Are you craving a weekend breakfast that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Belgian waffle recipe with pearl sugar will transport your taste buds straight to a charming Belgian café. Forget those bland, supermarket waffles; this recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown waffles with a delightful crunch from the pearl sugar. It's the perfect recipe for a lazy Sunday brunch, a special occasion, or even a quick and satisfying weeknight breakfast. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade waffles!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted melted butter, cooled slightly
- 1/4 cup pearl sugar (for topping)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. If using a Belgian waffle iron, ensure it's properly heated for that signature deep pocket effect.
Make the Batter:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter until everything is smoothly incorporated.
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Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough waffles.
Cook the Waffles:
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Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or butter. Pour about 1 cup of batter onto the hot waffle iron (adjust amount depending on your iron's size).
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Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. The cooking time will vary depending on your waffle iron, so keep an eye on them.
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Carefully remove the waffle from the iron and sprinkle generously with pearl sugar while still warm.
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Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, maple syrup, chocolate chips, or a dollop of Nutella.
Tips for Perfect Waffles:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough waffles. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking allows the gluten to relax, resulting in lighter, fluffier waffles.
- Preheat your waffle iron thoroughly: A properly preheated waffle iron ensures even cooking and perfectly crispy waffles.
- Experiment with toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try different fruits, syrups, nuts, or even ice cream.
Variations:
- Buttermilk Waffles: Substitute buttermilk for the milk for a tangier flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Waffles: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Lemon Ricotta Waffles: Incorporate 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese and the zest of one lemon into the batter.
Nutritional Information (per waffle, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 4-5g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Belgian waffle recipe with pearl sugar is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a simple yet elegant breakfast or brunch option that's perfect for any occasion. The crispy texture, combined with the sweet pearl sugar, makes for an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy!