Fluffy American Waffles
If you’re looking for an easy recipe for extra light and fluffy American breakfast waffles then look no further. In my opinion, this is the best fluffy waffle recipe. Whipped egg whites create a pillowy, soft texture while the buttermilk adds richness and a tangy flavor. Served with a generous pat of butter and drizzle of maple syrup, these homemade American-style waffles make a delicious breakfast, weekend brunch, or dessert.
Why you’ll love these fluffy waffles
- Extra light and fluffy waffles
- Quick and simple recipe using simple ingredients
- Meal-prep friendly
- A great alternative to frozen waffles
Let’s waffle on
Find out more about the top 15 types of waffles from around their world and discover their unique flavors and textures.
For more homemade waffles, check out my German waffles, whey waffles, Swedish crispy waffles, and an extensive list of 50 waffle topping ideas.
Waffle ingredients
- Buttermilk – Buttermilk adds a tangy taste, makes these waffles tender, helps them rise, provides moisture, contributes to browning, and adds richness to the batter. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt if needed.
- Butter – Lightly salted butter gives the waffle mix richness and prevents it from sticking to the waffle maker. You can use unsalted butter but you’ll need to add a pinch of salt to the batter to balance out the flavors.
- Flour – All-purpose flour or plain flour works best. You can substitute it with whole wheat flour or spelt flour for a richer, wholesome flavor.
- Eggs – Large eggs add a fluffy and light texture and rich taste. Use eggs at room temperature.
- Baking powder – As a leavening agent, both, baking powder and soda are used in this recipe.
- Maple syrup – You can substitute maple syrup with brown sugar or other natural sweeteners including honey, agave nectar, or stevia.
- Vanilla – Vanilla extract can be substituted with fresh vanilla beans or essence.
American vs. Belgian waffles
American-style waffles are made with baking powder, soda, and whipped egg whites to create a light and fluffy texture. They’re typically served for breakfast with toppings like butter, maple syrup, crispy bacon, and fruits.
Belgian waffles are made with a yeasted batter and are baked in a Belgian waffles maker which creates deeper pockets. They are typically thicker featuring a light and airy interior with a crispy exterior. Typical toppings include whipped cream, chocolate, and various sweet options.
How to make American waffles at home
- Add maple syrup, egg yolks, and buttermilk to the melted butter. Mix to combine.
- Slowly add flour and baking soda to the wet ingredients while whisking to create a smooth batter.
- Whip the egg whites until they become voluminous and form stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the waffle batter. Cook the waffles in a heart-shaped or Belgian waffle iron immediately and cool on a wire rack.
Tips
- Whip egg whites: To achieve maximum fluffiness, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the waffle batter just before cooking. This will incorporate air into the batter, resulting in lighter and fluffier waffles.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to tougher waffles due to gluten development.
Waffle topping ideas
Popular North American waffle toppings include classic choices like melted butter and pure maple syrup, adding a rich and sweet touch. Bacon brings a salty and crispy element that complements the waffle’s sweetness.
Additionally, you can add the following waffle toppings:
- Fresh fruit incl. fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and bananas provide a delicious waffle topping.
- Whipped heavy cream or mascarpone cream add creaminess.
- Ice cream such as my boysenberry ice cream is the perfect summer topping.
- Honey-stewed fruit are a great addition in fall and winter.
- Chocolate chips, nuts, and even caramel or fruit sauces drizzled over the waffles offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Check out my top 50 waffle toppings for more ideas on how to enjoy these fluffy American waffles.
FAQ
Overmixing the waffle batter can lead to the development of excess gluten, resulting in waffles that are tough and not fluffy. Stir the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
Southern fried chicken waffles are a popular comfort food that features a combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles served with sweet syrup or sauces.
To store baked waffles, cool them completely and store them in an airtight container, either at room temperature for short-term storage or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat them in a toaster oven.
Fluffy American Waffles
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter salted
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Melt 1/2 cup butter in a small saucepan over medium heat on the stove or in the microwave.1/2 cup butter
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, 3 tbsp maple syrup, yolks of 2 eggs, 2 cups buttermilk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well combined.3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 eggs, 2 cups buttermilk, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Gradually add the dry mix including 2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 tsp baking powder to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder
- Whip the egg whites in a separate bowl until they become voluminous and form stiff peaks. Gently fold the egg whites into the waffle batter.2 eggs
- Preheat the waffle iron and lightly grease it with butter.
- Pour a portion of the batter onto the preheated waffle iron, following the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended amount. Close the waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crisp. Mine take around 3 minutes to cook on medium heat.
- Carefully remove the waffle from the iron and repeat the process with the remaining batter.
- Serve the warm whey waffles with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
