Basic Recipe for German Waffles (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Marita Sinden · 9 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Hello there, are you ready? I am going to try to sell you my favourite German waffle recipe. These waffles are super fluffy, sweet, endearing and so versatile.

Basic Recipe for German Waffles (1)

I wanted to write about German waffles for a long time because they were an essential part of my childhood but until recently I did not own a waffle maker.

The difference between German waffle makers and British or US ones are that they are heart-shaped. Just look for heart-shaped waffle makers, I would suggestthis one(affiliate link)

FOR UK READERS

FOR US READERS

Basic Recipe for German Waffles (2)

I personally cannot recommend a specific waffle maker, but as long as the waffle iron is heart shaped they are like the ones that are commonly used in Germany.

Why are the waffles heart-shaped? The History of German Waffles*

Waffles originate from France or Belgium and were first mentioned in the 13th century. It is assumed, however, that waffles were introduced to Germany from the Netherlands in the 15th century. They quickly spread through the north but it is interesting to note that in the south of Germany and in Austria it was never a common dish, and typically reserved for the upper class.

In Germany, the waffles are commonly round and heart-shaped. These waffles are called “Herzwaffeln” heart waffles and come from in the German area of Bergischen Land in North Rhine-Westphalia. This tradition can be traced back to the 16th century.

In Sweden the waffles are also commonly heart-shaped too, so we cannot claim that this shape is unique to Germany.

*source Wikipedia

Basic Recipe for German Waffles (3)

About this fluffy waffle recipe

Nothing can beat homemade waffles. There are so many German waffle recipes that I want to share with you. I was not sure which one to post first. After a little thought, I decided to start with this easy and basic one.
One thing I can promise you: these waffles are super fluffy. The waffle batter is light and buttery. The waffles themselves are sweet, but there is nothing to stop you from reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe, to make them healthier.

When adding the waffle mixture to the waffle maker, I tend not to grease the iron too much, because the batter has enough fat in it.

If you are using the waffle maker for the first time, make sure to gradually test out the quantity of batter that you pour into the pans. Otherwise, they quickly overflow.

I sometimes make the waffle batter ahead of time, and leave it in the fridge overnight. The ingredients might slightly separate, so make sure you stir the mixture well before baking.

Basic Recipe for German Waffles (4)

What is the best way of storing leftover waffles?

You can store leftover waffles and pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2-3 days. You can just warm them up in an oven or microwave.

They can also be frozen and will keep in the freezer up to three months. I like to make a huge batch and then defrost them for a quick breakfast treat in the toaster or microwave. They will still have a nice and fluffy texture, but won’t be as crispy as when you make them fresh.

What to put on waffles?

When we had this recipe at home my mother would serve these waffles with a little icing sugar on top.

Here are the Top Waffle Toppings

  1. Cream and fresh fruit.
  2. Cherry Compote (Heisse Kirschen (hot cherries) or Kirschgrütze.
  3. Apfelmus (German Apple Sauce)
  4. Banana with chocolate sauce (I like hazelnut chocolate spread personally)
  5. Vanilla ice cream and caramelised nuts
  6. Cheese and bacon
  7. Cinnamon and icing sugar
  8. Rhubarb Compote
  9. Rote Grütze (German Red Berry Sauce)

If you are looking for healthy waffle toppings- why not simply eat them with some fresh berries on top?
Hope you guys are going to enjoy this easy waffle recipe.

Let me know what you think. Happy mixing!

More German Sweet Dishes

  • Milchreis (German Rice Pudding)
  • Pfannkuchen (German Pancakes)
  • Germknödel
  • German Apple Pancakes (Apfelpfannkuchen)
  • Plum Dumplings (Zwetschgenknödel)

Did you try this recipe?

Please leave a rating or make a comment below. I would love to hear from you. You can send me an e-mail or comment on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.

Why not share our Facebook Group - Homemade German Food & Recipes. Here we chat about German Food and share recipes.

Recipe

Basic Recipe for German Waffles (6)

Basic German Waffle Dough Recipe

Marita

An authentic waffle recipe, that makes delicious buttery and fluffy waffles

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Waffle

Cuisine German

Servings 8 people

Calories 645 kcal

Equipment

  • waffelmaker

  • hand or stand mixer or a simple whisk

Ingredients

  • 250 g unsalted butter 1 ⅛cup or 8,8oz, soft
  • 200 g sugar 1 cup or 7 oz
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
  • 5 medium eggs at room temperature
  • 500 g flour 4 cups, 17.6 oz, UK plain flour, US pastry flour.
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 500 ml whole milk 2.5 cups cup

Instructions

  • To avoid a lumpy waffle dough, make sure that all the ingredients are at room temperature. If your butter is too cold, warm it up in the microwave for a few sections.

  • Place the butter, sugar, salt and vanilla extract (affiliate link) in a bowl and whisk with a hand or standmixer for about 5 minutes until you achieve a creamy consistency.

  • Now add the eggs, one by one and whisk until combined.

  • Mix the flour and baking powder (affiliate link) and add to the mixture. Add the milk and mix to a fluffy waffle dough.

  • Heat up your waffle maker. Once you have reached the desired temperature grease the plate with a little butter. This will avoid the waffles sticking to the plate. Now pour in a scoop of the mixture and bake the Waffles until golden brown.

Notes

  1. When adding the waffle mixture to the waffle maker, I tend not to grease the iron too much, because the batter has enough fat in it.
  2. If you are using the waffle maker for the first time, make sure to gradually test out the quantity of batter that you pour into the pans. Otherwise they quickly overflow.
  3. I sometimes make the waffle batter ahead of time, and leave it in the fridge overnight. The ingredients might slightly separate, so make sure you stir the mixture well before baking.

