Buttery Belgian Liege Waffles

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Author: Elsa Nelson
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Buttery Belgian Liege Waffles Recipe

There’s something undeniably enchanting about the scent of freshly made Belgian Liege waffles wafting through your home. These delectable treats are characterized by their rich, buttery flavor and delightful crunch from the Belgian pearl sugar. As you take a bite, the warm, gooey interior melts in your mouth, sending your senses into a delightful frenzy.

Why is it worth making these indulgent waffles? Each bite is like a warm hug, making them perfect for a cozy breakfast or a nostalgic snack that evokes childhood memories. Plus, they are incredibly kid-friendly—a sure-fire way to bring smiles to their faces, whether it’s a special holiday breakfast or simply a weekend treat. When you crave something sweet, these waffles are quick to whip up, offering a bakery-quality experience right at home with minimum fuss.

Are You Ready to Indulge?

Have you ever found yourself dreaming of a warm, pillowy waffle topped with whipped cream and fresh berries? Just imagine breaking into that crispy exterior, revealing a sweet, buttery center filled with bursts of caramelized sugar. What if you could create that moment of pure bliss in your own kitchen?

Let’s be honest: who can resist a homemade Belgian Liege waffle? Whether shared with loved ones or savored on your own, they are a delicious, indulgent treat that everyone craves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy Prep: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll find your kitchen filled with the aroma of sweet waffles in no time.

  • Crowd-Pleaser: These waffles are ideal for gatherings, breakfast clubs, or lazy brunches—they never fail to impress!

  • Minimal Ingredients: Most of them are pantry staples, ensuring you can whip up a batch anytime you are hit with a waffle craving.

  • Versatile: From sweet toppings to savory enhancements, the serving possibilities are endless.

Ingredients

  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

  • ¼ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces

  • 1½ cups Belgian pearl sugar

Picture this: a rich blend of warm milk caressing the yeast to life, as you mix in luscious eggs that promise to make your waffles light and fluffy. The sweet aroma of vanilla dancing with sugar hints at the decadent indulgence that awaits. As you incorporate the soft, golden butter, your dough transforms into a velvety mixture that demands to be devoured. Finally, the Belgian pearl sugar adds delightful crunch and sweet bursts to the final product, turning a good waffle into an unforgettable experience.

Timing

Timing is everything when it comes to these waffles. The preparation and rising time afford you moments to grab your favorite beverage or set the table in anticipation. The process can be as fast or luxurious as you choose: do you want to whip up a batch quickly while getting ready for guests, or do you want the leisurely satisfaction of a slow rise?

You’ll find that the indulgent smell wafting through your space makes waiting well worth it—the tantalizing scent will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit until frothy—witness the magic as your yeast comes to life!

  2. In a stand mixer, mix the eggs, vanilla, remaining sugar, and salt together for a silky blend.

  3. Gently pour in the frothy yeast mixture, then gradually add flour until you see a dough form—this is when your dreams of crispy, golden waffles start to become tangible!

  4. Begin adding softened butter, piece by piece, mixing until the dough is smooth and elastic—this is where the magic happens; luscious, buttery dough awaits!

  5. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 to 1½ hours until it has doubled in size—patience is key for those airy, fluffy bites!

  6. Once risen, punch down the dough and knead in the Belgian pearl sugar, infusing each bit with sweet crunch; now, the excitement builds!

  7. Divide the dough into 10–12 small balls and allow them to rest for 10–15 minutes—sniff the air; can you smell those waffles already?

  8. Preheat your Belgian waffle iron. If your iron needs it, lightly grease it to ensure a golden release.

  9. Place a dough ball into the waffle iron and cook for 3–5 minutes until golden and caramelized. Be ready for that satisfying sizzle—a symphony for your senses!

  10. Carefully remove with tongs and place on a cooling rack to allow maximum crispiness. Serve warm, either dressed with toppings or celebrate their simplicity!

