Belgian waffles
- Prepare
- less than 30 mins
- Cook
- 10 to 30 mins
- Serve
- Makes 4
- Dietary
- Vegetarian
Belgian waffles are crisp, light and perfect for a special breakfast. You can dress them up with savoury toppings or go for fresh strawberries and softly whipped cream. Don't get us started on the dessert options!
To get those extra deep pockets traditionally found in a Brussels-style waffle, you will need a Belgian waffle iron. But they taste as nice in a normal waffle iron, too.
By Annie Rigg
Ingredients
- plain flour: 125/4½dz plain flour
- baking powder: 1 tsp baking powder
- caster sugar: 1 tbsp caster sugar
- milk: 150ml/¼ pint whole milk
- eggs: 2 free-range eggs, separated
- butter: 40g/1½oz unsalted butter, melted
- vanilla bean paste: 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- salt: salt
- strawberries: strawberries, to serve
- : whipped cream, to serve
- maple syrup: maple syrup or icing sugar, to serve
Method
Preheat your Belgian waffle iron on the hob over a medium heat; if using an electric waffle maker, heat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You can make these waffles with a standard waffle iron, but the mixture will make more (thinner) waffles.
Sift the flour, baking powder, caster sugar and a pinch of salt into a large mixing bowl and make a well in the middle.
In a jug, whisk together the milk, egg yolks, melted butter and vanilla until smooth. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth and thoroughly combined.
In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they hold firm, but not stiff, peaks. Using a large spoon, fold the egg whites into the batter mixture until just combined but do not over-mix.
Spoon the batter into the waffle iron – how much you need will depend on the size of your iron or machine – and cook on the hob for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and well risen, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep warm while you cook the remaining waffles.
Serve with fruit and whipped cream and a dusting of icing sugar, or serve them simply with maple syrup.
