Homemade Waffle Recipe - Perfect Every Time - All Things Mamma (2024)

FAQs

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.

Yes, you can use pancake mix for waffles.

Secret #1: Whip the egg whites

Yes, this sounds like a pain—but trust us, the end result is worth it. Whipped egg whites add extra air to the batter, guaranteeing waffles that'll rise to their fluffiest potential. Use a handheld or stand mixer to make the job easy.

Recommended overnight or 2 hr resting – for the tastiest waffles, rest the batter overnight in the fridge or for at least 2 hours. This makes the flour grains absorb the liquid so it makes the inside of the waffles softer.

On the flip side, waffles aren't as flaky-delicate as baked goods, making pastry flour too fine for the job. Good old AP, or all-purpose, flour is where it's at. If you want to sprinkle in a tablespoon or two of buckwheat or rye flour for added nutty heft, go for it.

A thick batter is what allows the waffles to cook enough on the outside that they get golden brown and crispy, but not overdone in the center. For crispy edged waffles with fluffy soft insides, thick batter is key! That's in part why there's both cornstarch and buttermilk in this recipe.

The Difference Between Belgian Waffles and Regular Waffles

Belgian waffles have extra-deep pockets—the better for filling with butter, jam, maple syrup, or whipped cream. They're sometimes made with egg whites to give them their signature crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture.

Pancake recipes also include leavening agents. However, certain pancakes will be flatter and resemble crepes. Consistency has to do with how thick the batter is. Waffle batter is thick, and pancake batter is thin.

Is it better to use milk or water in waffle mix? ›

The milk in your waffles acts as a binding agent and adds a level of richness that you just can't obtain with water alone. That's not to say that you can't substitute water for milk in waffle recipes and you likely have at some point — you'll still end up with waffles.

Some lumps are fine and will cook out. If your recipe calls for whipped egg whites, carefully fold them into the batter in three or four batches. Don't overmix. Overmixing your waffle batter can leave you with tough, chewy or hard waffles instead of crisp waffles with tender insides.

Not waiting until the iron heats up properly means your waffles will cook, but never achieve that satisfyingly crisp exterior. Overworking the batter will leave your waffles dense and chewy instead of light and airy. And stacking even the most perfect waffles will cause them to become soggy and limp in minutes.

Cornstarch is the secret to crispy waffles. It guarantees that your waffles will be perfectly crisp and tender. Separating the egg is optional but is recommended (especially for deeper waffle irons). This recipe makes 4 standard waffles (1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick).

Their process of operation works as follows: When you pour the batter onto the waffle maker, it starts to spread and cook on the bottom plates. Then you have to flip the machine over allowing direct contact so that the batter pours onto the top plates. This ensures both sides of the waffle brown evenly and cook faster.

Making pancake and waffle batter ahead of time is a huge no-no and will lead to flat, dense results every time. Even letting your batter hang out for just a few minutes after you've mixed it before you start ladling it onto the griddle will lead to less fluffy results.

Use a hot griddle or waffle iron: Make sure your griddle or waffle iron is hot before adding the batter. This will help create a crispy crust on the outside while allowing the inside to cook evenly. Don't overcrowd the griddle or waffle iron: Give each pancake or waffle enough space to cook without touching each other.