Nutritional Information

Each Liege waffle offers an indulgent taste with approximately 300 calories per serving. While they may not win awards for being the healthiest option, indulging occasionally is simply a part of life’s pleasures. Relish every buttery, sweet morsel—eating balanced can occasionally embrace these delightful creations!

Healthier Alternatives

What if you want to enjoy the flavors without the sugar rush? Consider these healthier swaps:

  • Low-Sugar Options: Use sugar substitutes or natural sweeteners such as honey or agave nectar, catering to dietary preferences.

  • Dairy-Free Swaps: Replace traditional butter with coconut oil and the milk with almond or oat milk, maintaining rich flavor without the dairy.

These changes can help you enjoy your cherished Liege waffles a bit more responsibly, without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment.

Serving Suggestions

Belgian Liege waffles shine during special occasions—think holiday breakfasts, brunch parties, or even romantic dinners.

  • Indulgent Toppings: Serve them with whipped cream, fresh fruits, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

  • Savory Additions: Try them with crispy bacon or poached eggs for a unique twist.

Imagine the smile on a loved one’s face as you present their waffle adorned with their favorite toppings.

Common Mistakes

  • Overbaking: Timing is crucial; resist the temptation to leave them in longer for fear of being undercooked. Trust your intuition and the golden color.

  • Texture Issues: If dough isn’t kneaded enough, it can result in denser waffles. Be diligent with mixing!

  • Messes: Dough can stick if your iron is not well-oiled—don’t skip greasing if necessary to preserve that perfect, fluffy structure.

Storing Tips

  • Freezing Portions: Allow the waffles to cool completely, then freeze them in airtight containers. They maintain their deliciousness for up to one month—perfect for quick breakfasts or when that late-night craving hits!

  • Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the toaster or oven for a couple of minutes to restore that fresh-out-of-the-iron crunch.

Tempting You to Bake ASAP

As you dive into this adventure of crafting Buttery Belgian Liege Waffles, envision the joy they’ll bring to your family. Each golden crunch promises laughter, nostalgia, and mouthwatering bliss that envelops your taste buds.

The allure of once-in-a-lifetime breakfast memories awaits—you owe it to yourself to create this delightful experience in your own kitchen!

FAQs

  1. Can I make the dough in advance?
    Yes! You can prepare the dough a day prior, refrigerate it overnight, let it come to room temperature before baking.

  2. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
    Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite additions to personalize each batch.

  3. How should I serve these waffles?
    They are delicious on their own or can be topped with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat.

  4. What can I do with leftovers?
    Leftovers can be frozen and reheated—the perfect solution to avoid waste.

  5. Are there gluten-free options available?
    You can substitute traditional flour with a gluten-free flour blend specifically designed for baking, ensuring a similar texture.

Your delightfully indulgent journey with Buttery Belgian Liege Waffles begins now! Enjoy every crispy, decadent bite!

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Buttery Belgian Liege Waffles

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  • Author: elsa-nelson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Waffle Making
  • Cuisine: Belgian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Deliciously rich Belgian waffles featuring crunchy pearl sugar and a warm, gooey interior.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces
  • 1½ cups Belgian pearl sugar

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit until frothy.
  2. In a stand mixer, mix the eggs, vanilla, remaining sugar, and salt together.
  3. Gently pour in the frothy yeast mixture, then gradually add flour until a dough forms.
  4. Begin adding softened butter, piece by piece, mixing until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 to 1½ hours until it has doubled in size.
  6. Once risen, punch down the dough and knead in the Belgian pearl sugar.
  7. Divide the dough into 10–12 small balls and allow them to rest for 10–15 minutes.
  8. Preheat your Belgian waffle iron, greasing if necessary.
  9. Place a dough ball into the waffle iron and cook for 3–5 minutes until golden.
  10. Carefully remove with tongs and place on a cooling rack. Serve warm.

Notes

For healthier options, consider using sugar substitutes or dairy-free alternatives.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 waffle
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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