffles can be many other shapes; our all-time favorites are these furniture-shaped waffles shown here. But they all taste great with syrup.

Waffles are crispier and fluffier than pancakes, but pancakes are compacter and more filling than waffles. The tastes are not to be discussed, but the fact is that waffles hold syrup better than pancakes. On the other hand, the combination of flavors on the pancakes is unlimited.

They caught on stateside after the 1964 World's Fair in New York City, when Maurice Vermersch of Brussels set up a stand and doled out the sweet treats to visitors. He was going to name them Brussels waffles, but he switched to Belgian waffles because he figured most Americans didn't know where Brussels was on a map.

Best Overall

The Cuisinart WAF-200 is a classic and reliable waffle maker that rightfully cemented itself as our top pick after testing. Its six separate heat settings are actually all useful: The lowest made soft but fully cooked waffles, and the highest gave us crispy crusted, browned-but-not-burnt ones.

If you don't have a Belgian waffle maker, you can use a regular waffle maker. It likely won't create the larger, thicker, deeper grooves, but you may still end up with fluffier waffles. Keep in mind that the time it takes to make Belgian waffles may vary depending on serving size.

What is a real Belgium waffle? ›

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.

Waffeln / German Waffles

The batter has more sugar than other waffle types which makes them incredibly delicious on their own.

Brussels waffles are rectangular in shape and fluffy from the inside. The deep pockets on the waffle are perfect for serving dessert, especially with cream with fruits and powdered sugar sprinkled on the top. Without any doubt, the Brussels waffles are the most liked ones that you will come across.

Dutch Penny Waffles. Crusty cookies with a smooth filling and dipped in chocolate.

Making pancake and waffle batter ahead of time is a huge no-no and will lead to flat, dense results every time. Even letting your batter hang out for just a few minutes after you've mixed it before you start ladling it onto the griddle will lead to less fluffy results.