Whenever you go out to breakfast and see Belgian waffles on the menu, do you ever wonder, is there a difference between a Belgian waffle and the ones I make at home? Are Belgian waffles actually from Belgium? Hmm. I wonder if I can make my own Belgium waffle, and of course, what toppings should I include?

Today I’m giving you the answers to all your questions about Belgian waffles, including a recipe to make delicious (and easy) authentic Belgian waffles at home.

Who invented Belgian waffles?

Surprisingly enough, Belgian waffles aren’t actually Belgium. The first person to sell the recipe realized Brussel waffles wouldn’t go over nearly as well as Belgian waffles and changed the name.

Belgian waffles vs. other waffles

Belgian waffles signature is the deep, square pockets that can hold syrup, compotes, and all other kinds of delicious toppings. These waffles are also made with pearl sugar versus regular granulated sugar.

What toppings pair best?

Belgian waffles started off as a street-fare delicacy and traditionally are a handheld food sprinkled with powdered sugar. But if you want to get fancy, as so many of us do, other popular toppings include fresh or caramelized fruits, strawberry sauce, mixed berry compote, chocolate or caramel sauce, and top it off with whipped cream.

Authentic Belgian Waffles

Tools & Equipment to make this Authentic Belgian Waffle Recipe

**Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. You can review my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.

Stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Rubber spatula
Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
Waffle iron/maker
Measuring cups and spoons

FAQs

Are Belgian waffles really from Belgium?

No. The original Belgian waffle recipe actually was from Brussels, but Belgium was more familiar and popular, so they switched it.

What is the difference between a Belgian waffle and an American waffle?

Belgian waffles have a different batter than American waffles. Belgian waffles are created with a yeast-based dough which makes them fluffier. Additionally, they’re set apart with the deep pockets that form when they’re cooked.

Can you use regular waffle batter for Belgian waffles?

While technically you can, the result will not be the same. As mentioned, because regular pancake/waffle batter is not yeast-based, it will not be as fluffy or have the same taste.

What is pearl sugar and where can you buy it?

Pearl sugar is large nibs of sugar that are compressed together. It’s not typically found in grocery stores, but you can find them on Amazon, or you can make pearl sugar yourself pretty easily!

Helpful tips to make authentic Belgian waffles

Make sure you give the yeast the best start it can have by making sure the milk is warm enough and the mixture has enough time to get foamy.
Give the dough enough time to rise before dividing it into separate balls, and yes, give them plenty of time to rise as well!
Warming up your waffle maker makes all the difference. Pay attention to how hot it gets so you don’t burn or overcook your Belgian waffles.

How to make authentic Belgian waffles

Start by warming up the milk until lukewarm. The best temperature is around 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Then add the granulated sugar and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes, until it starts to get foamy and doubles in size.

In your mixer add the flour, salt, and softened butter. Mix for a few minutes.

Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixer and let it mix for about 3-5 minutes. The dough should not stick to the side of the bowl anymore.

Then add your pearl sugar and fold it into the dough.

Cover the mixer bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1 hour.

After, remove the dough from the mixer bowl and divide it into 12 even balls. Put them on a silicone bake tray or parchment paper, so it doesn’t stick, and let them rise for another 40 minutes.

Warm your waffle maker to medium heat and add them one by one, or two by two, depending on how large your waffle maker is. Spray with non-stick butter spray. And put each dough ball in for about 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.

Finally, serve warm with confectioners’ sugar, strawberry sauce, mixed berry compote, chocolate syrup, and top with whipped cream.

You will also love these recipes!

Authentic Belgian Waffle Recipe

Author: Melissa
Prep Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes per waffle
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Here’s a soft and fluffy Authentic Belgian Waffle recipe that will soon become your favorite breakfast.

Scale

Ingredients

3 cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup imported pearl sugar
2 eggs
1 ½ stick unsalted butter
¼ cup of warm milk (around 110 degrees Fahrenheit)
1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tsp active yeast
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt

Optional toppings:

Whipped cream
Confectioners’ sugar
Chocolate sauce

Instructions

Warm up the milk until lukewarm (around 110 degrees Fahrenheit)
Add the granulated sugar and yeast, and let sit for about 5 minutes until it starts to get foamy and doubles in size.
In your mixer add the flour, salt, softened butter, and mix for a few minutes.
Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixer and let it mix for about 3-5 minutes until the dough doesn’t stick to the side of the bowl anymore.
Add your pearl sugar and fold it into the dough.
Cover the mixer bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1 hour.
Remove the dough from the mixer bowl and divide it into 12 even balls. Put them on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper, so it doesn’t stick, and let them rise for another 40 minutes.
Warm your waffle maker to medium heat and spray with non-stick butter spray.
Add the dough balls one by one (or two by two, depending on the size of your waffle maker). Leave each dough ball in for about 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve warm with confectioners’ sugar, strawberry sauce, mixed berry compote, or chocolate syrup, and top with whipped cream.

Notes

You can buy pearlized sugar here: amzn.to/3zhL4nx (affiliate link)

Category: Breakfast
Method: Griddle

Save these Authentic Belgian Waffles for later! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board.

Did you make these Authentic Belgian Waffles? Please leave a star rating review in the comment section below 👇! Leaving a comment helps me know what recipes you are loving so I can create more for you!