Traditional German Waffles (Less Sweet Recipe) -

Traditional German Waffles (Less Sweet Recipe)

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: German

Keyword: best waffle recipe, breakfast, brunch, german waffle, sweet

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 25

Servings: waffles

Calories: 426kcal

Learn how to make authentic, homemade German Waffles! This less-sweet, vanilla-scented waffle batter is the perfect base for your favourite sweet breakfast toppings.

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Equipment

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
⅓ cup white sugar (or 1 cup sugar for sweeter waffles)
¼ teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons vanilla extract or 1 envelope (9 g) vanilla sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest optional
4 large eggs room temperature
2 teaspoons baking powder
4 cups all purpose flour
1 cup 3.25% M.F. homogenized milk or 33% M.F. heavy cream for richer flavour
1 cup water room temperature

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Instructions

Prep and Cream the Butter: Preheat your waffle maker to your desired temperature setting. In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt on medium speed for 5 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest, mixing until well combined.
Add the Eggs: Turn the mixer down to low speed. Add the room-temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well for 1 full minute before adding the next egg. Scrape down the sides of the bowl between additions.
Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large measuring cup, stir together the milk and water. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Add 1 cup of the flour mixture to the mixer bowl and mix on low speed until just combined. Pour in a splash of the milk mixture and mix briefly. Continue alternating the flour mixture and milk mixture, scraping down the bowl as needed, until everything is just combined and you have a thick, smooth batter. Avoid overmixing, as this can develop the gluten and make the waffles dense.
Bake the Waffles: Lightly spray the waffle iron with oil (only if your machine requires it). Pour ⅓ cup of batter onto the hot waffle iron, spreading it out gently with a spatula if needed. Bake according to your manufacturer's instructions until golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the baked waffle from the waffle maker and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool for 1 minute before serving. For an extra-crispy exterior texture, wear food-safe gloves and gently toss the waffle back and forth between your hands for a few seconds to release steam. Then, return it to the wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm, loaded with your favourite toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup!

Video

Notes

How to Avoid an Overflow: Every waffle maker is a different size! To prevent a massive mess on your counter, test your first batch with a small amount of batter (start with ¼ cup). Slowly increase the amount until you find the perfect size for your specific machine!

What’s the difference between German and Belgian waffles?

German waffles are usually made in a heart-shaped waffle maker, and the batter is made with more sugar (including vanilla sugar) to create a little crisp on the waffles. The waffle texture is a little more dense and thinner than standard waffles.

Belgian waffles are made in a regular square or round waffle maker (I used this Breville waffle maker) and the batter has whipped egg whites folded in to create a fluffy, soft waffle and is thicker than German waffles.

How long can you keep waffle batter in the fridge?

You can make this waffle batter ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days! When you are ready to cook breakfast, gently stir the batter with a whisk or spatula to re-integrate any liquids that may have separated overnight.

How do you store and reheat leftover waffles?

Let leftover waffles cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. To freeze them, place a square of wax paper between each waffle so they don’t stick together, and freeze for up to 3 months! The absolute best and easiest way to reheat them (and get those crispy edges back) is to pop them directly into your toaster!

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