Traditional Belgian Waffles (Crisp, Buttery & Delightfully Airy!)
These Traditional Belgian Waffles are crisp on the outside, soft and airy inside, and made the true Belgian way—with a yeasted batter, real butter, and a slow rise for deep, bakery-style flavor. Cooked in a deep-pocket Belgian waffle iron and optionally finished with Belgian pearl sugar for caramelized crunch, they’re nothing like the baking-powder waffles most of us grew up with. This is the authentic waffle experience Belgium is known for. Recipe below!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- ½ tsp of salt
- 1 ¾ cups warm whole milk
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 2 large eggs (room temp)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: pearl sugar for authentic crunch
Instructions
- Whisk warm milk and yeast and let stand until foamy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla; whisk until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients into wet and mix until just combined (small lumps are fine).
- If using pearl sugar, fold it into the batter.
- Cover and let rise 1 hour at room temperature, or refrigerate overnight for richer flavor.
- Lightly oil or butter a preheated Belgian waffle iron.
- Scoop batter into the iron and cook until deeply golden and crisp.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Overnight rise creates the most authentic flavor and texture.
- For extra crispness, let waffles rest on a wire rack instead of a plate.
- Pearl sugar gives true Belgian-style caramelized pockets.
- Top with whipped cream, berries, chocolate sauce, or warm maple syrup.
If you’re smitten with breakfast.. check out these Dense & Custardy Pancakes for an epic recipe that kicks “light & fluffy” to the curb! 😉
