Belgian Waffles

Belgian Waffles Recipe – A Delicious and Flavorful Experience

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Working time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10-12 waffles

Belgian waffles are more than just a simple dessert; they are a true culinary experience that reminds us of sunny mornings and family meals. These fluffy delicacies, with a crispy exterior and soft interior, are perfect for enjoying with a variety of toppings. Whether you prefer them with jam, whipped cream, or fruit sauces, this recipe will indulge you with a result worthy of the finest Belgian cafes.

Ingredients

- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 300 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 150 g sugar

Preparing the yeast

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add 25 g of fresh yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of warm milk. Stir the ingredients with a fork until the yeast is completely dissolved. Let the mixture sit in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes until it becomes frothy. This will be the base of your yeast.

Preparing the dough

2. Mixing wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the 2 eggs well. Add the milk, honey, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated and homogeneous.

3. Including the yeast: Add the activated yeast to the wet ingredient mixture. Stir with a spatula or whisk until everything is well combined.

4. Incorporating dry ingredients: Gradually start incorporating the flour, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid lumps. It is important to be patient and mix gently to achieve a fluffy dough.

5. Adding sugar: Finally, add 150 g of sugar and a pinch of salt. Mix again to ensure even distribution of the sugar in the dough. It is essential to add the sugar at the end to avoid inhibiting the yeast's action.

Letting the dough rise

6. Allowing to rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy and airy waffles.

Baking the waffles

7. Preparing the waffle maker: While the dough is rising, preheat the waffle maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure it is well greased to prevent the dough from sticking.

8. Pouring the dough: Once the dough has risen, gently mix it to release the air. Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour 3/4 cup of dough into the waffle maker. Close the lid and let it bake until the waffle is golden and crispy (usually 5-7 minutes).

Serving

9. Delicious toppings: Once the waffles are ready, you can serve them dusted with powdered sugar, alongside fruit jams, whipped cream, or even ice cream. An excellent combination is with berry sauce or melted chocolate. Be creative and add your favorite toppings!

Helpful tips

- Ingredients at room temperature: Make sure the eggs and milk are at room temperature for a uniform dough.
- Topping variations: You can experiment with various toppings such as sliced bananas, toasted nuts, or maple syrup.
- Dough variations: For a chocolatey twist, you can add 50 g of cocoa to the dough or, for an exotic flavor, replace part of the milk with coconut milk.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount. Use about 8-10 g of dry yeast, which does not require prior activation.

- How can I store the waffles?
Waffles can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in a toaster to regain their crispy texture.

- Can I freeze the waffles?
Yes, waffles can be frozen! Make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in the freezer. You can reheat them directly from the freezer.

Nutritional benefits

These Belgian waffles are a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, thanks to ingredients like eggs and butter. Honey adds a touch of natural sweetness, and adding fruits as toppings can increase the intake of vitamins and antioxidants.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to start cooking! Enjoy every step of the process and don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones. Belgian waffles are ready to turn any meal into a special moment!