Storage

  1. You can store leftover waffles and pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2-3 days. You can just warm them up in an oven or microwave.
  2. They can also be frozen and will keep in the freezer up to three months. I like to make a huge batch and then defrost them for a quick breakfast treat in the toaster or microwave. They will still have a nice and fluffy texture, but won’t be as crispy than when you make them fresh.

Nutrition

Calories: 645kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 11gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 188mgSodium: 382mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 1113IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 4mg

Keyword best waffle recipe, breakfast waffle, butter waffle, german waffle, sweet waffle, waffle

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Basic Recipe for German Waffles (2024)

FAQs

What are German waffles made of? ›

German Waffles with Whipped Raspberry Vanilla Cream
  • plain flour 100g / 3 1/2oz / 3/4 cup.
  • baking powder 1/2 teaspoon.
  • butter 50g / 2 ounces.
  • milk 120ml / 1/2 cup.
  • organic eggs, separated, 3.
  • a pinch of salt.
  • granulated sugar 2 tablespoon, plus more for the topping.
  • a pinch of vanilla, scraped from the pod.
Jul 5, 2023

What is the secret to making good waffles? ›

Add cornstarch.

If you're making waffles with baking powder and baking soda, adding cornstarch to the mix will get you waffles that are crisp on the outside and soft and flaky on the inside. Because waffle recipes vary, start with ¼ cup and work in as much as ½ cup to get the desired effect.

What is the difference between German waffles and Belgian waffles? ›

In comparison to thick, rectangular Belgian waffles, German waffles are typically baked in a heart-shaped waffle maker and are much thinner. The batter has more sugar which makes the waffles incredibly delicious on their own. Belgian Liege waffles are typically sweeter as the batter includes pearl sugar.

What are German waffles called? ›

Stroopwafel. Stroopwafels are thin waffles with a syrup filling, which originated from the Dutch city of Gouda.

What is the secret to crispy waffles? ›

Of course, you can substitute whole grain flours like whole wheat or spelt flour, but expect them to be a little denser. Cornstarch is our secret ingredient for making the crispiest waffles. Cornstarch guarantees that the waffles will be perfectly crisp and tender.

How do you keep waffles crisp while making more? ›

Here are some other ways to keep the sogginess at bay:
  1. Place your waffles on a cooling rack in a low-heat oven (don't stack the waffles on top of each other).
  2. Throw your waffles in a toaster to refresh their crispiness.
  3. Make sure your waffle iron is very hot.
Mar 17, 2023

What makes waffles taste better? ›

Any tips on how to make waffles from mix taste better?
  1. Use clarified butter to cook them.
  2. Add orange zest.
  3. Add some cardamom.
  4. Try almond extract in place of vanilla.
Dec 23, 2022

What is a real Belgium waffle? ›

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.

Are Eggo waffles Belgian waffles? ›

Kellogg's® Eggo® Buttery Maple Belgian Style Street Waffles are inspired by classic street food from Liege, Belgium. These ready-to-eat waffles are full of baked-in flavor and made with sweet brioche dough, real butter, and no artificial flavors or colors.

What happens if you open the waffle iron before the waffle is done? ›

If you open it too early it will separate the waffle and it will stick. So be sure to make your first waffle the throw away waffle.

Can pancake mix be used for waffles? ›

Typically, for one batch of waffles, you'll need 1 cup of water for every 1 cup of classic pancake mix. A couple of large brown eggs will also help your waffles have the perfect fluffy interior. Add in a teaspoon of vanilla extract, too, for flavoring. Now you can add in the extra fat that your waffles are craving.

Why are my waffles sticking to my waffle maker? ›

Below are some causes for waffles sticking to the grids of the waffle maker: Too much oil or a lack of oil. Batter may stick if there is no egg yolk in it; must have egg yolk or oil for non-stick. It is always recommended to spray a non-stick product on the plates.

What are Belgian waffles made of? ›

Belgian waffle
A Belgian waffle with strawberries and confectioner's sugar
TypeWaffle
Place of originBelgium
Main ingredientsFlour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, milk, butter
VariationsChocolate chip, blueberry, strawberry, Nutella, etc.
1 more row

What is the difference between a Dutch waffle and a waffle? ›

Belgian waffles are typically made with a yeast-based batter, which gives them a slightly tangy flavor and a light, airy texture. Dutch waffles, on the other hand, are typically made with a batter that is more similar to pancakes, which gives them a denser texture and a sweeter flavor.

What are frozen waffles made of? ›

Ingredients: Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, vitamin B1 [thiamin mononitrate], vitamin B2 [riboflavin], folic acid), water, vegetable oil (soybean, palm, canola and/or cottonseed), sugar, leavening (baking soda, sodium aluminum phosphate, monocalcium phosphate), contains 2% or less of salt, dextrose, ...

What makes up a Belgian 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.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Prof. An Powlowski

Last Updated:

Views: 6004

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. An Powlowski

Birthday: 1992-09-29

Address: Apt. 994 8891 Orval Hill, Brittnyburgh, AZ 41023-0398

Phone: +26417467956738

Job: District Marketing Strategist

Hobby: Embroidery, Bodybuilding, Motor sports, Amateur radio, Wood carving, Whittling, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Prof. An Powlowski, I am a charming, helpful, attractive, good, graceful, thoughtful, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.