I say these are the BEST because I have been trying version after version of traditional Belgian waffle recipes over the last few months. A Belgian waffle maker was one of our "splurge" (i.e. nice-to-have, not a need-to-have) items we bought for the Tiny House - we just have a regular waffle iron (i.e. non-Belgian) at home.
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What is a Traditional Belgian Waffle?
Most any waffle with deep pockets is referred to as Belgian nowadays, but according to Joy of Cooking, "When Belgian waffles were introduced to Americans at the 1964 World's Fair in New York City, they were yeast-raised and served with sweetened whipped cream." So I made it my mission to come up with a traditional Belgian waffle recipe that is fluffy, delicious, and reliable ... and here it is!
The Best Belgian Waffles (traditional with yeast)
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1 envelope active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups whole-wheat pastry flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup club soda (or plain seltzer water)
Suggested Toppings
- homemade whipped cream (unsweetened )
- pure maple syrup
- berries (fresh)
Instructions
- Warm 2 cups milk (to between 100 and 110 degrees F) in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle in the yeast. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast begins to foam up. (Working with yeast can take some practice, but it must foam up a little for your waffle batter to rise properly - see image at bottom of post.)
- Melt the butter, honey, and vanilla together in a separate bowl or saucepan.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and salt. Make a well (hole) in the center, and gently whisk in the eggs. Add the seltzer water and whisk a little more (will foam up), and then while continuously whisking, pour in the melted butter mixture and then the milk mixture and stir until smooth.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let stand at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours until the dough almost doubles in size. I prefer to make my batter the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight.
- Cook in a waffle iron (in batches) according to manufacturer's directions.
- Garnish with homemade unsweetened whipped cream (simply shake heavy cream in a jar until you no longer hear the liquid hitting the sides), pure maple syrup and fresh berries.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Vincent Brumfield says
Can I substitute unbleached White pastry flour for whole wheat pastry flour?
100 Days Admin says
You could, it just wouldn't follow the "real food rules". - Nicole
Frank Karmatzos says
This is just the kind of article that I had been looking forward to. Your article has helped me in clearing out all my doubts. Thanks a ton.
susan says
How would you freeze these for later use?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hello. I put mine in large ziplock removing as much air as possible.
Cally Duncan says
Looks delicious! I wish we were going to have a waffle maker on our boat!!
Betsy says
I just made these. Didn’t have honey so I substituted 3 tablespoons organic sugar. They are delicious! Light,airy and fluffy
Riddhima Nair says
Delicious dish, thanks for sharing.
Alethea Rollins says
Has anyone tried this w/ milk alternative (almond or coconut milk)?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi there. I use coconut or almond milk for most of Lisa's recipes. It should work just fine.
Heather says
Has anyone tried the recipe using an egg substitute like flaxseed? How did it work?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hello. We've not used them in this recipe .
Heather says
When I try to double this recipe the form does not double the yeast. Wondering why? Do I not need double yeast?
Jason Leake with 100 Days of Real Food says
Hi Heather, that is strange, it works for me. If you send more details (device, screenshot, etc.) to us at support{at}100daysofrealfood{dot}com we can look into it. - Jason
Sarah says
Love the tip of marking the plastic wrap so you know how much the dough rises! I can't believe I've never thought of that.
Cheryl Wilcutt says
Can you use this recipe in a traditional waffle iron (not Belgian)?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi there. We've not given that a try. My experience has been that Belgians "overflow" in a traditional waffle maker.